2018 wildfire season: Camp Fire post fire hazardous waste clean-up - Feb 2019 update

I have written Three articles on the Camp Fire post fire hazardous waste clean-up. On December 19, 2018 I introduced the hazardous waste clean-up that is taking place in two phases. Phase one, completed on or about February 2, 2019, involved the removal of household hazardous waste See this Camp Fire Response graphic (I am not sure how long this graphic will be available). With the completion of phase one, phase two is probably well under way. In my January 4th article I covered precautions that people should take when re-entering their property after the hazardous waste is completed but before debris and ash removal is completed. Finally, I wrote on January 11th about the conundrum of where to put the non-hazardous debris, I don't know the resolution of this.

My understanding is that fire related debris is removed under phase two through a government-sponsored debris removal program for those who have elected to participate or through an alternative debris removal program. Links to the phase 2 program may be found on the Butte County Recovers website. As I write this, I am not sure how long these links will be active.

To the best of my knowledge ash will be removed under phase two. More soil samples will be taken under phase two for testing. See this CAL recycles webpage for more information.

The following items are eligible for removal according to this document on the 2018 Consolidated Wildfire Debris Removal Program (California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, CAL Recycle, Butte County Recovers, Town of Paradise California):

• Destroyed residential houses (includes all out buildings on the property).
• Residential houses with significant damage (1 wall standing).
• Occupant damaged houses.
• Occupant owned manufactured housing units (mobile homes).
• Commercial / rental manufactured housing units (mobile homes).
• Commercial structures.
• Combined use, commercial and residential.
• Vehicles and boats if on property where a home was destroyed / there is another structure eligible for removal.
• Destroyed garage / shed / non-commercial barns / play structures and other outbuildings will be removed if it is 120 square feet or more.
• Foundations (slab on grade excluding seismic piers) will be removed.
• Basements . wine cellars will be removed or fenced.

The following items are not eligible for removal according to this document on the 2018 Consolidated Wildfire Debris Removal Program:

• Residential houses with significant damage, more that 1 wall standing. However, the structure may be eligible if it presents an immediate threat to life, public health, or safety. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Partially damaged houses (minimal damage)
• Vehicles and boats not meeting the criteria for removal (above). However, if they are in the public right of way, the county will remove / owner can have insurance remove.
• Destroyed garage / shed / non-commercial barns / play structures and other outbuildings it it is less than 120 square feet.
• Residential swimming pools are not removed but will be fenced.
• Driveways and retaining walls.
• Trees are not eligible for removal unless they present a danger to workers
• Patios.
• Seismic piers.
• Wells.
• Septic tanks.
• Docks are not eligible unless it presents an immediate threat to life, public health, or safety. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.