What you need to get started:

• Latex gloves

• (K)N95 mask

• 1 or 2 sandwich or quart-sized baggies that can be sealed

• Small shovel, trowel, or plastic spoon

• Phone to take pictures (optional but preferred)

How to collect a composite soil sample:

1)       Put on your gloves and mask to protect yourself from any possible exposure to pollutants from soil

2)     Visually review the property and identify areas from different locations to take soil samples (the purpose of a composite sample is to choose multiple spots so that the soil is not just from one spot on the property)

3)      Take a spoonful of dirt from within the top 2 inches of soil from a spot and put it in plastic bag

4)     Repeat this scooping from 15-20 spots throughout the property with the soil all in the same baggie

5)     (Optional but preferred) After taking your sample, please take one or more pictures of your property (maximum of 10). If we get any abnormal results, these pictures could help us understand any possible causes. Ideally, please take pictures that do the following:

a.      Describe the condition of the property

b.      Show where samples are taken

When you’re finished collecting the samples, please complete this brief online form to share a little about your property and upload your pictures if you have them: https://mylmu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eE88EEGKXohBZoa. Please complete the form before the drop-off to save time.

Additional notes for samples:

a.      When doing each scoop, think teaspoon size, not heaping tablespoon size.

b.      Please try to avoid picking up rocks or plant debris with the soil. If you find rocks or leaves, please remove them from the sample if possible.

c.       Soil with burned debris (if any) is ok.

d.      If you find excessive debris related to fire, you are welcome to collect it in a second, separate plastic bag.

e.      If you are bringing samples for any other property other than your own, please be sure those homeowners have completed both the original soil enrollment form and the second form about their property. Otherwise, samples cannot be accepted.

f.        One set of results per property will be sent to each homeowner.

What happens next:

1)       We will analyze the metal concentration in soil samples using handheld XRF for metals including lead, arsenic, selenium, etc. The soil samples will be dried and homogenized before taking measurements using XRF. The results will be sent within the month to the email address on file.

2)     Results will be anonymized, aggregated, and mapped on the CAP.LA website soon after.

3)      Also, the samples will be archived so that, if more funding is secured in the future, additional testing could be done for more pollutants using more advanced instruments. If any further analysis is conducted, we will notify homeowners with the updated results.