U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Clears 50% of Phase 1 Deferred Properties

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has cleared 50% of the 4,499 properties deferred to it by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during Phase 1 household hazardous materials (HHM) removal operations. The milestone comes just seven days after the EPA’s deadline for completing Phase 1 work in wildfire-affected areas.

The EPA initially conducted HHM removal on approximately 9,000 properties. However, some sites posed additional safety risks, such as structurally compromised buildings, unstable terrain or limited access. These properties were deferred to USACE to implement safety measures before HHM removal could begin.

Following a mission assignment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), USACE was authorized to clear these deferred properties. As of March 8, the Army Corps has completed hazardous materials removal at 2,269 properties.

“We know how much these families and communities have already been through, and we are working with a sense of urgency to help them move forward,” said Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office. “Safely removing household hazardous materials is a critical first step, and we are pushing forward to complete Phase 1 as quickly as possible. At the same time, we are making steady progress in Phase 2 debris removal, with more than 125 properties completed and returned to the County, and over 400 parcels in various stages of hydromulch application, erosion control, and final sign-off. Every cleared property is a step closer to rebuilding, and we remain committed to working as safely and quickly as possible.”

Making Properties Safe Before Hazardous Materials Removal

Before removing hazardous materials, USACE conducts “make safer” operations to stabilize conditions and ensure safe access. These efforts may include:

  • Removing structurally unstable debris to prevent collapse risks.
  • Clearing hazardous materials that obstruct safe entry.
  • Stabilizing terrain where necessary to protect personnel.

The Corps of Engineers is authorized to use heavy equipment and demolition if needed to safely complete these operations. Once a property is secured, hazardous materials are removed following the same process used by the EPA.

Key Information for Property Owners

  • No right of entry required: USACE can remove hazardous materials without a signed right of entry, as the EPA did. If a right of entry is already in place for Phase 2 debris removal, both phases may be conducted back-to-back for efficiency.
  • No notification for Phase 1: Property owners will not receive individual notification before HHM removal, consistent with EPA’s approach and state directives for swift action. However, they will receive notification before Phase 2 debris removal begins.
  • Items removed in Phase 1 include: Vehicle batteries, propane tanks, paint cans, solvents, automotive oils, appliances and asbestos-containing materials.
  • Next steps after Phase 1:
    • If a property owner has opted into the Private Property Debris Removal program, USACE will conduct Phase 2 debris removal after hazardous materials are cleared.
    • If a property owner chooses to manage cleanup independently, they must obtain a fire debris removal permit from the County before beginning work.

For more information and updates on the wildfire debris removal effort, please visit recovery.lacounty.gov.