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T O P I C    R E V I E W
Millyellen Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 4:13:08 PM
hi fellow sisters :) we just purchased a bit of land near monmouth, oregon. there is about 2 acres with a home-an acre of which we have plans to put a chicken coop and organic garden. unfortunately as i was meandering around the "green" space envisioning and dreaming, i stepped and heard a very unnatural sound. underneath crabgrass was a piece of glass, so i set it aside. took another step to hear another unnatural sound which unearthed was a door hinge. i sat down to unearth rusty nails, scraps of metal, insulation, nasty burnt pieces of plastic etc. apparently a few years ago after building the permanent house the previous owners set aflame to their house trailer. i am not sure the scope of this seeming wasteland, but at least 1/8 acre if they didn't spread it around as fill for the rest of the acre. i am discouraged. yes, maybe we were to buy this property so that we could restore this beautiful piece of hillside. but it seems my goals for planting a garden and raising chickens will be put on hold for a season.
i know many urban community gardens were once a dump site for a factory or industrial space. does anyone have an efficient way of combing land to properly dispose of the above materials? it looks like a green field waiting to be used, but where the greenest patch is a rusty chunk of something. at this rate it is going to take more than a season for the ground to be playable for our 2 young kids, nontoxic for our garden and safe for chickens feet.
suggestions? encouragement? please?
25   L A T E S T    R E P L I E S    (Newest First)
therealshari Posted - Mar 26 2011 : 6:00:05 PM
Here on our little piece of desert, we find all kinds of stuff. Several previous owners (and renters) had less than good sense, good manners or anything else. They'd just pitch their garbage over the wall surrounding the backyard. I've found old cans, old jars, old pieces of tin, etc all over our 10 acres. What's even more fun is digging... about half our acreage contains a whole grid of underground irrigation. We've found controllers, wire, sprinkler heads, pvc, but no water.

Shari Thomas, back after a 2 year break for heart issues. Ready to get on with life now.Four Country Gals
walkinwalkoutcattle Posted - Feb 22 2010 : 12:55:44 PM
Did you ever talk to the previous owners about the condition of the land before you bought it? If they neglected to tell you about something toxic being burned on your property before you bought it, I would say they might have a legal obligation to clean it up, or pay for it to be cleaned up, since it happened before you bought the property.

Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
Windsong Posted - Feb 11 2010 : 2:07:14 PM
After reading all of this I do not know if I dare to post this. But I think I will just for everyone to digest. I realize that there are many toxic things in our world that should not be dumped on the land. But then again where will they be dumped? Anyone read about how to clean up these little light bulbs that last for years when they break? Tons of these are being sold daily and you know they have mercury in them. When they burn out they all get dumped somewhere.

Anyway, in those thilling days of yesteryear before the days of the trash truck making country house calls weekly people did exactly what you are talking about. Fill a ditch with big junk and cover it over with soil. Pretty much the same that happens in the land fill. There are soil amendments that help clean up toxins. For those of us who choose an organic garden you have to do this anyway because the person before you maybe used chemicals.

When I had not lived here very long there was storm and the roof was damaged and I had to get a new roof. That was in 2002 and I still find roofing nails. In the first two years I had so many flats due to this. Just go ahead and shoot me if I ever have to get another roof.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is the earth is old and others have been here before us and this is how things were done. We have to deal with it. I live on 24 acres and I do raised beds and container gardens. My back likes it better.

Just the act on composting in that area will help convert the mess. Microbial activity breaks down all sorts of things. Nobody like glass and metal junk and you sure do not want your kids in it. All that has been offered are good things to do. Such projects are usually why farmers do not have a problem sleeping (so darn tired) and you cannot get bored because there is always so much to do.
Enjoy! It is hard but it is yours.

