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Dirt Alert >
Developers
Large parts of
Washington are affected by arsenic and lead soil pollution. Within
these areas, the Department of Ecology encourages developers to test their soils
and plan development in a way that protects future residents and users.
Testing the soils before excavation and grading is also important to be sure
that polluted soils are not moved from one property to another.
Some local government planning departments require soil testing as a part of the
permit process for development projects in areas where soils might be polluted.
Identifying Affected Areas
You can check if your development is in or near an area where soils might be
polluted.
You can also see if your development site is near or on a toxic cleanup site by
using the Facility
Site Atlas.
Soil Testing
Ecology is currently in the process of writing guidance brochures for
developers. These brochures will include:
-
How to test the soils on the
property being developed.
- How to interpret soil test
results.
- Recommended “best management
practices” to protect the future users of the property.
Soil Disposal
To find out how to properly dispose of contaminated soils from development
sites, contact the solid waste division of your local health department.
Contact information
If you need more specific information about whether your development site might
have soil contamination, please contact the Department of Ecology, Toxics
Cleanup Program, in the
regional office where your property is located.Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP)
The Department of Ecology also offers a pay-as-you-go program for any property
owner who wants to receive technical assistance and opinions for sampling and
cleanup activities, to be sure the cleanup meets the state
Model Toxics
Control Act requirements. Learn more about the
Voluntary Cleanup
Program.
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