Q: Phase 2 - Debris Removal

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery Site assessment and documentation Measure and record foundation, structures, debris, utility infrastructure, and property-specific hazards. Obtain and evaluate soil samples to establish cleanup goals for the project; identify and remove remaining asbestos-containing materials. Debris removal Remove of all burnt debris, foundations, dangerous trees, and contaminated soil Conduct confirmation sampling. Sample and analyze soil and compare results to cleanup goals. Erosion control measures Implement storm water best management practices to control sediment runoff and promote vegetation growth. Final inspection Property owners receive a certification that verifies the lot is clean and eligible to receive a building permit. Private Cleanups: Property owners who do not qualify for, or who choose not to participate in, the state program should consult their local officials for information on contractor requirements and cleanup standards. More information is available from CalRecycle here .

Question 1

If my home or business was damaged/destroyed in the wildfire, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

1. If you have insurance for your home, personal property, vehicle, and/or business, contact your insurance agent/company to seek assistance on filing a claim.

2. Register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number for hearing impaired is 1-800-462-7585. You may also register online by going to wwww.disasterassistance.gov. Be prepared to provide essential information such as name, address, address where damages occurred, social security number, phone number, etc.

3. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center where a variety of services and assistance is available from federal, state, local, and nonprofit organizations, including home and personal property losses, business loss and recovery, replacement of vital records and documents, DMV license replacement, tax assistance, unemployment information, etc.

Butte County (Chico): Chico Mall - Former Sears Store 1982 East 20th Street, Chico, Ca 95828 Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Butte County (Oroville): Oroville Store Front Location 1982 East 20th Street, Chico, Ca 95828 Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Ventura County: Malibu Courthouse in Malibu Civic Center 23525 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265 Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Los Angeles County: Conrad N. Hilton Foundation 30440 Agoura Rd. Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Question 2

Phase 1 - Household Hazardous Waste Removal

Accepted Answer

California Department of Toxic Substances Control and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clear properties of household hazardous waste, including lead acid and household batteries; compressed gas cylinders; bulk pesticides, fertilizers and pool chemicals; paints, thinners and aerosol cans; asbestos siding, pipe insulation and tiles; and CRTs from televisions, computers and other electronic devices.

Assess properties for asbestos and remove bulk asbestos material.

The contaminated debris is cleaned up and contained as quickly as possible to minimize exposure to emergency personnel, the public, and workers involved in restoration efforts. California Department of Toxic Substances Control also populates a mapping tool that’s designed both for emergency crews and public use. The data inputted by crews on the ground streamlines DTSC’s cleanup of Household Hazardous Waste and keeps the public updated in real time. More information and interactive maps are available from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control here: https://www.dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/ERP/wildfire-waste-removal.cfm

Question 3

Phase 2 - Debris Removal

Accepted Answer

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery

Site assessment and documentation

Measure and record foundation, structures, debris, utility infrastructure, and property-specific hazards.
Obtain and evaluate soil samples to establish cleanup goals for the project; identify and remove remaining asbestos-containing materials.

Debris removal

Remove of all burnt debris, foundations, dangerous trees, and contaminated soil
Conduct confirmation sampling.
Sample and analyze soil and compare results to cleanup goals.

Erosion control measures

Implement storm water best management practices to control sediment runoff and promote vegetation growth.

Final inspection

Property owners receive a certification that verifies the lot is clean and eligible to receive a building permit.

Private Cleanups: Property owners who do not qualify for, or who choose not to participate in, the state program should consult their local officials for information on contractor requirements and cleanup standards. More information is available from CalRecycle here.

Question 4

4. How will I know if household hazardous waste has been removed from my property?

Accepted Answer

The DMT will mark the property indicating that household hazardous waste has been removed.

Question 5

12. Once the household hazardous waste is removed by DTSC and U.S. EPA, can property owners hire their own contractors to remove the remaining debris?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you decide to remove fire-related debris from your property, you must obtain all the necessary permits and environmental clearances from your local government before your contractors start any work.

Question 6

20. What portion of my homeowner’s policy will the local government collect for debris removal?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the policy that you have. There are generally two types of debris removal coverages in a homeowner’s insurance policy:

Specified Amount: If your homeowner’s insurance policy contains a separate, debris-specific clause, the local government will only collect the specified amount designated in the debris removal clause. These clauses are typically capped at a percentage of the coverage amounts listed in the policy (for example, 5 percent of the value of a primary structure, other structure, and personal property). You will not owe the local government any additional money, even if the actual costs to remove the debris exceeded the amount designated in your insurance policy for debris removal.
No Specified Amount: If your homeowner’s insurance policy does not have a separate, debris-specific clause and instead includes the costs of debris removal in the total coverage, the local government will only collect insurance proceeds for debris removal after you have rebuilt your home. The local government will only collect any available insurance proceeds, if any, after the rebuild. If there are no remaining funds, the homeowner will not owe the local government any additional money for debris removal.

