If you know your soil has lead and arsenic, raised beds with fresh soil are a great option for vegetable gardens.
This time of year, many of us are planting our gardens and gearing up to keep our lawns green and beautiful in the warm months ahead. While you’re out digging in the yard, why not plant a seed to grow a little peace of mind?
Three upcoming soil testing events co-hosted by Ecology will allow residents to check whether soils in their yards have traces of historic chemical contamination. Two of the events — in Des Moines and Vashon — will also be hosted by King Conversation District, and another — in Federal Way — by the Washington State Department of Health.
At the events, our staff will test your soil for arsenic and lead left over by the Asarco Smelter. There is no cost for the testing.
The Asarco Smelter operated in Tacoma for almost 100 years and, even though the smelter is long gone, the pollution that came from its smokestack lives on in contaminated soils across the Puget Sound region.
Emissions from the smelter spread arsenic and lead across a wide geographical area. Arsenic and lead are toxic metals that pose risks if you accidentally ingest or inhale contaminated soil. Children are especially at risk because their bodies are still developing and they often put dirty hands and toys in their mouths.
Simple steps can reduce the risks of this contamination like wearing gloves when working outside and making sure children (and adults!) wash their hands after playing in the yard.
When collecting soil, it’s important to bring in samples from high-traffic areas and that you make sure the samples are free from debris like rocks or wood chips. To learn how to properly collect a soil sample, watch a video from Ecology's YouTube account.
Want to attend?
The public can attend any of the following soil testing events:
Federal Way SoilSHOP
- Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Federal Way Farmer’s Market, South 316th Street, Federal Way (between Town Square Park and Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center)
Des Moines SoilSHOP
- Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Midway Covenant Community Church, 22460 24th Ave. S., Des Moines
- Sign up now
Vashon SoilSHOP
- Saturday, July 18, 2026, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, 2026, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Vashon Strawberry Festival, between 171st and 178th Streets, Vashon Island