About one week ago we sent soil samples from the lot to the University of Massachusetts, and the results came back in enormous detail--posted below. The most important part is the estimated total lead count of 557 ppm, "medium" by their standards but definitely enough to require raised beds if produce ever is grown. That much lead is in the soil probably because the spot was originally opened up when a building blew up there several years ago, leaving behind plenty of lead.
From the report's explanation of lead contamination: "Lead is naturally present in all soils. It occurs generally in the range of 15 to 40 parts lead per million parts of soil (ppm), or 15 to 40 milligrams lead per kilogram soil (mg/kg). Pollution can increase soil lead levels to several thousand ppm. The major cause of contamination by lead in populated areas is the weathering, chipping, scraping, sanding, and sand-blasting bearing lead-based paint...If estimated total lead levels are above 300 ppm, young children and pregnant women should avoid soil contact." For Medium lead levels (300 to 1000ppm), "Avoid growing leafy green vegetables and root crops if your children have above normal blood lead levels; Give planting preference to fruiting crops."
Some other stats:
Soil pH 7.5; Buffer pH 7.4; Phosphorus level LOW; Potassium level MEDIUM; Calcium level VERY HIGH; Magneisum level HIGH; Nitrate level LOW
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