Farmgirl Sister #758
www.windsongwellnessandtherapyshoppe.com
http://sadiesfarm.blogspot.com/
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Millyellen Posted - Feb 11 2010 : 11:06:26 AM
hi friends :) we've devised a grid system we are working through, found a different area to start the chickens than previously planned, and decided that permanent raised beds would be best anyway! what is great is that our altruistic kids have put on their little gloves and joined numerous times to clean our space. altruism is beautiful in all ages. on any given Sunday you can find our family of 4 huddled in the rain sifting through junk. once we are inside and cozy, having removed a trash can full of metal and plastic, i smile with a cup of tea in hand. to all of you who have encountered similar situations, be encouraged by all these responses of dedicated ladies out there trying to make a cleaner place than we found. the next cup of tea i sip after sifting, i'll raise it high and toast all of you.
graciegreeneyes Posted - Feb 11 2010 : 08:31:20 AM
Wow Millyellen - what a mess. I am afraid I don't have any better suggestions than have already been given, just know that all the farmgirls are thinking about you and sending you good thoughts. please keep us updated on your progress!!
Amy Grace

Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
Rea231 Posted - Feb 11 2010 : 06:43:24 AM
I really love the how the posts that ask for help are the ones most read! It just goes to show what a giving loving group you all are. I am honored to be a part of it!

The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.
pamcook Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 1:26:46 PM
Raised bed gardening is easier on the earth than tilling the soil so once you decide on the best place for them, you can get them going without delay. It's not an impossible situation but boy - it must be very upsetting. Hope you get some answers soon.

www.ikat.org
www.longaberger.com/pamcook
pnygrl Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 11:03:21 AM
I am in a very similar situation. I purcahes alittle house on 7 acres only to find that the woods are FUKLL of garbage. I knoew there was some but the extent of it is really scary. I have been working for two years now to clean it up bit by bit. It is discouraging but I look at it as my contribution to a celaner greener earth. Some day, the place will be really nice and it will all have been worth it.
MeadowCrone Posted - Jan 27 2010 : 7:16:19 PM
Hang in there. ' I was an Sam's Club today and they have raised bed boxes, if you don't want to build your own. I love gardening that way, it looks so neat.

www.muckingbootsandmagic.blogspot.com

www.meadowcrone.blogspot.com
mscountrygirl Posted - Jan 27 2010 : 06:47:14 AM
I feel so upset for you! I want to reitterate some good suggestions already given. Going after the previous owners for not disclosing is a real option. A friend in real estate said that it would hold water. If can take soil and water samples to your county extension to have them tested that would be a VERY good thing. If there is a problem you may want to get some legal advice. I know it's costly and most of us don't have money laying around (hey, we're farmgirls!!) but I wish I had held the previous owner of the house we live in now accountable for some of the things they never disclosed. It would have actually saved us money in the long run. I know how it feels to be with out family and friends close by. I moved away from family and friends as well. You are in my prayers!!! Hang in there though, the property may mean more to you because of it in long run!

It's all good!
Ga Girl Posted - Jan 27 2010 : 06:34:11 AM
Sorry to hear about your troubling find, sure wish I was closer I could lend a hand to help clean up. I agree with the raised beds then you can at least plant some veggies and flowers too. Keep your chin up farmgirl and keep us updated on how you progress. Blessings,Karen

Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10
www.KKJD1.etsy.com
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katevc Posted - Jan 26 2010 : 11:12:18 PM
You might find that a soil test or even a few different tests from the county extension office can be helpful. The cost is usually pretty reasonable $7-12 a test. These are usually done for gardeners but they can test (some counties you have to ask what all they test for and ask for some extra tests)for toxins in the soil. I'll have to ask my hubby what it's called but there is a version of a wide gym broom that has a metallic strip on it they use at his contruction sites to pick up pieces of metal.

I definetly suggest some raised beds or container gardens to help keep your spirits up. The Earth thanks you so much for restoring the land!

To plant a thing and watch it grow... that is to nurture a miracle.
Peace2u2 Posted - Jan 21 2010 : 5:52:53 PM
Millyellen, I know your pain! My husband and I bought the three acres that was next to the two we were already living on. We decided it was ideal for growing our own food but it would need all the overgrowth removed. It took 3 years to clear because we had to do it by hand! Two owners ago, the house and barn burned down. They buried it right there! Before it burned down, they were using the property to dump all their waste. They had dug VERY deep/wide holes and threw in anything and everything! There was so much broken glass that we couldn't bring in our truck to haul off the overgrowth for fear our tires would get punctured. Almost one whole acre is nothing but buried household waste. Then there is about a 1/2 acre with a buried house and barn. We are trying to remove the contents of these in ground dumps but find the work dangerous from the glass, ground bees, and instability of the holes. We do not have the money to bring in professionals to assist us. We want to unclutter this land but now realize it may be our lifes work. For now, we just clean a little at a time. The grid system is helpful. I wish you luck and will think of you when I am outside in my own grid. Caring for the earth is not always easy but leading by example reaps amazing rewards.

