Free soil testing events for residents under Asarco Plume

Make sure your soil is healthy

Two upcoming soil testing events will offer free soil tests for all residents under the flight path. These events, hosted by the Washington Department of Ecology, will let you check whether soil in your yard has traces of historic chemical contamination from the Asarco Smelter.

Background

Arsenic and lead are toxic metals that pose risks if you accidentally ingest or inhale contaminated soil. Children are especially at risk because their bodies are still developing and they often put dirty hands and toys in their mouths. There is no safe level of lead exposure.

The Asarco Smelter operated in Tacoma for almost 100 years until 1986. A superfund cleanup site was established in Tacoma and extensive testing began throughout the area to determine the extent of the damage. It was determined that emissions of heavy metals – particularly arsenic and lead – had spread throughout the Puget Sound region (map) into area soils. This has become known as the Asarco Plume.

Simple steps can reduce the risks of contamination – such as removing your shoes before entering your home. However, it is still a good idea to have your soil tested – especially if you garden.

Cumulative Impacts

We want to be clear that damage from the Asarco Plume was not caused by Sea-Tac Airport. However, it was part of a pattern of indiscriminate pollution throughout the entire region – including every city under the flight path and especially Sea-Tac Airport. Local cities did not take these threats seriously enough. For example, in 1999 the City of Des Moines actively considered a proposal to convey land fill dirt from one of the most badly damaged areas on Vashon Island to provide fill dirt for the Third Runway. Today we know better.

The cumulative environmental exposure that all area residents have received from all these sources continues to warrant substantial mitigation and careful, ongoing monitoring.  Test your soil.

Collecting a sample

Getting a sample is easy! But it is important to do it right. Make sure the samples are free from rocks and debris. Here is a one-minute video that shows you how to do it.

The Events

Now that you have your sample, here is where to take it for testing. Both events are free and open to the public. Staff from Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program will be there, along with representatives from Public Health Seattle-King County and the Washington State Department of Health. Staff from Ecology’s Air Quality Program and the Washington Conservation Corps will be also available to talk about their work – which includes programs for communities under the flight path.

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