A Fe(II)-containing organic rich soil is found beneath a COPR waste tip.
Cr(VI) is removed from COPR leachate by reaction with Fe(II), producing Cr(OH)3.
The soil contains alkaliphilic fermentative and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria.
The bacterial community maintains a redox barrier reducing the spread of Cr(VI).
Organic matter addition to OM poor soils is a low cost, long-term treatment.