LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Teams headed by California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, or CalRecycle, are on the ground in Lake, Calaveras and Trinity counties to coordinate the cleanup and removal of harmful debris left behind by a string of devastating wildfires.
CalRecycle operations are nearing completion at the homeowner-approved sites in Trinity County, and debris removal work is under way at properties damaged by the Butte, Valley, Rocky and Jerusalem fires.
“CalRecycle is committed to using our resources and expertise to put the victims of these wildfires in a position to rebuild,” CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said. “We’re moving forward with the urgency required to ensure the rapid, safe removal of the debris to protect the safety of the residents and their environment.”
California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s Office of Emergency Services tasked CalRecycle with the design, implementation and oversight of the cleanup operations.
The department then worked with experts from the affected counties, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and other state, federal and local officials to coordinate planning and operations.
In all cases, teams execute hazardous waste sweeps – conducted by California’s DTSC or U.S. EPA – and extensive site documentation and testing at affected properties before debris removal begins.
Regarding the cleanup for the 76,0670-acre Valley fire, the state reported that more than 1,200 damaged properties have been documented, with 1,005 right of entry agreements signed.
The US EPA is conducting initial hazardous waste sweeps, with CalRecycle-contracted site documentation/sampling teams follow, officials said.
Debris removal began Oct. 3, with CalRecycle explaining that schools and surrounding properties are a top priority in addition to neighborhoods with a mix of burned homes and non-burned homes.
Residents can contact the Debris Removal Operations Center in Middletown for more information on debris removal status and scheduling by calling 707-987-1958.
CalRecycle said it has documented 76 damaged properties for the Rocky and Jerusalem fires, which burned 69,438 and 25,118 acres, respectively. So far, more than 36 right of entry agreements have been signed.
Hazardous waste sweeps and the work of CalRecycle-contracted site documentation/sampling teams follow are taking place, with debris removal beginning on Oct. 1, the state said.
CalRecycle said it also is working on debris removal for the Butte fire in Amador and Calaveras counties and for the fires in Trinity County.
Following the initial debris removal work, CalRecycle will conduct extensive tests, remove hazardous trees near damaged structures and take measures to control erosion in the burn areas.
Residents who wish to take advantage of CalRecycle’s debris removal assistance will need to sign right-of-entry agreements. Those who wish to conduct their own cleanup may do so, but should be aware of all safety and environmental standards and requirements.
Individual counties will have guidelines available for residents who wish to pursue this option.
Lake County residents should contact Lake County Environmental Health, 707-263-1164, for more information on right of entry agreements and self-cleanup standards.