Question 7

5. Is the debris-removal program only for houses that are completely destroyed?

Accepted Answer

This debris removal program is for fire-damaged or destroyed houses, as directed by local government. If you are unsure if your house qualifies for the debris- removal program, submit a Right-of-Entry form to your local government for assessment.

Question 8

13. My house was destroyed in the fire. Can I go back onto my property to see if I can find any valuables or mementos?

Accepted Answer

Visiting your property will NOT jeopardize your claims for disaster assistance. Property owners who desire to search for possible salvageable items should do so with caution and with proper protective gear: eye protection, masks, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. Residents should minimize contact with fire debris, which may contain materials that can be hazardous to your health and are not able to move fire debris on or off of their property. For more information visit: https://buttecountyrecovers.org/re-entry https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR18-056.aspx https://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/upload/Fire_Emergency_Guidance_FS_1.pdf

Question 9

21. If I participate in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program, will the local government have the right to take all of my insurance proceeds?

Accepted Answer

No. The local government will only seek reimbursement from the insurance carrier as stated above. The local government will not attempt to collect any insurance proceeds designated for rebuilding.

Question 10

6. What is considered household hazardous waste?

Accepted Answer

Household hazardous waste is waste from houses that poses a threat to public health, animals, or the environment. Hazardous waste includes chemicals that are ignitable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Examples include pool chemicals, car batteries, antifreeze, used oil filters, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, propane tanks, disinfectants, aerosols, paint, bleach, and ammunition.

Question 11

14. Can residents be present during the cleanup of their personal property?

Accepted Answer

The safety of the general public and workers is a priority during debris operations. To prevent safety hazards, the public is encouraged to stay away from areas where debris removal operations are underway. Exclusion zones will be established surrounding the current work area to ensure safety of the public.

Question 12

22. Can I use my debris removal insurance policy to remove items that are ineligible for removal under the Consolidated Debris Removal program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have a specified amount for debris removal in your insurance policy, you may use your insurance proceeds to remove fire related debris that is ineligible for removal under the program (e.g., swimming pools, patios, trees, etc...). The local government will only collect remaining insurance proceeds, if any, after you have removed ineligible fire related debris.

If your homeowner’s insurance policy does not have a separate, debris-specific clause and instead includes the costs of debris removal in the total coverage, you may use these proceeds to pay for the removal of fire related debris that is ineligible for removal under the program. The local government will only collect remaining insurance proceeds, if any, after you have removed ineligible fire related debris.

In either scenario, the property owner will be required to substantiate all expenditures.

Question 13

7. Are burned electronics and appliances (white goods) included in the household hazardous waste cleanup?

Accepted Answer

Teams handling hazardous waste will not remove appliances or electronic wastes, such as TV and computer monitors, computers processing units, or cell phones. These materials will be removed as part of the overall debris removal process.

Question 14

15. How are the DMT protecting our rivers, streams and aquifers from contamination?

Accepted Answer

The DMT will use erosion controls on the site as well as use silt collection devices around storm drains to minimize impacts to rivers, streams and the aquifers. They are also taking measures such as wrapping the debris in trucks to minimize particles traveling from the air to the water.

Question 15

23. Will the State’s Debris Task Force use local contractors in this effort?

Accepted Answer

The State’s Debris Task Force will choose a prime contractor who will hire subcontractors. The State’s Debris Task Force will make every effort to encourage the prime contractor to use local subcontractors. If you have any questions regarding the Consolidated Debris Removal Program, send them to debrisquestions@caloes.ca.gov or visit our website at wildfirerecovery.org. If you have any questions about completing the Right-of-Entry form for Phase II of the Debris Removal Program, send them to roe@buttecounty.net or call 530.552.3155.

Question 16

8. Why not just have the contractors remove household hazardous waste as part of the general clean up?

Accepted Answer

Household hazardous waste must be removed without delay to protect public health and safety. This is an emergency protective measure. Hazardous waste could have significant long-term environmental impacts and should not be combined with the waste from the general clean-up that is going to the landfill.

