The Altadena Recovery Community Meeting addressed the rebuilding process post-fire. Phase one involves EPA-led hazardous waste removal, focusing on asbestos, lead, and chemicals. Phase two offers two options: a government-run program for free debris removal or independent cleanup.
The government program includes property assessments, hazardous tree removal, and soil testing.
The EPA's hazardous materials removal is free, and a tracking map is available on recovery.lacounty.gov. The meeting also covered security measures, insurance concerns, and the importance of wearing protective gear during cleanup.
A one-stop center in Altadena is being established to streamline services.
Action Items
[ ] Make the right of entry form available starting tomorrow, January 28, 2025 for property owners to opt-in to the government debris removal program.
[ ] Provide more information on the debris removal program at an 8 o'clock press conference on Wednesday.
[ ] Encourage property owners to fill out the right of entry form as soon as possible to expedite the debris removal process.
[ ] Introduce a motion at the Board of Supervisors meeting to cut red tape and eliminate bureaucracy for the rebuilding process.
[ ] Establish a one-stop shop office in Altadena to assist residents with the recovery and rebuilding process.
[ ] Make the "Eaton and Palisades Fire Phase Two Debris Removal Permit" available on the Epic LA website within a week.
[ ] Review permit applications and contractors' work plans to ensure compliance with government program requirements.
Outline
Phase One and Debris Removal Process
Speaker 1 thanks everyone for attending and explains the purpose of the meetings.
Speaker 2 emphasizes the importance of phase one, which involves the EPA removing hazardous waste.
Speaker 2 announces the availability of a form for property owners to opt in for debris removal.
Speaker 2 mentions a motion at the Board of Supervisors to cut red tape and expedite the rebuilding process.
Phase Two Options and Government-Run Program
Speaker 2 explains phase two, which involves the removal of general fire debris by the government or private contractors.
Speaker 2 describes the government-run program, which includes removing damaged structures, trees, ash, and other materials.
Speaker 2 details the opt-in process for the government-run program, including the release date and closure date for the right of entry document.
Speaker 2 outlines the steps involved in the government-run program, including property assessments and hazardous material removal.
Opt-Out Option and Independent Debris Removal
Speaker 2 explains the opt-out option, where property owners can manage the cleanup independently.
Speaker 2 mentions the need for EPA phase certification before applying for a permit.
Speaker 2 describes the permit process, including the steps to ensure contractors follow all rules and regulations.
Speaker 2 provides cost estimates for independent debris removal, noting that it is likely to be expensive.
Protective Equipment and Air Quality Guidance
Speaker 4 discusses the importance of wearing protective equipment when dealing with fire debris.
Speaker 4 advises using N95 masks, long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes, and safety goggles.
Speaker 4 emphasizes the need to clean up ash gently to avoid stirring up dust.
Speaker 4 provides guidance on how to protect oneself when entering fire-damaged properties.
Community Questions and Answers
Speaker 5 raises concerns about salvaging valuable items from the rubble before debris removal.
Speaker 1 clarifies that property owners can still retrieve items with proper protective equipment.
Speaker 6 from EPA confirms that hazardous materials removal is at no cost to property owners.
Speaker 2 and Speaker 6 discuss the marking of trees and the importance of certified arborists in determining hazardous trees.
Soil Testing and Property Remediation
Speaker 2 explains that soil testing is not part of phase two but will involve removing six inches of soil from the entire site.
Speaker 2 mentions that the county is not planning on doing soil testing at this time.
Speaker 3 asks about the tracking map for cleanup updates, and Speaker 6 provides information on the EPA's story map.
Speaker 2 and Speaker 1 discuss the importance of submitting building plans and the potential for building ADUs.
Security and Insurance Concerns
Speaker 8 from LASD discusses the measures being taken to protect properties from theft.
Speaker 8 mentions the availability of periodic property checks and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.
Speaker 4 addresses concerns about smoke damage and the need for specific testing and remediation.
Speaker 1 provides information on official county signs and their relevance to insurance adjusters.
Final Remarks and Contact Information
Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of submitting debris removal opt-in forms and building plans.
Speaker 1 mentions the goal of allowing ADUs to remain on properties post-rebuilding.
Speaker 3 provides information on the upcoming insurance town hall and the availability of representatives at the Altadena recovery center.
Speaker 9 from FEMA encourages applicants to call for resources related to cleanup and debris removal.
