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Former Orchard Lands - Guidance for Homeowners

If you live in Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, and Yakima counties, you may reside in an area where lead arsenate pesticides were used on old orchards, and you may have arsenic and lead soil contamination. 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.

Below are common questions related to arsenic and lead soil pollution:

• How do I know how much lead and arsenic is in my soil?
   
  • Learn how to sample soil with our Sampling Guidance
  • 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 myself and my family?
   
  • Download a Dirt Alert brochure for former orchard lands. En Espanõl
  • Learn about actions you can take to reduce exposure to polluted soil in our Soil Safety Action Guide
  • Read about Gardening on Lead- and Arsenic-Contaminated Soils

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.