LaFollette High School

702 Pflaum Rd. Madison, WI

Total Students Enrolled: Approx. 1700, grades 9-12
TESTING PRIORITY: LOW
ABSTRACT:
The main concern for lead contamination near LaFollette High School is the buildings proximity
to Pflaum Rd., a collector road that historically served the residential area surrounding the
school. Since many of the homes in this area were built in the early 1900s, it may be assumed
that the traffic on Pflaum Rd. consisted of cars fueled with leaded gasoline for a considerable
period of time. The garden, which is an arboretum, is not currently in use by students or faculty.
Testing may be a consideration if restoration or other activities that involve soil contact are
planned. Overall, in spite of the proximity to Pflaum Rd, existing vegetative cover and current
lack of soil contact garden activities means that the exposure risk to lead contaminated soil is
low.
GARDEN CHARACTERISTICS
Garden Type: Arboretum. The LaFollette High School Arboretum was originally
designed to represent three ecosystems- prairie, woodland, and pond; and was used by the
student ecology and experimental gardening clubs for exploration and restoration
projects. However, the arboretum has been largely overlooked in recent years, and does
not currently appear to be in use by students or faculty members.
Bed Type: Not applicable
When established: Information not available
Size: Approximately 12500 square feet
Location on school grounds: The arboretum is located on the perimeter of
LaFollettes grounds, less than 40 feet from Pflaum Rd
Soil type/soil origins: Soil is native to the area (not imported)
Mitigation used: None
Has soil been tested: Information not available
NEARBY LAND USE
Major Roads: Pflaum Rd. (Collector)
The arboretum is adjacent to and 40 feet away from Pflaum Rd., which would have served as the
primary mode of access to the residential neighborhood surrounding LaFollette High School. The
proximity of the arboretum to Pflaum Rd. is something to consider if restoration and continued
development of the arboretum is a priority. While not a highway or particularly high-traffic road,
the historical nature of the surrounding community makes it likely that vehicles fueled with
leaded gasoline once frequented the area. This seems to be the most likely source of potential
lead contamination of the arboretum soil.
PAST SITE USE
Land use around LaFollette High School was historically residential, with many of the
surrounding homes built in the early 1900s.

CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION

Initial Construction: The school was built in 1963.
Renovation: Information on renovation could not be found.
BUILDING MATERIALS
Paint:
Since LaFollette was built before lead-based house paint was banned in 1978, it is highly likely
that lead-based paint was used during the schools initial construction. However, it is equally
likely that the school has applied mitigation techniques to prevent lead exposure. Nevertheless,
paint chips containing lead may have since chipped off due to weathering. It is very unlikely that
this would have contributed to soil contamination, as the arboretum is located far from the actual
school building.
Other Materials:
The school is made out of brick and concrete. Therefore, it is unlikely that a significant amount
of lead paint was applied to the outer walls of the school.