Removal of hazardous waste from the fire debris prevents these environmental contaminants from polluting the environment, and protects the workers and the public from exposure during debris removal efforts.

Removal crews are specifically certified to handle household hazardous waste.

Question 17

16. Who ensures compliance with worker safety regulations?

Accepted Answer

The State’s Debris Task Force’s safety professionals and contractor safety staff ensure work is complying with all OSHA, Cal/OSHA and state and federal EPA standards.

Question 18

1. What is the Consolidated Debris Removal Program?

Accepted Answer

The Consolidated Debris Removal Program (Program) has two phases: removal of household hazardous waste and removal of other fire-related debris. In Phase I, local government, state and federal agencies have organized teams of experts from the California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to inspect your property and remove any household hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as batteries, herbicide, pesticide, propane tanks, asbestos siding, and paints. Phase I is automatic and includes both residential and commercial properties destroyed by the fire. In Phase II, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and local officials coordinate with the State’s Debris Task Force and its Debris Management Teams (DMT) to conduct fire-related debris removal from your property if you have elected to participate in the program by completing and signing a Right-of-Entry (ROE) Form.

Question 19

9. When will my debris be cleared?

Accepted Answer

Crews have already begun removal of hazardous household waste. Removal of fire debris, other than hazardous household waste, is scheduled to begin in January of 2019.

There are a number of factors that determine when your lot will be scheduled for debris removal. Contractors are responsible for planning their work, based on priorities set by Cal OES and partners, with input from local government and city governments, to maximize efficiency.

Question 20

17. What safety and environmental regulations are contractors required to comply with?

Accepted Answer

Contractors are required to comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding safety and the environment. Whenever there is a conflict between codes or regulations, the most stringent regulation is applied.

Question 21

2. What do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Phase I (household hazardous waste): You do not need to do anything to have household hazardous waste removed from your property. Operations are automatic and already underway. Phase II (remaining fire-related debris): To sign up for the Phase II Program, you will complete an ROE form to grant government contractors access to your property to conduct the debris removal. Please provide insurance information with the ROE as applicable. Visit ButteCountyRecovers.org to download the ROE. Submittal for unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county can be made at these locations:

RETURN VIA MAIL OR IN PERSON TO: Butte County Environmental Health, 202 Mira Loma Dr., Oroville CA 95965
RETURN IN PERSON ONLY: Disaster Recovery Center at the Chico Mall, 1982 E. 20th Street in Chico
E-MAIL TO: ROE@buttecounty.net

Question 22

10. What is soil testing? Why is this being performed, and how? Who tests the soil?

Accepted Answer

Crews scrape 3 – 6” of soil from the ash footprint and samples are sent to a state-approved lab for analysis. The results are compared against background samples taken from areas in the vicinity that are not directly impacted by fire to ensure that all contaminated ash was removed. If necessary, more soil is removed and the site is retested until it comes back clear of contaminants. All soil testing results are returned to the DMT for final review and validation.

Question 23

18. Who will pay for the debris removal?

Accepted Answer

All initial costs will be paid by state and federal agencies. However, if property owners have homeowners insurance covering debris removal, owners must inform local officials by indicating that coverage on their ROE. Homeowners may be required to remit that portion of their insurance proceeds specifically reserved for debris.

Question 24

3. After I turn in an ROE to my local government, what happens next?

Accepted Answer

First, the ROE Center reviews your ROE to ensure it has been filled out correctly. They will also cross check property records to verify you are the property owner. Afterwards, the ROE will be transferred to the DMT for processing and scheduling.

Question 25

11. After debris clearance and soil testing, what are the next steps?

Accepted Answer

Once the DMT have ensured that contractors have removed all debris and soil testing meets California state standards, contractors will return to install erosion control methods. The DMT will then report to your local government that your lot is clear. Your local government will then notify you that your property is safe and ready for rebuilding.

Question 26

19. If I have homeowner’s insurance, can I still participate in the debris removal program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, to avoid a duplication of benefits provided by the state or federal government, your insurance company may be required to provide payment from your policy designated for debris removal to the government.

Question 27

4. How will I know if household hazardous waste has been removed from my property?

Accepted Answer

The DMT will mark the property indicating that household hazardous waste has been removed.

Question 28

12. Once the household hazardous waste is removed by DTSC, can property owners hire their own contractors to remove the remaining debris?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you decide to remove fire-related debris from your property, you must obtain all the necessary permits and environmental clearances from your local government before your contractors start any work.

