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Surprising Fun with Superfund Sites

Brian Merchant

By Brian Merchant
Brooklyn, NY, USA | Wed Aug 20 08:00:00 EDT 2008

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Brandi Simons/Getty Images

Superfund sites may be uncontrolled hazardous waste zones marked by the government for cleaning efforts, but that doesn't mean that nothing good can't come from them.

According to the EPA's website:

Superfund is the federal government's program to clean up the nation's uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. We're committed to ensuring that remaining National Priorities List hazardous waste sites are cleaned up to protect the environment and the health of all Americans.

Now, that might give you the impression that every Superfund site gives off a radioactive glow, and is patrolled by men in bright orange jumpsuits and gas masks. Not so. Of course, there are varying degrees of severity and hazard from site to site—but plenty are in prime shape to be cleaned up and put to use for the environment instead of hurting it.

For example, this Superfund Site is hopefully being turned from a hazardous waste dump into a solar energy farm.

And check out this feature that profiled 365 Superfund Sites, one a day for a year, and took a look at some of the fascinating artwork being done on many of the premises.

So next time you see an area or a zone for redevelopment listed as a Superfund site, don't think forsaken wasteland--think potential.

Hankering for a home makeover? Manifest your green American Dream with tips from Planet Green TV's Greenovate.

 
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