Pierce County Studies

In 2001, Ecology and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department partnered to study the extent of contamination from the former Asarco Smelter smokestack. The first footprint study in Pierce County was completed in 2002, and the child-use area study was completed in 2003.

Free Residential Soil Sampling

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*

      Pierce County Child-Use Area Map
              Pierce County Schools
              Pierce County Parks

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.

Other Studies:

Survey of Typical Soils Arsenic Concentrations in Residential Areas of the City of University Place -- Added Mar. 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.