Lead Education and Assistance

• Provide education and resources on lead-safe practices and exposure prevention.
• Implement and administer institutional controls for long-term reduction of exposure risk.
• Administer the Regulations Governing Soil Displacement and Disposal(PDF, 1MB) within the Superfund administrative boundaries.
• Conduct residential environmental assessments, including testing of soil and interior dust.
• Educate the public about the importance of nutrition, personal hygiene, and safe play in reducing lead exposure.
• Provide information on the status of clean-up and sampling results for properties within the administrative boundary.
• Provide presentations to schools, day cares, professional organizations, and other groups.

Permit Requirements

• The project involves displacing one or more cubic yards of soil AND
• The soil on the property has lead levels above 500 mg/kg

Regulations Governing Soil Displacement and Disposal(PDF, 1MB) 

Use the East Helena Institutional Controls Interactive Map to view the status of each property within the East Helena Administrative Boundary:

• Properties shown in green on the map have been cleaned up and do not require a permit for soil displacement activities.
• Properties shown in blue have not been cleaned up. Clicking on the project site on the map shows the highest lead level. If the highest lead level is above the 500 mg/kg threshold, a permit is required. 

If the project requires a permit, please complete the following application. Submit the permit application at least one week in advance to allow time for review and adjustments to the plan.  

Lewis and Clark County: Soil Displacement Permit Application (lccountymt.gov)

NEW! The location of the East Helena soils repository has changed. Map of New Repository Location(PDF, 497KB)

East Helena Soil Certification

Lead Certification Training is a requirement for anyone applying for a permit for soil displacement in the East Helena Superfund Administrative Boundary. The training is designed to educate individuals working with lead-contaminated soil on how to keep themselves and the community safe.

Training takes about 15 minutes and can be done virtually, in-person, or by phone. The training certificate is good for two years. Please complete the following application to request training: 

Application to Complete East Helena Lead Certification Training

For questions related to permitting and certification, please contact Joel Ebert at 406-447-8356 or joebert@lccountymt.gov.

What to do if you believe your child has been exposed to lead

If you suspect your child has been exposed to lead, reach out to your child's health care provider to have your child tested. Some symptoms of lead exposure in children include learning difficulties, irritability, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, developmental delays, and seizures. This list of symptoms is not all inclusive and symptoms may present differently in each child. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. 

Exposure Prevention Tips and Resources

Lead in Your Home (epa.gov)

Blood Lead Levels in Children (cdc.gov)

All Children Can Be Exposed to Lead (cdc.gov)

Do-it-yourself Renovation Resources

If you decide to complete repairs on your own, see the following link to the EPA Guide for Safe Renovation:

 Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting

Blood Lead Level Reporting Requirements and How to Report

Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Levels | Lead | CDC

Maintaining a Lead-Safe Environment for Children

Childcare providers play an important role in preventing childhood lead exposure. If your childcare facility was built before 1978, there is a good chance that lead-based paint is present in the facility. Children are particularly at risk for lead exposure due to the tendency to crawl around on the floor and put their hands and other objects in their mouths. Children also absorb lead into their bodies more readily than adults. Exposure to lead can lead to lifelong damage to the brain and nervous system. There are several precautions you can take in your facility to maintain a lead-safe environment:

Maintain interior and exterior paint in excellent condition. Peeling or chipped paint must be addressed by a Lead-Safe Certified renovation firm.

• Have the water tested to ensure that plumbing components are not leaching lead into the drinking water.
• Vacuum frequently.
• Dust frequently
• Ensure that toys come from a safe source and do not contain lead-based paint.
• Wash toys, bottles, and pacifiers often.
• Assist children with frequent hand washing.
• If your facility provides meals, provide a diet that is low in fat and high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before serving.

Please see the following links for additional resources: 

Resources for Child Care Providers about Lead | US EPA

EPA Requirements for Firms Conducting Renovations

Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Renovator Training | US EPA

Property Clean-up Status

Individuals purchasing homes within the East Helena Superfund Administrative Boundary can find information on the clean-up status of a property by searching the property address using East Helena Institutional Controls Interactive Map.

Properties shown in green have had the contaminated soil removed from the property and replaced with clean soil. Properties in blue have not been cleaned up. 

To request additional information about a specific property, please complete the following form or contact Joel Ebert at 406-457-8356 or joebert@lccountymt.gov. 

East Helena Property Information Request