All things good are possible with a bit of sun, soil, and love.
MeadowCrone Posted - Jan 20 2010 : 08:51:25 AM
Millyellen, I hear you. We have hauled out tons of junk. We found an ad in the local paper, someone wanted metal, abandoned cars etc. That helped a lot, they hauled off tons of stuff. Then we set up a grid system and started raking. I set small goals and actually found some cool things. Everytime, I clean a new area of the farm, I think of how grateful Mother Earth is, I also imagine that it is why she brought me to the farm. I imagine that because you care, you have been asked to be the caretaker and healer for that piece of land.

Gratefully living on the "fat of the land".
Kathleen Sedlak Posted - Jan 11 2010 : 7:57:07 PM
Hi Millyellen, When I moved to my husbands familys farm in Colorado we had the same problem in some areas, an old barn had been torn down and buried for the most part. It took many years and some powerful magnets but we got it cleaned up along with about 8 old outbuildings that we tore down. In the meantime I think that doing raised deep beds for gardening and just clearing a small area at a time will work out. You will get it done and all will be well. I have found that sometimes in the country some jobs can seem overwhelming but then one day you realize that you have done so much and it is just beautiful. Kathleen #895
kristin sherrill Posted - Jan 11 2010 : 06:46:10 AM
That is very discouraging. But there are always obstacles to any dream. This can be fixed with a lot of hard work. I do hope you can try to get the previous owners to do something. But it may be too late now for that since it wasn't found before you closed. Maybe you could just rent a big bulldozer.

We bought a house from a guy who owned a construction company. There was a pool in the side yard and they filled it in with old cars and appliences and covered it up with dirt. Over the years it kept sinking in. There was quite a dip when we sold the place. We heard stories of several wholes like that on that property. But we had a huge garden every year and tons of produce.

Good luck. And it can be fixed. It will take awhile but you can do it.

Kris

Happiness is simple.
missgive Posted - Jan 10 2010 : 1:24:52 PM
Millyellen,

You have my sincerest sympathy. When my husband bought the house he had/has before we married, the front yard (not yet on our farm - that is still coming) looked like the lunar landing site. Nothing wound grow - hardly even weeds. We started digging to find about 3-4 inches down, the whole yard was covered in asphalt - really. We spent the whole year (we live in Florida) in serious heat and drought, digging up the asphalt and dirt to find another 3" of packed broken seashells forming the base for the asphalt. So we built screens (smaller, but like mentioned in another post) and literally hand-dug and sifted the entire yard to get rid of the shells and asphalt. We saved the usable dirt, remade the yard (even building a dry river bed and hills) where my husbnd planted a beautiful garden with trees and flowers to attract butterflies. Since the yard is bigger, you could use a back-hoe and sifting system to cover more in a shorter period. I agree that the local environmental protection agency should help with ideas if not funds. And there may be funds in your property sale to remedy the situation. Don't despair - it will be worth it in the end. I will pray for a positive rsult for you.

God Bless,
Kim (aka missgive)

A Farmgirl Sister headed for my mountain home and farm in 2010.
Miss Bee Haven Posted - Jan 10 2010 : 10:26:29 AM
I sympathize, Millyellen. A previous tenant left after their trailer caught on fire. We still find the occasional piece of glass. At first, I used to say we harvested more glass/metal than anything else. I would carry a bucket around and when I was planting, etc., I deposited any junk in there. I should have tried a metal detector. That sounds like a good idea. I've also seen a pole like contraption in a Home Depot store with a magnet in the end. I'm thinking of getting one of those, just to pick up any nails or small metal around the house. Don't get overwhelmed. It may be discouraging, but with farmgirl suggestions and your own perseverance, you can get the job done. We also did like AlyssaMarie suggested and had some raised beds. That's a great idea. Good luck!

