Tacoma Smelter Plume: New webpages for residential yard sampling and cleanup

By Jill Jacobson, Yard Program Outreach Coordinator, Toxics Cleanup Program

We have updated our webpages for the Residential Yard Sampling and Cleanup Program. 

New webpage about the process for removing
and replacing soil in the Yard Program 

The webpages now include the following information: 

• The cleanup process page explains how soil removal and replacement works on a typical yard. You can find links to handouts and a photo gallery of an example yard cleanup.
• The sampling process page explains how we are sampling properties in Tacoma and on Vashon. The page also includes links to handouts, information on how to sign up for sampling and where to find sampling results.



Mail in your sampling access form

• Our page on upcoming work includes updates on the sampling and cleanup schedule in your neighborhood. The page also details the Yard  Programs recent accomplishments.

Mail letters to offer sampling on Vashon-Maury Island 

We will begin our second phase of sampling this May. In late March, we will begin contacting homeowners who have not replied to our first mailing. We plan to complete our sampling on the island by the end of August.

To sign up for sampling, please complete and return the sampling access form. 


Soil removal continues in Tacoma, starts on Vashon-Maury Island

We plan to remove and replace soil in 55 yards this summer and early fall. This will include 50 yards in Tacoma and five on Vashon-Maury Island.

Sign up to receive updates about the Yard Program here. 



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