We will test for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn).

To assess potential fire effects on soils, we need to collect soils from properties that were damaged during the fire event as well as those in neighboring areas that experienced minimal, to no direct fire damage. Soil characteristics are highly variable, and this variation is important to quantify across the Marshall Fire area so we can specifically identify potential fire impacts on soil contaminant levels.

No. We will be taking soil samples from four locations per property with these soils collected to a depth of 5 cm using a 2 cm corer (roughly equivalent in size to the types of holes generated during lawn aeration).

We are concerned with the longer-term effects of the fire on soils in the area. Thus, immediate sampling will not reflect how the fire will impact soil quality.

Yes. As this project proceeds, we will regularly update this website with our findings and will also share project results in a public webinar to be hosted at a later date. Again - we note that property-specific information will only be shared with the property owner. No outside parties will be able to identify which specific properties were included in this study.