Question 29

20. What portion of my homeowner’s policy will the local government collect for debris removal?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the policy that you have. There are generally two types of debris removal coverages in a homeowner’s insurance policy:

Specified Amount: If your homeowner’s insurance policy contains a separate, debris-specific clause, the local government will only collect the specified amount designated in the debris removal clause. These clauses are typically capped at a percentage of the coverage amounts listed in the policy (for example, 5 percent of the value of a primary structure, other structure, and personal property). You will not owe the local government any additional money, even if the actual costs to remove the debris exceeded the amount designated in your insurance policy for debris removal.
No Specified Amount: If your homeowner’s insurance policy does not have a separate, debris-specific clause and instead includes the costs of debris removal in the total coverage, the local government will only collect insurance proceeds for debris removal after you have rebuilt your home. The local government will only collect any available insurance proceeds, if any, after the rebuild. If there are no remaining funds, the homeowner will not owe the local government any additional money for debris removal.

Question 30

5. Is the debris-removal program only for houses that are completely destroyed?

Accepted Answer

This debris removal program is for fire-damaged or destroyed houses, as directed by local government. If you are unsure if your house qualifies for the debris- removal program, submit a Right-of-Entry form to your local government for assessment.

Question 31

13. My house was destroyed in the fire. Can I go back onto my property to see if I can find any valuables or mementos?

Accepted Answer

Safe sifting through your property will NOT jeopardize your claims for disaster assistance. Property owners who desire to search debris for possible salvageable items should do so with caution and with proper protective gear: eye protection, masks, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. Residents should minimize contact with fire debris, which may contain materials that can be hazardous to your health. For more information visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR18-056.aspx https://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/upload/Fire_Emergency_Guidance_FS_1.pdf

Question 32

21. If I participate in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program, will the local government have the right to take all of my insurance proceeds?

Accepted Answer

No. The local government will only seek reimbursement from the insurance carrier as stated above. The local government will not attempt to collect any insurance proceeds designated for rebuilding.

Question 33

6. What is considered household hazardous waste?

Accepted Answer

Household hazardous waste is waste from houses that poses a threat to public health, animals, or the environment. Hazardous waste includes chemicals that are ignitable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Examples include pool chemicals, car batteries, antifreeze, used oil filters, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, propane tanks, disinfectants, aerosols, paint, bleach, and ammunition.

Question 34

14. Can residents be present during the cleanup of their personal property?

Accepted Answer

The safety of the general public and workers is a priority during debris operations. To prevent safety hazards, the public is encouraged to stay away from areas where debris removal operations are underway. Exclusion zones will be established surrounding the current work area to ensure safety of the public.

Question 35

22. Can I use my debris removal insurance policy to remove items that are ineligible for removal under the Consolidated Debris Removal program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have a specified amount for debris removal in your insurance policy, you may use your insurance proceeds to remove fire related debris that is ineligible for removal under the program (e.g., swimming pools, patios, trees, etc...). The local government will only collect remaining insurance proceeds, if any, after you have removed ineligible fire related debris.

If your homeowner’s insurance policy does not have a separate, debris-specific clause and instead includes the costs of debris removal in the total coverage, you may use these proceeds to pay for the removal of fire related debris that is ineligible for removal under the program. The local government will only collect remaining insurance proceeds, if any, after you have removed ineligible fire related debris.

In either scenario, the property owner will be required to substantiate all expenditures.

Question 36

7. Are burned electronics and appliances (white goods) included in the household hazardous waste cleanup?

Accepted Answer

Teams handling hazardous waste will not remove appliances or electronic wastes, such as TV and computer monitors, computers processing units, or cell phones. These materials will be removed as part of the overall debris removal process.

Question 37

15. How are the DMT protecting our rivers, streams and aquifers from contamination?

Accepted Answer

The DMT will use erosion controls on the site as well as use silt collection devices around storm drains to minimize impacts to rivers, streams and the aquifers. They are also taking measures such as wrapping the debris in trucks to minimize particles traveling from the air to the water.

Question 38

23. Will the State’s Debris Task Force use local contractors in this effort?

Accepted Answer

The State’s Debris Task Force will choose a prime contractor who will hire subcontractors. The State’s Debris Task Force will make every effort to encourage the prime contractor to use local subcontractors. If you have any questions regarding the Consolidated Debris Removal Program, send them to debrisquestions@caloes.ca.gov or visit our website at wildfirerecovery.org.

