Regional soil contamination context, county extension drop-off offices, and affordable mail-in laboratory options.
Extensive industrial legacy and pre-1978 brick bungalow and wood-frame housing across Cook County have resulted in documented soil lead hot spots. University of Illinois studies on Chicago community gardens emphasize that residential yard soils along building foundations often exceed the updated 200 ppm residential screening level.
Because Illinois does not operate a dedicated public homeowner soil testing laboratory, Chicago residents commonly mail samples to Midwest Laboratories in Omaha ($45 EPA 6010) or UMass Amherst ($20 routine lead screen).
📍 4004 S. Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632
📞 Phone: (773) 762-2734
Because soil testing is completed by mail, residents in Chicago, IL are not restricted to local providers. You can mail samples directly to accredited university laboratories for $17–$30:
Heavy Metals in Soil by EPA Method 6010 • Turnaround: 3-5 business days