Tacoma & Everett Smelter Soil Plumes
Understanding historical airborne smelter emissions across King and Snohomish counties: direct links to official state DirtAlert maps, free Department of Ecology soil sampling, and simple healthy yard habits.
π‘ Real Estate Coach's Take
Keep soil plumes in practical perspective. Historical copper smelters in Ruston (Tacoma) and Northeast Everett operated for decades during the 20th century, carrying microscopic trace particles of arsenic and lead downwind into topsoil across parts of King and Snohomish counties. However, for 95% of homeowners, this is completely manageable in daily life. Any remaining contamination is strictly confined to the top 0 to 6 inches of unpaved, bare dirt. Maintaining healthy lawn grass, using raised beds with fresh soil for vegetable gardens, wiping muddy pet paws, and taking off shoes at the door completely eliminate risk. In addition, Washington State offers free soil sampling and free soil replacement for eligible residential yards in high-priority zones.
The Two Regional Asarco Smelter Sites
During the late 19th and 20th centuries, two major copper smelters operated in Western Washington, releasing airborne particles through high smokestacks that settled over surrounding soils:
| Smelter Location | Operating Era | Primary Affected Footprint |
|---|---|---|
| Everett Smelter (Snohomish County) | 1894 to 1912 | 1.1-square-mile residential and industrial area in Northeast Everett. |
| Tacoma Smelter (King & Pierce Counties) | 1890 to 1986 | Over 1,000 square miles including Vashon-Maury Island, West Seattle, Des Moines, and Federal Way. |
Free State Soil Testing & Cleanup Programs
Under Washington's Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), the Department of Ecology operates state-funded programs to protect homeowners:
- Free Yard Sampling: Homeowners located within designated service areas can sign up for free professional soil sampling directly through the Department of Ecology or Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
- Free Soil Replacement: If soil testing reveals elevated arsenic (above 100 ppm) or lead (above 500 ppm), the state provides free soil replacement for qualifying residential yards, removing contaminated topsoil and backfilling with clean soil and fresh sod.
Healthy Actions for Daily Yard Living
If you live in a smelter plume boundary, following these simple daily habits prevents soil ingestion and keeps your family safe:
- Use Raised Beds for Vegetable Gardening: Build raised garden beds lined with weed fabric and fill them with fresh topsoil and compost for growing fruits and vegetables.
- Maintain Ground Cover: Keep bare dirt covered with healthy lawn grass, wood chips, bark mulch, or gravel to prevent dust generation.
- Wipe Boots & Pet Paws: Place sturdy doormats at entryways, remove shoes at the door, and wipe pet paws to avoid tracking outdoor dirt indoors.
- Wash Fresh Produce: Thoroughly wash homegrown fruits and vegetables before eating.
ποΈ Official Public Resources & State Cleanup Portals
Official state overview on soil safety, healthy yard actions, and historical metal emissions.
Information on enrolling your property in free yard testing and soil replacement programs.
Access agreements and free sampling sign-up forms for Northeast Everett property owners.