Army Corps Clears Hazardous Materials From 50% of High-Risk Wildfire Sites

The United States Army Corps of Engineers has cleared household hazardous materials from 2,269 properties affected by Los Angeles wildfires, marking 50% completion of sites initially too dangerous for standard cleanup. This milestone comes just one week after the Environmental Protection Agency’s deadline for completing Phase 1 hazardous materials removal in wildfire-affected areas.

“We know how much these families and communities have already been through, and we are working with a sense of urgency to help them move forward,” said Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office.

“Safely removing household hazardous materials is a critical first step, and we are pushing forward to complete Phase 1 as quickly as possible. At the same time, we are making steady progress in Phase 2 debris removal, with more than 125 properties completed and returned to the County, and over 400 parcels in various stages of hydro mulch application, erosion control, and final sign-off. Every cleared property is a step closer to rebuilding, and we remain committed to working as safely and quickly as possible,” Swenson said.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers took on these 4,499 high-risk properties after the Environmental Protection Agency completed initial hazardous materials removal at approximately 9,000 other sites. The deferred properties presented additional safety challenges including structurally compromised buildings, unstable terrain, or limited access.

Following authorization from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Army Corps implements “make safer” operations before removing hazardous materials. These preparatory measures include removing unstable debris, clearing materials blocking safe entry, and stabilizing terrain to protect personnel.

Heavy equipment and demolition techniques are authorized when necessary to secure properties safely. Once a site is stabilized, the United States Army Corps of Engineers removes hazardous materials following the same protocols used by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Property owners are not required to provide right of entry for Phase 1 hazardous materials removal, consistent with the Environmental Protection Agency’s approach and state directives for swift action. If a right of entry already exists for Phase 2 debris removal, both phases may be conducted consecutively for efficiency.

Items typically removed during Phase 1 include vehicle batteries, propane tanks, paint cans, solvents, automotive oils, appliances, and asbestos-containing materials. Property owners will not receive individual notification before this initial cleanup phase. However, they will receive notification before Phase 2 debris removal begins.

The Army Corps is also making progress on Phase 2 debris removal, with more than 125 properties completed and returned to the County. Over 400 parcels are currently in various stages of hydro mulch application, erosion control, and final sign-off.

After Phase 1 is completed, property owners who have opted into the Private Property Debris Removal program will have Phase 2 debris removed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Those choosing to manage cleanup independently must obtain a fire debris removal permit from the County before beginning work.

For additional information about the wildfire debris removal efforts, property owners can visit recovery.lacounty.gov.