Allegheny County Conservation District, Grow Pittsburgh Offering Gardeners Free Soil Lead Screening April 19-22

The Allegheny County Conservation District is hosting its bi-annual free soil lead screening in partnership with Grow Pittsburgh from April 19 to 22. Soil samples will be accepted at five locations.

Interest in backyard gardening is surging in Allegheny County, as well as initiatives to revitalize vacant lots into community green space and urban gardens. 

Contaminants are common in urban soils and can be hazardous to health when inhaled or ingested. Soil testing is the first step to reduce risk of exposure. 

Registration Required

All participants must pre-register for this event.

The Conservation District will contact you to confirm your registration with detailed instructions on how to collect, label and drop off your soil samples.

Drop Off Locations

Once you collect and label your soil samples, drop off at any of the locations below during open hours between April 19 to 22--

-- EAST END- Garden Resource Center, 147 Putnam St, Pgh, PA 15206 (Wednesdays & Fridays from 3 PM- 7 PM; Saturdays from 9 AM- 3 PM)

-- SOUTH SIDE- ACCD Office @ The Highline, 317 E Carson St, Suite 199, Pgh, PA 15219 (Wednesdays- Fridays from 8 AM- 5 PM)

-- CENTRAL- Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Dr, Pgh, PA 15213 (Friday from 9:30 AM- 5 PM)

-- NORTH SIDE- Food for the Soul Community Urban Farm, Pgh, PA 15233 (Wednesday- Saturday from 9 AM- 7 PM)

-- WEST END- Farmer Girl Eb Shop, 1 Noblestown Rd, Pgh, PA 15220 ((Wednesday- Friday from 11 AM- 7 PM; Saturday from 9 AM- 5 PM)

Results will be sent to you within two weeks, along with information to help you understand and act on your results.

Questions should be directed to Hayly Hoch at hhoch@accdpa.org or call 412-241-7645 ext. 8009 for questions and more information.

For more information on services available to the public, visit the Allegheny County Conservation District website.

[Posted: March 24, 2023]  PA Environment Digest