Washington State Department of Ecology

Former Orchard Lands - Guidance for Child Use Areas

Your childcare, school, camp, or park is in a county where large amounts of lead arsenate pesticides were used on old orchards, and you may have arsenic and lead soil contamination on your property as a result. If you know your property is located on a former old orchard, Ecology encourages you to sample your soil. If you are unsure about the past use of your property, your local health district or Ecology may have old aerial photographs showing specific areas of old orchards.

The following resources can help you determine whether you have soil pollution and what you can do to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants:

How do I know how much lead and arsenic is in my soil?
- Learn how to sample soil:
  - Sampling Guidance – Small Properties
  - Sampling Guidance – Large Properties
- Send your samples to a lab - Certified labs in Washington
What are the health effects of lead and arsenic?
- Arsenic Fact Sheet
- Lead Fact Sheet
What can I do to protect children in my care?

Download a Dirt Alert brochure for former orchard lands.
En Espanõl
Learn about actions you can take to reduce exposure to contaminated soil:
- Soil Safety Action Guide – Small Properties
- Soil Safety Action Guide – Large Properties

If you have other questions about toxics on your property, please visit the Online Guide for Homeowners and Small Businesses: What to do if you discover toxic wastes on your property.