A soil sample around the drip line tests 530 ppm. What should be done?

A soil sample around the drip line tests 530 ppm. What should be done?

• A. Soil where children have contact must be abated; interim controls can be used to eliminate the present hazard.
• B. Soil is safe; no action required.
• C. Only interior soil needs abatement.
• D. The soil should be removed and replaced entirely.

Answer: (A)

Lead in soil around a home that children can touch is a hazard once it exceeds the hazard standard for soil. For soil in play areas, that threshold is about 400 ppm; a result of 530 ppm indicates a lead hazard is present. The appropriate response is to abate the soil to permanently reduce exposure. Interim controls are allowed as temporary measures to lower contact with the contaminated soil while full abatement is planned and carried out. This exterior soil near the drip line is the area of concern, so saying interior soil only or no action would be incorrect. Abatement can include removing contaminated soil, replacing it with clean soil, or installing barriers or coverings, but the key point is that action to eliminate the hazard is required, with interim controls used as needed in the meantime.

Lead in soil around a home that children can touch is a hazard once it exceeds the hazard standard for soil. For soil in play areas, that threshold is about 400 ppm; a result of 530 ppm indicates a lead hazard is present. The appropriate response is to abate the soil to permanently reduce exposure. Interim controls are allowed as temporary measures to lower contact with the contaminated soil while full abatement is planned and carried out. This exterior soil near the drip line is the area of concern, so saying interior soil only or no action would be incorrect. Abatement can include removing contaminated soil, replacing it with clean soil, or installing barriers or coverings, but the key point is that action to eliminate the hazard is required, with interim controls used as needed in the meantime.