What action must be taken with contaminated soil?

When dealing with contaminated soil, the appropriate action is to send it to a DEQ-approved landfill. This procedure is crucial for several reasons. Contaminated soil poses potential environmental and health risks, including the leaching of hazardous substances into groundwater or nearby ecosystems. By disposing of the soil in a landfill that has received approval from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), you ensure that the soil is handled in compliance with applicable regulations and safety standards. These landfills are specially designed to manage hazardous waste, providing the necessary containment and treatment measures that prevent further environmental contamination.

Sending contaminated soil to an approved landfill is a responsible and legally required action that mitigates risks associated with soil pollutants, ensuring protection for both public health and the environment. Options like composting or leaving the contaminated soil on-site without restrictions would not adequately address the potential dangers or comply with environmental regulations, while storing the soil indefinitely is neither practical nor a viable long-term solution.