Farmgirl Sister #50

"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner'
Alee Posted - Jan 10 2010 : 06:30:45 AM
I think you need to dig out that soil a section at a time. You can buy a dirt sifter (looks like a screen table on legs) You could put a tarp down on the ground, then put the sifter on top. As you dig out you could pile the dirt on top and then shake the sifter. That's catch a lot of the rocks and house debris.

When we were digging our garden last year we ran into much the same situation. Lots of junk including broken glass and twisty nails and screws. I hope that you are still able to do some gardening and even get your chicks this year!

Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com
Fiddlehead Farm Posted - Jan 10 2010 : 05:15:32 AM
Dear Millyellen,
Sounds discouraging to say the least. Maybe, since your neighbors are friendly, you could have a spring get together and have them help. Sort of like and old fashioned barn raising but instead of raising a barn they will be clearing the ground. Hopefully it is just a surface issue that the crabgrass is holding onto.

Why not go out on a limb, that's where all the fruit is! "Mark Twain"
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
Millyellen Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 8:29:19 PM
thanks for the responses so far, for the ideas and the encouragement! we will probably set up a grid like system and work through it one section at a time :) we've moved to oregon without family or friends, though we have moved into a friendly stretch of land where the neighbors have all introduced themselves. thanks again. keep the suggestions coming.
AlyssaMarie Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 7:55:19 PM
Hello Millyellen! I can sure see why you would be so incredibly disappointed! But I don't know that all of your dreams need to be put on hold. Yes it will take a lot of your energy to repair the damage to the land. But in the season or two you are doing that, have you thought about having some container gardens that you could raise some fruits and veggies in the mean time. Or just cleaning a smaller area up and doing a raised bed or two? We raised chickens from day old chicks this last spring and it took a couple months before we could let them outside of their coop. We're you going to fence in an area for them anyway, maybe you could raise your chicks in a coop and then clean up their yard as you are raising them up? When we were building our house on our acreage, our family (my husband and I had our 6 and 3 year old boys at the time) were living in a small RV trailer. I certainly couldn't let them stay inside, but I couldn't let them wander around a construction site either, so we set aside a small area just for them with their swingset. After our house was built I went around with a strong magnet on a pole I saw them at the hardware store. I was able to pick up nails and all sorts of yucky stuff. Do you have any friends or family or neighbors in the area that could all come out one day and help - many hands make light work. I'd say try to find a few ways to get at least a piece of your dream if you can that way you don't feel so discouraged. I hope something works out and you feel better soon. Keep us posted!

AlyssaMarie @ Link'd Hearts Ranch
Sheep Mom 2 Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 5:25:29 PM
One other thought - is there any way you can go after the previous owners for not revealing this to you prior to purchase? It could be that they could perhaps be made to help with any clean up expense especially if the debris is toxic.

Blessings, Sheri

"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran
Sheep Mom 2 Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 5:21:32 PM
I am so sorry to hear of your tragic "find". I wish I had some good advice for you. The best you can do is to explore the area and find out if the stuff is mostly on the surface or if it was buried and is coming to the surface. A metal detector might help you locate debris that you can't see. I suggest getting the grass layer off as best you can so you can actually see what it has been hiding. I have had experience cleaning up old burn piles and I ended up just getting rid of the soil that had all the debris in it. Hopefully someone else will chime in with a better solution for you. Eventually you will get it cleaned up but it takes a lot of time and effort. I am sure that you are really disappointed. I wish you luck and hopefully it's just a surface problem and will be relatively easy to clean up.

Blessings, Sheri

"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran
CherryPie Posted - Jan 09 2010 : 5:11:58 PM
I don't have any suggestions but you have my condolences on finding a nasty surprise. Could you check with your county land office and find out if there are any agencies that will help you get it cleared up? I would think that burning a manufactured home would have unleashed some serious toxins and was probably illegal. There might be some kind of help for you to deal with this - some local EPA group that would step in and help to rescue the land from the toxins. Maybe I'm way off but I'd like to think that protecting land is part of the job of government. If nothing else, they might have some suggestion on how best to accomplish the task, tests to run, that sort of thing. Good luck with this Millyellen and please keep us posted.

Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher, Eager Podcaster
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