Innovation

The innovative solution discussed with Ms. Marino of GEI Consultants Inc. pertains to the environmental consulting and engineering firm's initiative related to SDGs 6, 7, 9, and 11. The Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation (OER) owns and operates this clean soil recycling facility, also known as the New York City Clean Soil Bank (CSB) or the Stockpile, based in Brooklyn and serving the five boroughs. This is the only municipally-owned and operated free soil recycling facility in the United States, which addresses the challenge of excess soil disposal from construction projects. The facility collaborates with various construction projects, from both the private and public sector, to meet project needs. For inbound material, the facility reviews the project’s soil data packages, and if the soil meets the established standards, the projects can bring in their soil for free. For outbound material, projects submit their material requests to the CSB, including any specific geotechnical or agricultural criteria, and upon facility review and approval, the project can come retrieve soil for free. In both instances, the projects only pay for transportation, saving substantial costs that would typically be associated with soil disposal and acquisition.

This innovative solution contributes to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by minimizing the environmental impact of soil disposal, reducing pollution from construction-related activities. It aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by lowering emissions and mileage associated with transporting soil to and from disposal sites. Moreover, the initiative supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for construction projects, thereby contributing to more sustainable practices in the industry. Finally, the project aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by efficiently managing excess soil within city limits, reducing the need for soil disposal outside the city and promoting sustainable urban development.

In summary, the Clean Soil Bank represents an innovative solution that not only addresses the immediate concerns of soil disposal but also contributes to broader sustainable development goals by fostering environmentally conscious practices in the construction industry and promoting a circular all-encompassing economy for soil resources.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind NYC’s environmental initiative, including the innovative Clean Soil Bank, can be traced back to 1987 when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) implemented Part 360 solid waste regulations and the state solid waste management plan to ensure proper solid waste handling. Through the years, the State has revised these regulations to encompass various wastes, improve disposal methods, lower environmental impacts, and promote reduction, reuse, and recycling. Beginning in 2007, New York City’s Mayor’s Office began to release a series of strategic plans outlining goals to improve the city’ infrastructure, quality of life, and environmental conditions known as PlaNYC. These plans were a collaborative effort between various city agencies, consultants, and industry professions. After the substantial damage caused to NYC infrastructure by Hurricane Sandy, agencies began to buckle down and design efforts to combat the effects of climate change. In 2020, through an agreement with the NYSDEC, OER began to approve and allow exchanges of clean, native soil directly between construction sites and in 2021, the Stockpile opened its doors to serve as a fixed location to facilitate the recycling of construction-generated clean soil.

For the Clean Soil Bank innovation specifically, Ms. Marino emphasizes the significant impact of construction as one of the largest contributors to pollution, citing issues such as emissions from trucks and landfilling. This realization motivated the City to develop an innovative solution, the Clean Soil Bank, to actively contribute to sustainability efforts and address these challenges. Ms. Marino highlights the initial problem the industry faced: "We were noticing that we were shipping off this virgin clean material out of state, paying exorbitant amounts to dump this clean soil elsewhere." This awareness of the inefficiency and environmental impact of traditional soil disposal practices became a catalyst for change. Ms. Marino also goes on to say, "(as) you can imagine, the City has a lot of construction projects going on at any time and was disposing of tons of soil outside of city limits and out of state. This [Clean Soil Bank] was a great way for them to save money." Essentially, the inspiration behind both leader's original initiative and the Clean Soil Bank project stems from a dual commitment to an environmentally friendly climate and economic efficiency, demonstrating a dedication to finding sustainable solutions for the challenges posed by the construction industry.

