Palisades Homes ‘Too Toxic’ to Clear in Phase 1, Army Corps to Help in Phase 2
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed phase one of its work in the Palisades and Eaton fire areas, clearing approximately 9,200 properties.
Properties Deemed “Too Toxic” for Clearing
Despite removing over 300 million tons of hazardous material, the EPA has deemed thousands of properties “too toxic” for clearing until phase two – which will be conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Deferring Properties to Phase Two
“We, for this mission, do not have heavy equipment with us to help remove those physical safety hazards,” explained EPA Palisades Branch Director Ashley Nilsen. “So we have to defer those properties to phase two to the Army Corps, who, as a part of their mission, does have the right equipment and expertise to deal with those physical hazards on the properties.”
Impact on Rebuilding Process
Residents cannot begin rebuilding until properties have been cleared, but officials said deferring the properties to the Army Corps shouldn’t change the time frame when it comes to the rebuilding process.
“The Corps is already here, they’re following right behind us,” Nilsen told KTLA’s Erin Myers. “As soon as we defer a property to phase two for the issues we’ve discussed, it goes right into the Corps’ bucket to address that property.”
Ocean Water Advisory and Debris Removal
Fire debris has also started to make its way into the ocean, leading to an ocean water advisory from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach.
Sediment tests are being done and the L.A. County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors has been removing debris daily.
At this time, officials are encouraging beachgoers to stay out of the water.
Working in Toxic Waste Areas during Rain
With more rain on the way to SoCal, there are concerns for those working in the toxic waste areas, but the EPA said teams have still been able to work during previous storms.
Conclusion
The EPA’s completion of phase one in the Palisades and Eaton fire areas marks a significant step forward in the recovery process. However, the deferral of thousands of properties to phase two, which will be conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers, highlights the complexity and severity of the situation. As officials continue to work towards clearing the area, residents can expect a gradual return to normalcy.
FAQs
* What is the current status of the Palisades and Eaton fire areas?
The EPA has completed phase one of its work, clearing approximately 9,200 properties.
* Why have thousands of properties been deemed “too toxic” for clearing?
The EPA does not have the necessary equipment to remove physical safety hazards, and will defer these properties to phase two, which will be conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers.
* What is the impact on the rebuilding process?
Deferring properties to phase two will not change the time frame for the rebuilding process, as the Army Corps is already present and will address these properties.
* What is the current status of the ocean water advisory?
An ocean water advisory is in effect from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach, with officials encouraging beachgoers to stay out of the water.
