Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath shares the following statement regarding the EPA’s staging location for Phase 1 cleanup for the Palisades Fire. The EPA has information available here.

“Protecting our delicate coastal ecosystem is essential. Right now, toxic material covers the entire burn area along the coast and the biggest risk we face is delaying its removal from our communities.

I have called on the EPA to ensure that their staging operation for Phase 1 be limited to 30 days.

The EPA are experts in this work, and we will hold them accountable for following proven control measures. These include:

• Fencing the entire area and staffing with 24-hour security.
• Storing materials on an impervious surface with secondary containment. The surface will include spill control measures including wattles, booms, earthen berms, and other items to prevent anything from leaving the processing area.
• Perimeter monitoring and air monitoring all around the site.
• Pre-and post- soil sampling at the sites to verify no negative impact.
• All materials will be containerized, stored, packaged safely, and protected from the elements.
• The materials will be transported off-site and will not be kept on site any longer than necessary, resulting in less traffic and more efficient trips.

The EPA identifies locations based on safety and the ability to transport material in a way that limits community impact. Their work is essential to a safe and swift recovery and requires our support with no delay.”

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