News

April 12, 2023

Allegheny County Conservation District to Offer Free Soil Lead Screenings

In partnership with Grow Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) will offer free soil lead screenings to interested county residents from April 19 – April 22.

About Soil Lead Screening

Contaminants are common in urban soil and can be hazardous to health when ingested or inhaled. With increased interest in backyard gardening, revitalization of vacant lot space, community green space, and play yard construction, residents in Allegheny County may come into greater contact with soil. Soil testing can establish risk of exposure to contaminants in soil and lead to risk reduction.

Participate in Soil Lead Screening

To participate in the free soil lead screening:

  1. Register for the free soil lead screening on Eventbrite at ACCDSoilScreenSpring23.eventbrite.com. Registration is required.
  2. Confirm your registration when contacted by ACCD and receive detailed instructions on how to collect, label, and drop off your soil samples.
  3. Collect and label your soil samples.
  4. Drop off your soil samples at any of the following locations:
    • East End:
      • Garden Resource Center, 147 Putnam Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
      • Open: Wednesday and Friday | 3 – 7 p.m.; Saturday | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • South Side:
      • ACCD Office @ The Highline, 317 E Carson Street, Suite 199, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
      • Open: Wednesday – Friday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Central:
      • Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
      • Open: Friday | 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • North Side:
      • Food for the Soul Community Urban Farm, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
      • Open: Wednesday – Saturday | 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • West End:
      • Farmer Girl Eb, 1 Noblestown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
      • Wednesday – Friday | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  5. Receive your results. Results will be sent within two weeks along with information to help you understand and act on your results.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Soil Lead Screening Eventbrite page, view the event flyer, or contact Hayly Hoch at hhoch@accdpa.org or 412-241-7645 ext. 8009 with questions.