Prepare a SoilSHOP sample

Collecting a Single Soil Sample

Step 1: Identify an area of interest (garden, play area, or vacant lots) for your soil sample.

Step 2: Collect Soil - For a large area, collect soil from 5-10 random spots in that area and combine in a clean container. For a small area, collect soil from 3 random spots.

• For a garden site, collect soil from the surface down to 6-8 inches deep

• For a play area, Collect soil from the surface down to 1-2 inches deep

Step 3: Mix soil well in clean container.

Step 4: Remove pebbles, rocks, and roots, and let the sample dry in the air. Do not use a flame, oven or hairdryer to dry the soil!

Step 5: Transfer 1 - 2 cups of the mixed soil into a clean one-quart Ziplock bag. Thinner sandwich bags are better than freezer bags. Label each bag with the source of the soil: location and type of area.

Where do toxic hazards in soil come from?

• Abandoned automobiles can leak fluids on to the ground. Abandoned houses where there is chipping and peeling paint can spread lead dust to surrounding areas.

• Exhaust from leaded gasoline (outlawed in the mid1980s) is still lurking in bare soil areas. Sites where cars, trucks, and buses sat idling are likely sources of lead pollution.

• Highway and train overpasses are likely spots for lead contamination if structures are rusting and chipping. They don’t call us the RustBelt for nothing!

• Industrial emissions from factories which process metals can travel from smokestacks for miles in all directions. You won’t know if you have toxins until your soil is tested.

• Demolished houses were often buried on site. Over the years the lead in the buried debris can come to the surface where people walk and play.

What can residents do if they find toxins in soil?

SoilSHOP experts can explain your options to seal the toxins away "capping" by using mulch, raised beds, and other techniques to keep the toxins away from people. Learn more about lead in soil here