Question 39

8. Why not just have the contractors remove household hazardous waste as part of the general clean up?

Accepted Answer

Household hazardous waste must be removed without delay to protect public health and safety. This is an emergency protective measure. Hazardous waste could have significant long-term environmental impacts and should not be combined with the waste from the general clean-up that is going to the landfill.

Removal of hazardous waste from the fire debris prevents these environmental contaminants from polluting the environment, and protects the workers and the public from exposure during debris removal efforts.

Removal crews are specifically certified to handle household hazardous waste.

Question 40

16. Who ensures compliance with worker safety regulations?

Accepted Answer

The State’s Debris Task Force’s safety professionals and contractor safety staff ensure work is complying with all OSHA, Cal/OSHA and state and federal EPA standards.

Question 41

1. What is the Consolidated Debris Removal Program?

Accepted Answer

The Consolidated Debris Removal Program has two phases: removal of household hazardous waste and removal of other fire-related debris. In Phase I, local government, state and federal agencies have organized teams of experts from the California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to inspect your property and remove any household hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as batteries, herbicide, pesticide, propane tanks, asbestos siding, and paints. Phase I is automatic and includes both residential and commercial properties that have been destroyed by the fires. In Phase II, Cal OES, FEMA, and local officials will coordinate with the State’s Debris Task Force and its Debris Management Teams (DMT) to conduct fire-related debris removal from your property if you have elected to participate in the program by signing a Right of Entry Form.

Question 42

9. When will my debris be cleared?

Accepted Answer

Crews have already begun removal of hazardous household waste. Removal of fire debris, other than hazardous household waste, is scheduled to begin in January of 2019. There are a number of factors that determine when your lot will be scheduled for debris removal. Contractors are responsible for planning their work, based on priorities set by Cal OES and partners, with input from local government and city governments, to maximize efficiency.

Question 43

17. What safety and environmental regulations are contractors required to comply with?

Accepted Answer

Contractors are required to comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding safety and the environment. Whenever there is a conflict between codes or regulations, the most stringent regulation is applied.

Question 44

2. What do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Phase I (household hazardous waste): You do not need to do anything to have household hazardous waste removed from your property. Operations are automatic and already underway. Phase II (remaining debris and ash): Contact local government officials to get a Right-of- Entry (ROE) form. You will fill out the form to grant government contractors access to your property to conduct the debris removal. Check your local government’s website for information on how to obtain the form or visit wildfirerecovery.org.

Question 45

10. What is soil testing? Why is this being performed, and how? Who tests the soil?

Accepted Answer

Crews scrape 3 – 6” of soil from the ash footprint and samples are sent to a state-approved lab for analysis. The results are compared against background samples taken from areas in the vicinity that are not directly impacted by fire to ensure that all contaminated ash was removed. If necessary, more soil is removed and the site is retested until it comes back clear of contaminants. All soil testing results are returned to the DMT for final review and validation.

Question 46

18. Who will pay for the debris removal?

Accepted Answer

All initial costs will be paid by state and federal agencies. However, if property owners have homeowners insurance covering debris removal, owners must inform local officials by indicating that coverage on their ROE. Homeowners may be required to remit that portion of their insurance proceeds specifically reserved for debris.

Question 47

3. After I turn in an ROE to my local government, what happens next?

Accepted Answer

First, your local government will review your ROE and ensure it has been filled out correctly. It will also cross check property records to verify that you are the property owner. Afterwards, the ROE will be transferred to the DMT for processing and scheduling.

Question 48

11. After debris clearance and soil testing, what are the next steps?

Accepted Answer

Once the DMT have ensured that contractors have removed all debris and soil testing meets California state standards, contractors will return to install erosion control methods. The DMT will then report to your local government that your lot is clear. Your local government will then notify you that your property is safe and ready for rebuilding.

Question 49

19. If I have homeowner’s insurance, can I still participate in the debris removal program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, to avoid a duplication of benefits provided by the state or federal government, your insurance company may be required to provide payment from your policy designated for debris removal to the government.

Question 50

My house was destroyed in the fire. Can I go back onto my property to see if I can find any valuables or mementos?

Accepted Answer

Safe sifting through your property will NOT jeopardize your claims for disaster assistance. Property owners who desire to search debris for possible salvageable items should do so with caution and with proper protective gear: eye protection, masks, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. Residents should minimize contact with fire debris, which may contain materials that can be hazardous to your health. For more information visit: https://calepa.ca.gov/disaster/fire/ https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/index.html

Debris Removal

Debris Removal

Debris Removal

Debris Removal FAQs

Schools