A Citizen’s Guide to

Ecological Revitalization

What Is Ecological Revitalization?

Ecological revitalization is the process of returning a 

contaminated site to a natural environment, similar to the 

one that existed before the property was developed. The 

development of a property for industrial, commercial, 

and other uses can displace the plants and animals living 

there and disrupt the ecology (the ways these organisms 

interact with each other and their environment). 

Returning a meadow, forest, or wetlands to the property 

can restore the habitats and other natural characteristics 

of the area. This process can “revitalize” or give new life 

to a community with the creation of a new park, natural 

recreational area, or nature preserve. 

How Does It Work?

Returning a site to a natural environment will involve 

different approaches, depending on the property 

and how it was altered during development and use. 

Ecological revitalization first requires an understanding 

of the plant and animal species, soil types, weather, and 

other characteristics of the site, both past and present. 

This may involve looking at old photographs and maps 

of the site, visiting nearby natural areas, and talking to 

local residents to get a better idea of what needs to be 

done. Ecological revitalization is most successful when 

considered during site cleanup. Common steps include:

• Demolition of buildings and other infrastructure.

• Regrading the ground surface to remove or create 

slopes.

• Bringing in fertile soil or adding nutrients and other 

natural materials, also known as “amendments,” to 

existing soil to help plants grow.

• Creating or restoring wetlands and natural stream 

channels.

• Planting native trees, grasses, and other vegetation.

• Reestablishing wildlife.

The links between soil, plants, and wildlife, including 

birds, insects, and even microscopic organisms are an 

important part of ecological revitalization. For example, 

many native flowering plants in the United States rely 

on bees, bats, hummingbirds or other “pollinators” that 

feed on nectar to help them reproduce and spread.

The purpose of ecological revitalization is to provide an 

environment where both plants and animals can thrive. 

Is Ecological Revitalization Safe?

When properly planned and managed, ecological 

revitalization is very safe. If there is any chance that 

contaminated soil or groundwater will remain at the site, 

EPA will combine revitalization with cleanup methods 

that isolate contaminants from people, plants, and 

wildlife. For instance a protective cap may be placed over 

contaminated soil or a vertical engineered barrier may 

be placed around the contaminated soil or groundwater. 

(See A Citizen’s Guide to Capping [EPA 542-F-12-

004] and A Citizen’s Guide to Vertical Engineered 

Barriers [EPA 542-F-12-022].) Revitalization also can be 

conducted with methods that continue to actively clean 

up contamination.

How Long Will It Take?

An ecological revitalization project may take anywhere 

from a few months to several years. The time it takes to 

reestablish natural habitat will depend on several factors. 

For example, it may take longer where:

• Plants have a long life cycle and take longer to reach 

maturity.

• Unfavorable weather for seed germination or plant 

growth (such as drought) occurs. 
United States Office of Solid Waste and EPA 542-F-12-005

Environmental Protection Emergency Response September 2012

Agency (5102G) www.epa.gov/superfund/sites

www.cluin.org

Example

Not long ago, the Army Creek 

Landfill in Delaware, was filled 

to capacity with tons of trash 

that contaminated nearby 

Army Creek and local water 

supply wells. After the site was 

cleaned up and a protective 

cap built over the remaining 

lightly contaminated soil, EPA 

planted grasses, wild flowers, 

and other native plants to 

provide resting and feeding 

habitats for migrating birds. Bird 

boxes were installed along the 

creek to encourage nesting, 

and gooseberry was planted as 

a food source. 

The site is mowed once a 

year during the fall so that 

bird habitats are not disturbed 

during nesting season. The 

tall grass throughout the 

spring and summer provides 

shelter for birds and other 

small animals as well as 

seeds and an attractive 

habitat for insects, another 

source of food for birds. EPA 

also built wetlands to provide 

habitat for many species of 

plants, animals, and birds. 

Ecological revitalization 

transformed the site into a 

vibrant wildlife enhancement 

area for the commmunity. 

For More Information

For more information about this 

and other technologies in the 

Citizen’s Guide Series, visit:

www.cluin.org/remediation

www.cluin.org/products/

citguide

www.cluin.org/ecotools

NOTE: This fact sheet is intended solely as general information to the public. It is not intended, nor can it be relied upon, to create any rights 

enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States, or to endorse the use of products or services provided by specific vendors. The 

Agency also reserves the right to change this fact sheet at any time without public notice.

• Plants that are eaten by animals or insects must be replaced.

• Stream channels must be restored or must be stabilized to prevent severe

erosion, or if habitats, such as wetlands, need to be built from scratch.

• Soil conditions such as temperature, nutrient levels, and microorganism

populations must be modified.

These factors vary from site to site. 

How Might It Affect Me?

Generally, ecological revitalization does not cause much disruption to the 

surrounding community. Initial work may involve grading or tilling the soil with 

earth-moving equipment. Residents and businesses near the site may hear 

equipment noise or detect odor if the soil is mixed with natural amendments, such 

as compost, manure, and yard/wood waste. Airborne dust can be controlled by 

watering down the soil.

Why Use Ecological Revitalization?

Ecological revitalization is usually used with soil and groundwater cleanup methods 

to improve the condition of a contaminated site. It is most successful when the 

process starts during site cleanup. Ecological revitalization is often conducted 

to reclaim lost land and transform an eyesore into an attractive environmental 

resource for the community. It can help isolate or remove contamination from 

people and wildlife and can also reduce soil erosion. Revitalized sites help create 

wildlife habitats, improve air and water quality, and provide added green space for 

parks, recreation, and nature preserves. Returning contaminated sites to beneficial 

use can lead to increased property values, recreational centers, and protected 

open space in what are often densely developed areas.

Superfund site before and after ecological revitalization.