Thanks for your comment. We definitely agree that soil safety is a concern in the context of urban farming. The Boston Public Health Commission has prepared Soil Safety Guidelines that will be incorporated by reference into Article 89 in the zoning code. According to the Guidelines, urban farmers cannot grow in native soil unless they comply with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan. The Guidelines encourage the use of raised beds, complete with approved geotextile barriers, instead of growing in native soil. We attended several meetings and provided comments on the draft Soil Safety Guidelines and are comfortable that the resulting set of Guidelines is protective of human health. BPHC is currently revising the Guidelines to incorporate public feedback, which is available at: http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/pdf/PlanningPublications/Urban%20Agriculture%20-%20Soil%20Safety%20Protocol%20FINAL%205.13.13.pdf

Jenny Rushlow
CLF Staff Attorney, Director of Farm & Food Initiative