Soil replacement process for residential yards
The soil replacement process can take up to two years from planning to completion. We work with groups of property owners at a time to make the process more efficient. If you are eligible for soil replacement through the Yard Program, we will keep you informed about the construction schedule for your neighborhood.
Learn what to expect in each phase of soil replacement:
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Planning: Ecology and the homeowner create a property cleanup plan and sign an agreement, and Ecology hires a contractor.
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Construction: The contractor prepares the property, removes soil, brings in clean soil, and restores landscaping.
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After soil replacement: The contractor maintains the landscaping for sixty days after installation. Ecology provides final cleanup documentation.
Ecology staff describe planning at 4:31.
The planning process for soil replacement can take over a year to complete. It begins with an initial property visit where we meet with the owner, discuss cleanup options, and take measurements and photos for our cleanup design work. We work closely with individual homeowners to ensure the property is returned to its original state. In some cases, we are able to make substitutions, for example replacing a lawn with bark or drought-tolerant ground cover.
We ask homeowners to respond in a timely manner during the planning process to keep the group on schedule.
Some properties or portions of yards might not qualify for soil replacement due to steep slopes, retaining walls, and other areas that are excluded from cleanup. We don't remove soil around trees or large plantings, rock walls, ponds, or under pavement or decks. To learn more, read our excluded areas handout.
The soil replacement itself can take several months. During active soil replacement activities on your property, you will have contact information for Ecology staff who will answer questions and address any issues that may arise during the process.
Access to property
- Contractors will clearly designate pathways to your home with fences
- Contractor will clearly identify traffic routes and parking areas
- Contractor will ensure work does not interrupt mail, garbage or delivery services
- School bus service should not be impacted although minor changes to pickup location may be needed. Ecology will contact you before any changes are made.
- Access to sheds and detached garages may be interrupted during construction.
Safety considerations
- Keep children and pets away from cleanup areas.
- Relocate any personal belongings you want to protect or keep safe.
- Let us know if you need handicapped accessible routes.
- Stay away from construction equipment and materials.
After soil replacement
Plant and lawn care after soil replacement
Owners are responsible for plant and lawn care 60 days after installation. To learn more about how to keep your lawn green naturally, watch the video series on Natural Lawn Care or read our handout on lawn care after soil replacement.
Soil left behind
During soil replacement we work hard to remove all soil contamination above the action level, however, some soil contamination may remain. Soil may be left behind at the base of trees and foundations, along fence lines or at the base of excavation. Read Areas Excluded from Soil Cleanup to learn more.
Related links
Contact information
Justin Zakoren
Tacoma Smelter Plume Remediation Manager
Justin.Zakoren@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6790