Wildfire Debris Removal Underway in Northern California: CalRecycle Crews Conducting Simultaneous Cleanup Operations in Shasta and Siskiyou Counties

Office of Public Affairs
For Immediate Release: September 7, 2018
News Release #2018-18
CalRecycle Media Contact: Lance Klug
CalOES Media Contact: CalOES newsroom

SACRAMENTO – Crews managed by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery have begun clearing wildfire debris from burned properties in Shasta (Carr Fire) and Siskiyou (Klamathon Fire) counties. The efforts are part of a two-phase wildfire cleanup program implemented under the leadership of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and local governments at no out-of-pocket cost to homeowners.

Phase 1 (Mandatory) – The California Department of Toxic Substances Control removes hazardous debris such as asbestos siding or pipe insulation, paints, batteries, flammable liquids, and other materials.

Phase 2 (Voluntary) – Following the removal of hazardous debris, CalRecycle contractors assess properties and remove contaminated soil, ash, metal, concrete, and other debris to restore properties to pre-fire conditions.

“First and foremost, CalRecycle would like to express our support and sympathy for the homeowners, firefighters, and community members impacted by wildfires burning across California,” CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said. “CalRecycle is working alongside local governments, Cal OES, and other state agencies to bring all available resources to help our communities recover and rebuild.”

Shasta County

Household hazardous waste removal on roughly 1,200 properties is underway by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. CalRecycle contractors began assessing HHW-cleared properties on August 25. Debris removal started September 6.

CalRecycle photos of debris removal at a property on Spinnaker Drive in the City of Redding on September 6, 2018.

Siskiyou County

DTSC completed household hazardous waste removal on 60 properties in late July, 2018. CalRecycle contractors began assessing burned properties on August 15. Debris removal started August 27.

CalRecycle Operations

• Site Assessment and Documentation: Identify and remove remaining asbestos. Measure and record foundation, structures, debris, utility infrastructure, and property-specific hazards. Obtain and evaluate background soil samples to establish cleanup goals.
• Debris Removal: Remove of all burnt debris, foundations, ash, and contaminated soil.
• Confirmation Sampling: Sample and analyze soil, compare results to cleanup goals, scrape additional contaminated soil as needed.
• Erosion Control: Implement erosion controls to minimize sediment runoff and promote vegetation growth.
• Final Inspection: Certify property owner’s lot is clean and eligible to receive a building permit.

Residents who wish to take advantage of the CalRecycle-managed debris removal program must return signed right-of-entry agreements to their local government. A Debris Removal Operations Center has been established in each community as a resource for impacted property owners to return right-of-entry forms or get answers to any questions.

For more information contact, the Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov

Home Page | News Releases | Public Meetings | Event Calendar | Videos | Publications | Organics | Bottles and Cans
CalRecycle's mission is to protect California's environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery, and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.