BAN RED DIRT and protect precious soil and water quality

PLEASE click on photos to enlarge. BOTTOM photo shows new sidewalk at a new development on Sixth Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Sept. 5, 2007. Red dirt and almost as impermeable yellow dirt used on such sites contribute to siltation of streams and speed stormwater runoff and thus increase the threat of flash flooding. This water enters the White River's West Fork's Town Branch 200 feet in the background and enters Beaver Lake miles away. It aggravates the damage being done by nearly 30 acres of soil removal and replacement on the Aspen Ridge development to the east and south.

The TOP photo shows slightly different view of same scene on Sept. 23, 2007, after grass has sprouted and trees have been planted to the right. That may pass city inspection and it may even prevent most erosion. However, it won't delay stormwater runoff nearly as effectively as it would had the ditch been lined with only absorbent soil and native grass planted. Would someone please stop by and tell us what species of grass is in that ditch and on nearby green space?

Lowell sewage problems made the news Sept. 24, 2007, in the northwest edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, emphasizing the lack of forethought in authorizing development without studying sites carefully.

No one in power has the nerve to suggest BANNING the moving of RED DIRT to development sites and requiring builders to have plans drawn for engineered foundations that protect the existing soil, which in so many of the so-called "greenfield" building sites and many old neighborhoods being torn down for new apartments and condos is of the hydric or absorbent variety that actually cleans the water as it soaks slowly through and gives up pollutants and undesirable excess nutrients to native vegetation.
Among the most powerful living things that clean water and purify soil is a lowly fungus that spreads undergound in "good soil" and pops up as mushrooms. Even though some are poisonous and offer no food value to human beings, they improve the health of the soil, which supports all sources of human nutrition.

The greenfields and old neighborhoods where concrete slabs were never poured are the sort of places where "rain gardens" are virtually free. Just select the area where the water already runs and do minimal berming or damming to slow runoff and let the "good," organic soil do what it has always done. Then put up good gutters around the eaves of the buildings and route the rain water correctly.

World Peace Wetland Prairie in south Fayetteville is a small area that demonstrates how such soil works. It holds its own water and stands in contrast to the adjacent Aspen Ridge site where all such soil has been removed or buried.

Visit WPWP on a day when it is extremely dry but rain is predicted. Come back during or soon after the rain and then visit a day or two later. The water stands briefly but soaks in rapidly and the soil soon is ready to soak up more.

Created in seven days or through millions of years of evolution? Take your pick, but such wonderful soil kept settlers here and is among the greatest gifts that area residents have inherited.