The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) hosted a virtual community meeting starting at 3 p.m. on July 21, 2025, to share information about recent lead emissions from Gopher Resource, a battery recycling facility in Eagan. While the cause of the elevated lead emissions has been resolved, representatives of the MPCA, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and Dakota County Environment and Health will be present to answer questions about lead levels from the Gopher Resource site.
Check your soil for lead. If you live near the Gopher Resource facility and want to check your yard or garden soil for lead, MDH will have a soil testing drop-off at the in-person community meeting on July 22. Please use this link for how to prepare a soil sample for testing: www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/docs/samplecollect.pdf
There will also be a drop box at the Dakota County Wescott Library (1340 Wescott Rd. in Eagan) that is open from July 14 (9 a.m.) to Aug. 1 (3 p.m.).
- Read these soil sampling instructions or pick up soil sampling instructions at the drop box location.
- Collect a sample from your yard or garden and drop it off in the designated box at the library.
The Minnesota Department of Health will analyze your sample within two weeks, and you’ll get your results within a month. Your personal information will only be seen by Minnesota Department of Health staff who are analyzing the soil and sharing your results.
