In response to increasing criticism from wildfire survivors and California officials, federal disaster agencies are standing by their decision not to conduct soil testing following the debris removal from properties affected by recent fires in Los Angeles County. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have stated that their cleanup efforts will include the removal of toxic ash, rubble, and a six-inch layer of topsoil. However, they announced this week that they will not mandate soil testing to verify whether properties remain contaminated after cleanup.
This approach marks a significant shift from past practices, where follow-up soil testing has been a standard procedure after major wildfires in California since 2007. Such testing is crucial to ensure that properties meet state remediation standards and do not contain hazardous levels of toxic substances. Despite the absence of testing, FEMA insists that the removal of the topsoil is adequate to safeguard public health.
Brandi Richard Thompson, a spokesperson for FEMA Region 9, defended the agency’s strategy, claiming it is grounded in scientific best practices and long-standing policies. She noted that contamination deeper than six inches is unlikely to stem from the fire and does not pose an immediate health threat. Nonetheless, the lack of soil testing has ignited outrage among local officials and fire survivors, who fear that this could leave dangerous levels of toxins unaddressed.
Governor Gavin Newsom convened an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the implications of the federal policy, though details regarding his position on the cleanup have not been disclosed. Local representatives, including Rep. Brad Sherman, have urged FEMA to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the community’s right to have their properties tested for safety. Sherman indicated that if FEMA continues to refuse testing, he may seek assistance from state agencies or local researchers to conduct the necessary assessments.
The decision not to test soil stands in contrast to FEMA’s actions following the 2023 wildfires in Maui, where the agency funded soil testing due to a lack of historical wildfire data. This inconsistency raises concerns among California residents, especially since past testing has revealed unsafe levels of toxic chemicals remaining even after the removal of topsoil.
Survivors of the fires, such as Kenneth Ehrlich from Pacific Palisades, express deep concern about rebuilding on potentially contaminated land. Ehrlich, who lost his home, indicated that he and his sons were so unsettled by the state of their neighborhood that they did not even exit their car upon returning. He, along with others, is considering hiring private contractors for soil testing to ensure their future safety.
Public officials initially praised the speed of the cleanup efforts, but as concerns have mounted, some residents are calling for a more cautious approach to ensure that the cleanup is conducted correctly. As heavy rains continue to impact the area, fears grow that contaminants may seep deeper into the soil, posing long-term health risks.
In light of these developments, many residents, including Ehrlich, are advocating for a thorough cleanup process that guarantees a safe environment for rebuilding. They argue that while quick action is essential, it must not come at the cost of public safety and health.