Following the collection of soil samples from your property, the samples will then be sent to an independent laboratory approved by the ODEQ, where they will be tested to determine the concentrations of selected metals.

Once the tests are completed by the lab, they are sent back to Shaw and ODEQ our for evaluation including an assessment of whether the metal concentrations exceed cleanup standards established by ODEQ. Read more about testing standards.

If the testing indicates that the soil in your yard does not exceed the soil cleanup standards, we will send you a letter to notify you that no soil cleanup is necessary. If the samples tested exceed the soil cleanup standards, we will send you a package containing five items:

1. A letter explaining why soil cleanup (also called remediation) is recommended;
2. A fact sheet with contact information and answers to frequently asked questions;
3. A map of your property showing the specific areas of your property that were found to exceed soil cleanup standards;
4. An agreement for you to sign that will allow our remediation professionals access to your property for clean up; and
5. A questionnaire requesting details about your property.

Soil cleanup, like soil testing, is not required, but it is recommended in cases where government agency standards are exceeded. If you elect to move forward, the remediation of your property will be conducted at no cost to you.

If visual material from the former Blackwell smelter, such as 'connie sands, slag, or retort fragments is identified on your property, we will request permission from you to remove the material.

Restoration
With your signed agreement, a field team will return for a second visit to take more soil samples. These new samples will show how much soil needs to be removed and replaced.

When the second set of test results is ready, our team will then work with you to develop a detailed work plan.

This work plan will include aerial photos, a map showing areas that exceed ODEQ cleanup standards, and give special consideration for large trees, flower gardens and other features.

The first of three walk-throughs on your property will be scheduled with you to ensure you are familiar and comfortable with the details of the work plan. One-to-two weeks following that first walk-through, remediation work on your property will begin.

On the first day of cleanup, a remediation specialist will begin the excavation process. This is usually a one- to three-day process. Soil removed from your property will be loaded onto trucks and taken to a holding area. It will then be shipped to an agency-approved disposal site.

The excavated portion of your property will be backfilled with fresh soil. Pre-tested for safety and quality, the backfill soil will be from a local source approved by ODEQ.

Your property's soil will be returned to its original level and graded to promote proper drainage and your lawn, flowerbeds and plantings will be restored. The contractor will water these plantings periodically over the next 60 days.

To complete the project, we will follow a two-step, wrap-up process:

1. On the day your property remediation is complete, a company representative will walk through your property with you.
2. And again, 60 days after sod and plantings are replaced, a final walk-through with you will take place.