Soil Guidelines
Protect Yourself and Your Family from Harmful Soils
Soil is part of everyday life—but not all soil is safe. In some parts of the Colville Reservation, especially on North Half Allotments, testing has found elevated levels of lead and arsenic. These harmful metals, along with bacteria and other pollutants, can get into your body through your mouth, nose, or skin.
Children are especially at risk, which is why we encourage all families to follow these soil safety guidelines whenever you’re out working, harvesting, or playing on the land.
While You’re Out on the Land:
Wash hands and face after touching soil — especially before eating.
Keep kids away from contaminated dirt
Cover bare patches of dirt with bark, sod or other material, or fence off area
Wet the soil before digging or gardening to reduce dust.
Wash toddler toys and pacifiers often — especially if dropped on the ground.
Scrub roots, berries, and veggies with soap and water before eating (used for consumption, medicines or weaving).
Wear gloves when gardening or harvesting.
Avoid eating or drinking in contaminated areas.
Don’t grow food in soil that may be unsafe.
Keep pets off exposed dirt to prevent tracking it inside.
Use soap and water (not just hand sanitizer) to clean up. – avoid “water-less” soaps
Before You Head Home:
Bag up dirty clothes, blankets, and gear before putting them in your car.
Dust off your shoes and pet paws before getting in.
Vacuum your car if you notice dirt from the allotment.
Back at Home:
Leave shoes at the door.
Scrub harvested food and natural materials (like cedar and spruce roots) before use.
Wash clothes and shoes dirtied by contaminated soil separately from other clothes
Wash camping gear such as sleeping bags, blankets, and towels separately
Clean equipment and tools like root diggers, shovels, or snowshoes.
Feed your family a healthy diet — calcium and iron help protect against lead exposure.
Vacuum your car if soils are present
What’s in the Soil?
Contaminants like lead and arsenic can come from:
Past smelting operations
Pesticide use
Leaded gasoline
Industrial emissions
These metals stay in the soil for decades and can make people sick — especially children. If you have concerns, talk to your child’s doctor about a blood lead test.
Some soils in Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Ferry Counties are contaminated with chemicals such as arsenic and lead. An ongoing Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study is in progress at the Up-per Columbia River. Contaminants and metals such as lead and arsenic are under investigation as to the impacts to human health and the environment from sources including smelting activates in the area. Chemicals may have come from many places, including industrial emissions, leaded gasoline, and pesticides. Arsenic and lead can cause illness, especially in children. If you have young children, talk to their pediatrician about a simple blood-lead test.
