Bingham Park remediation a win for the community

In a recent decision, the Greensboro City Council voted for full remediation at Bingham Park. This is a win for the community after the partial remediation known as “cap and cover” was previously approved. According to Greensboro Thread, the remediation project will be completed in phases. Phase one involves full remediation at the site of the former Hampton Elementary School and partial remediation of the outer edges of Bingham Park, with the end goal leading to full remediation and access to redeveloped land. 

A history of environmental injustice

The history of Bingham Park reflects that of many Black and Brown communities, where environmental burdens have had disproportionate impacts compared to other communities. The park is located on a previously developed, unlined pre-regulatory landfill — a garbage site built before the government established rules for where and how to dispose of trash safely. The park is surrounded by three largely Black neighborhoods: Willow Oaks, Cottage Grove and Eastside Park. There was also a trash incinerator on site that burned household waste from Guilford County and the U.S. military.

According to NC Health News, “City, state and federal officials have known at least since 2012 that the landfill under Bingham Park is leaking a steady stew of toxins, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, iron, thallium and manganese, all of which are in the soil and groundwater exceeding levels considered to be safe. The landfill was closed around 1953.” The park itself eventually had to be closed due to environmental and health impacts to local residents and the community.

Unfortunately for residents, numerous instances of health impacts over the years have been linked to Bingham Park. Though testing in 2022 showed no elevated levels of asbestos in the air or lead in the soil, according to Greensboro Parks and Recreation, the park has remained closed as the community continued to work and advocate for full remediation.

With this new vote for full remediation in favor of community voices, there is a prime opportunity for environmental justice for the Bingham Park community.