A Critique of Soil Contamination and Remediation: The Dimensions of the Problem and the Implications for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Contaminated land is a global concern and can be considered a major barrier to sustainable development. The purpose of this article is to examine how the technological, economic, environmental, social, legal, and political framework of contaminated sites and the current remediation strategies hinder progress toward sustainability. Conflicts between various dimensions of sustainability reveal that the only long-term solution to this problem is prevention. This article will place particular emphasis on the technological dimension of remediation practices and how a reliance on technological solutions may well propagate the problem by diverting the focus from preventive measures.