Soil testing event set for July 10 at Eastside YMCA
Saint Paul — Ramsey County Public Health and the Minnesota Department of Health will hold a soilSHOP (screening, health, outreach and partnership) soil testing event 3-7 p.m. July 10, at Eastside YMCA. The event will offer free lead screening of residents' soil samples, information on how to lower exposure to lead, gardening best practices, and lead and health information.
Anyone wanting their soil tested can collect soil from 5-10 random spots for a large area, or three random spots for a small area. Combine those samples in a clean container, remove pebbles, rocks and roots and air dry. Then transfer 1-2 cups of the soil into a clean one-quart plastic bag. Bring that sample to the soilSHOP event.
If making more than one sample, rinse your container, and then repeat this process.
There is a limit of three sample bags per person. We recommend testing areas where bare soil is present, especially in a garden or child’s play area.
If you cannot attend the July 10 event, there is a drop-off box at the Eastside YMCA. Be sure samples are dropped off in a one-quart plastic bag. On July 10 we will test any samples that have been dropped off and will email you the result. Please remember to include your name and email address so we can notify you of the result.
For more information contact the Minnesota Department of Health Site Assessment and Consultation Unit at 651-201-4897 or 1-800-657-3908 or [email protected].
You can also call Ramsey County’s Healthy Homes Program at 651-266-1139 or [email protected]