Soil and Attic Testing
Historic mining in and around Butte left elevated levels of metals such as lead and arsenic in some residential soils and attic dust. Testing exists to identify potential exposure and reduce risk, especially for children. It is a normal part of living in a community with a long industrial history — and it is provided at no cost to residents.
Why soil and attic testing matters
Soil and attic dust can be pathways for exposure to metals, particularly lead, arsenic, and other mining-related contaminants.
Young children are more likely to be exposed because they play close to the ground and they put hands or objects in their mouths.
Testing helps identify where cleanup can reduce exposure before it becomes a problem.
The Residential Metals Abatement Program (RMAP)
The Residential Metals Abatement Program, known as RMAP, is a Superfund-funded program designed to protect residents' health.
RMAP provides free soil testing, free attic dust testing, and cleanup and replacement when needed.
Participation is voluntary, and the program is focused on prevention and protection, not enforcement.
How does testing work?
Testing is straightforward and designed to minimize disruption.
Step 1: Scheduling — You contact RMAP to schedule an appointment.
Step 2: Sampling — Trained staff collect soil samples from your yard and dust samples from your attic.
Step 3: Analysis — Samples are analyzed to determine whether metal levels exceed health-based criteria.
Step 4: Results — You receive clear explanations of the results and what they mean.
What happens if elevated levels are found?
If testing shows elevated metal levels, RMAP staff explain the findings and cleanup options are discussed. Contaminated soil may be removed and replaced, and attic insulation may be removed and replaced.
All approved cleanup work is performed at no cost to the homeowner.
The goal is to reduce exposure — not to create hardship.
What testing does not mean
Testing does not mean your home is unsafe, you are required to move, your property will be labeled or restricted, or that you did something wrong.
Testing is a protective service — not a judgment.
Who should consider testing?
Testing is especially encouraged if you live in older neighborhoods, you have young children, your yard includes bare soil, or you have not participated in testing before.
If you're unsure whether testing applies to you, it's okay to ask.
How to get started
To schedule soil or attic testing, contact the Residential Metals Abatement Program:
Phone: (406) 497-5040
RMAP staff can answer questions and help you decide what makes sense for your household.
How soil and attic testing fit into Superfund
Soil and attic testing are part of the Butte Priority Soils cleanup area. They are designed to reduce exposure, protect health, and complement broader cleanup efforts across the region.