EPA, county and city outline hazardous‑materials removal, debris plans and flood‑control concerns

Tara Fitzgerald, incident commander for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the operation, said the EPA ‘‘has been tasked by FEMA to conduct phase 1 household hazardous materials removal in the burn footprints’’ and that crews are beginning assessments in both Eaton and Palisades footprints. Fitzgerald said the initial phase focuses on removing immediate public‑health risks such as pesticides, batteries including damaged lithium‑ion batteries, fuel and other materials that require disposal at household hazardous‑waste facilities.

Mark Pastrea, director of LA County Public Works (transcript name), said county and city public‑works directors are assessing damage to create safe access for residents and make lots safe for entry. He described properties as “full of sediment, debris, silt and hazardous materials” and said the county is coordinating with EPA to remove toxics before broader debris removal.

Pastrea also discussed flood‑control and watershed impacts, saying the burned watersheds could generate “massive debris‑laden flows when it rains.” He said the county is developing plans to capture and hold debris during rain events and is predeploying labor to ready flood‑control systems and streets, adding that officials expect a return of rain later in the month.

Rebuilding and master planning: Pastrea said the Board of Supervisors directed the county to prepare the Altadena area “as if it is a master planned community” for rebuilding — a process that includes utilities, water, sewer and road planning and begins with debris and hazardous‑material removal. Officials said details about the debris removal process and timelines will be posted at recovery.lacounty.gov.

Public‑health guidance: Los Angeles County health officer Dr. Manzu Davis said returning residents must take precautions because ash and debris can contain asbestos, heavy metals and other chemicals. He advised wearing N95 or P100 masks, closed‑toe shoes, long sleeves and goggles when entering damaged properties and said hazardous household materials must be removed before debris removal proceeds. Officials said an order has been released requiring hazardous materials be removed first and that homeowners who choose to remove debris themselves must obtain approval and follow specified steps.

Ending: Federal, state and local officials said hazardous‑materials removal, debris‑management and flood‑control work are priorities before residents can safely repopulate; officials urged residents to wait for official clearance and to use recovery websites for details.