Arsenic & Lead Dirt Alert

Arsenic and Lead in Pierce County

For almost 100 years, arsenic and lead were blown from a smoke stack throughout Pierce and King Counties from the ASARCO copper smelter in Ruston, Washington. The smelter closed in 1986. Even though the smelter is no longer operating the arsenic and lead remain in the soil and will continue to be health risks for years to come.

Pierce County communities most affected are:
-North Tacoma
-Northeast Tacoma
-West End Tacoma
-University Place
-Fircrest
-Lakewood
-Steilacoom
-Parts of Gig Harbor, Fox Island, Anderson Island, Fort Lewis and Dupont

For more information, contact the Tacoma- Pierce County Health Department at dirtalert@tpchd.org or 253-798-6492, or visit www.tpchd.org/dirtalert.