How to Remediate Soil Pollution? A Three-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy

Soil pollution is hidden and cumulative in nature, and is a compound, superimposed type of pollution whose remediation is more difficult than that of water pollution and air pollution. At present, China has the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law, the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law, the Marine Environment Protection Law, and others, yet soil environmental protection alone lacks a dedicated law.

Soil pollution in China is relatively serious, and remediation work is urgent, requiring a three-pronged approach: First, because soil pollution has its own particular characteristics, the Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Law should be formulated and implemented as soon as possible, bringing remediation work onto a legal track. Second, the nationwide extent of soil pollution must be thoroughly ascertained, the current status of soil pollution comprehensively diagnosed, scientific and effective prevention and control plans formulated, and soil remediation and restoration implemented as soon as possible, so as to curb the increase in pollution and gradually reduce the existing stock of pollution. Third, pollution must be tackled scientifically, combining prevention and treatment. Soil pollution is a "complication," mainly caused by excessive levels of heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic; pollution sources must be eliminated and the pollution chain cut, so that soil pollutants gradually degrade; at the same time, it must be addressed in coordination with water pollution and air pollution control. On the other hand, soil pollution prevention is the key priority, for example by rationally controlling and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and building ecological agriculture.