Overall impact

The overall impact of NYC's innovative Clean Soil Bank initiative has been substantial, both in the short term and the long term. In the short term, the initiative has immediately addressed the inefficiencies and environmental challenges associated with traditional soil disposal practices in the construction industry. By providing a municipally-owned and operated site for free soil recycling within New York City limits, the Clean Soil Bank has significantly reduced the environmental footprint of construction projects. This is evidenced by the lower emissions and reduced mileage associated with soil transportation, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Concrete evidence of the impact includes the quantifiable reduction in emissions by 4,800 metric tons and a decrease in truck miles by 2.2 million, as mentioned in the interview. Furthermore, the Clean Soil Bank has expanded its reach, forming partnerships with various city agencies, contractors and developers, community gardens, nursing homes, and schools, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the community.

Additionally, the community benefits stemming from NYC's Clean Soil Bank initiative extend beyond construction projects to enriching public spaces, gardens, and parks. One notable example is the collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), specifically involving Highbridge Park in the Bronx. The initiative addressed an idle pile of soil in the park, repurposing it to create a substantial amount of topsoil for DPR to use at their discretion. This collaboration not only demonstrates a sustainable approach to managing excess soil but directly contributes to community well-being. Highbridge Park, now enriched with topsoil from the Clean Soil Bank operation, likely experiences improved landscaping and garden growth. The once-idle soil pile has been transformed into a valuable resource for enhancing the aesthetics and ecological diversity of parks throughout the city. Moreover, the initiative emphasizes a community-centric approach by prioritizing the needs of local community gardens, nursing homes, and schools. By providing free topsoil to community gardens, the Stockpile supports the cultivation of local green spaces and fosters community engagement in sustainable practices. This aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by enhancing the quality of urban life and promoting inclusive, safe, and green public spaces.

Business benefit

The Clean Soil Bank initiative has proven to be a strategic and beneficial move for NYC on multiple fronts. Firstly, it has positioned NYC as a leader in sustainable practices within the environmental and engineering sector. By actively addressing environmental challenges associated with construction activities, the Clean Soil Bank has differentiated itself in the market, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious solutions. This commitment to sustainability can attract clients who prioritize eco-friendly practices, contributing to an increase in partnerships and operational growth.

The initiative has also opened up new opportunities and markets for the Stockpile team. The success of the Clean Soil Bank, highlighted by its integration into the annual city budget, has established the Stockpile as a reliable partner for other government agencies, construction projects, and various community initiatives. This not only solidifies existing partnerships but also creates avenues for expanding the facility's service offerings and collaborations.

Furthermore, the positive impact on employee morale and well-being cannot be understated. Being part of an organization that actively engages in environmentally responsible practices fosters a sense of pride and purpose among employees. This commitment to sustainability can contribute to increased employee retention, attracting professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact. The success of the Clean Soil Bank, both in terms of environmental impact and business growth, showcases how a forward-thinking and socially responsible approach can lead to a win-win scenario for the City, private entities, and the broader community.

Social and environmental benefit

The Clean Soil Bank initiative by OER delivers significant benefits to both society and the environment. As previously stated, the reduction in truck emissions by 4,800 metric tons and a decrease in truck miles by 2.2 million demonstrate a tangible positive impact on air quality and carbon footprint. Also, the avoidance of unnecessary landfilling and the promotion of soil recycling directly contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing waste and encouraging circular economy principles.

The long-term environmental benefits are significant as well, as the Clean Soil Bank serves as a model for sustainable soil management. By preventing pollution from construction-related activities and promoting beneficial soil reuse, the project emphasizes the industries move towards becoming more eco-friendly.

In addition to the positive societal and environmental impacts, the Clean Soil Bank initiative by OER also plays a crucial role in building resilience against the effects of climate change. As climate change leads to more frequent environmental disasters and storms, the initiative's focus on sustainability becomes increasingly relevant. By actively participating in projects related to environmental cleanup and brownfield sites, the Stockpile contributes to the restoration and resilience of urban areas. The Clean Soil Bank's expansion plans not only signify business growth but also reflect a commitment to broader accessibility. This expansion can potentially reduce transportation distances for consumers and increase the volume of recycled soil, further minimizing the carbon footprint associated with soil transportation.

Interview

Savanna Marino, Staff Professional / Geologist

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