Asbestos in Soil Testing
Polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of soil, fill, sediment, and rock for asbestos — CARB 435 point counting and EPA 600/R-93/116. Built for Phase II ESA, brownfield redevelopment, earthwork, and waste characterization.
When soil needs an asbestos result
Asbestos reaches soil through demolition debris and historical fill, buried transite and pipe, and naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in serpentine rock. Once it is in the ground it drives due-diligence, redevelopment, and disposal decisions.
Due diligence & ESA
Phase II Environmental Site Assessments and property transactions where prior demolition, fill, or industrial use raises the possibility of asbestos in soil.
Redevelopment & earthwork
Brownfield redevelopment, excavation, grading, and utility work — where disturbed soil must be characterized to protect workers and plan handling.
Disposal characterization
Classifying excavated soil and demolition debris before disposal. For leachable-metal and hazardous-waste classification, see TCLP / RCRA 8.
Point counting and electron microscopy
Soil is a difficult matrix — asbestos is diluted among other minerals. We match the method to the detection level your project requires.
CARB 435 (PLM)
- Point-count PLM for percent asbestos in soil, rock, and aggregate
- 400-point count for routine quantification
- 1,000-point count for lower detection levels
- Common for NOA and serpentine-rock projects
EPA 600/R-93/116 (PLM)
- Bulk PLM identification and estimation for soil and sediment
- Fiber type identification (chrysotile, amphiboles)
- Suited to screening and general characterization
TEM confirmation
- Confirmation of trace and low-level results below PLM sensitivity
- Recommended when a “none detected” PLM result must be verified
- Available on request alongside PLM
Not sure which method fits your regulatory driver? Send us a message — we’ll match the method and detection level to your project and jurisdiction.
How to submit a soil sample
Many clients collect their own soil samples. Follow these basics, complete a chain of custody, and ship with a prepaid label.
1 · Collect representative soil
Take a grab or composite sample from the depth and location of interest. Roughly 250–500 g in a sealed, labeled zip bag or jar is plenty for PLM.
2 · Avoid cross-contamination
Clean tools between locations and bag each sample separately. Record depth, location, and any visible debris on the chain of custody.
3 · Complete COC & ship
Include a completed chain-of-custody form and ship with a prepaid FedEx label. Soil ships at ambient temperature — no refrigeration.
Regulations & standards
There is no single federal numeric cleanup limit for asbestos in soil. Requirements are set by the disposal pathway, the state program, and site-specific risk.
Handling & disposal
Asbestos-containing waste handling and disposal is governed by the federal asbestos NESHAP (40 CFR 61, Subpart M). Excavated asbestos-containing soil is typically managed as asbestos-containing waste material for transport and disposal.
State & site-specific programs
NJ DEP and NY DEC remediation and brownfield programs, along with Phase II ESA scopes, generally set the screening and cleanup expectations on a site-specific basis. We report results in the format your program and consultant require.
Worker protection
OSHA construction and general-industry asbestos standards apply to earthwork that disturbs asbestos-containing soil. Pair soil results with PCM/TEM air monitoring where airborne exposure is a concern.
Naturally occurring asbestos
NOA in serpentine and ultramafic rock is a growing concern on grading and quarry projects. CARB 435 point counting is the common approach for quantifying asbestos in these materials.
Have soil that needs an asbestos result?
Download the chain-of-custody form and a prepaid shipping label, or contact the lab and we’ll match the method to your regulatory driver.