Possible drain contamination - Ask Extension
Hi, we have a drain/ditch/creek in our back yard. Apparently there was a log jam (per the drain commission) down stream that clogged up the drain, an...
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Possible drain contamination #775884
Asked October 20, 2021, 8:52 AM EDT
Hi, we have a drain/ditch/creek in our back yard. Apparently there was a log jam (per the drain commission) down stream that clogged up the drain, and caused a flood in our back yard. Our garden is back there and I pitched what was growing, but am concerned about next year. Do you do any testing for soil contamination, or can you refer me to someone
Genesee County Michigan
Expert Response
Michelle,
Ooph. Sorry you lost produce. I am so glad that it was not your basement! If the log jam was cleared and the drain operates as it should, the flooding should be minimal until next log jam or visiting beaver.
As far as contamination goes, unless you know of a source of contaminants, I would not worry to much about it. After the ground drains and dries, the soil organisms and aerobic bacteria will thrive once again and clean it up by spring. You can hurry the process by adding some compost to the garden after it drains off to re-inoculate the soil with beneficial organisms to kick-start the dry soil ecosystem once again.
