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Pierce County Studies

Footprint Studies

• Pierce County Footprint Study - added August 2004
  
  The results of the Pierce County Footprint Study are consistent with the footprint studies completed in King County. The Pierce County study shows elevated concentrations of arsenic and lead in the surface soil of minimally disturbed properties. The concentrations decrease with distance form the old smelter, and correlate closely with wind patterns and frequencies.
   
• Pierce County is also part of the 2005 Extended Footprint Study.This study summarizes and evaluates data collected in the earlier footprint studies. The following maps offer a brief overview of the results:
  
  Maximum arsenic levels
  Maximum lead levels

Child-use Area Studies

• Pierce County Child-use Area Study - added August 2004
  
  85 play areas were sampled at 64 schools, parks, and childcares. About 30 percent of the play areas had average arsenic concentrations above the state cleanup standard.
   

  Metals	Highest Found	Range of Averages	State Standard
  Arsenic	691 ppm*	1-114 ppm*	20 ppm*
  Lead	1040 ppm*	2-170 ppm*	250 ppm*

  *ppm = parts per million
  
  

  Pierce County Child-use Area Map

       Pierce County Schools
       Pierce County Parks

The results from these child-use area studies have helped Ecology and local health departments to design the Soil Safety Program.

Other Studies

• Survey of Typical Soils Arsenic Concentrations in Residential Areas of the City of University Place - added March 20, 2001
  
  Soil samples were collected from front and backyards of 59 residential properties in University Place. Elevated concentrations of arsenic were found in the surface soil. The arsenic levels correlate with the age of the home – older homes tending to have higher concentrations of arsenic in the soil.