CURRENT EVENTS
May 4, 2025
CWRO
Every time we rebuild, we’re not just replacing homes — we’re investing in resilience. Whether it’s restoring utilities, clearing debris, or constructing fire-resistant housing, each step brings the California community closer to safety and stability.
Overview
After the devastating Eaton and Pacific Palisades wildfires, local homeowners and officials expected one critical step: soil testing. Traditionally, federal agencies tested soil after removing ash and the top few inches of dirt to ensure it was safe. But this time, FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers broke with that practice—deciding not to conduct post-cleanup soil testing. That decision left many asking: are the rebuilt communities safe? The Los Angeles Times stepped in, commissioning independent tests—and what they found was alarming.
Key Findings from The Times Investigation
Government Breaks Protocol: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forwent “confirmation sampling”—the customary practice of testing soil after cleanup—citing authorization limits from FEMA. It declared that removing six inches of topsoil was enough to remove contamination.
Independent Testing Revealed Toxic Risks: The LA Times collected soil samples from Altadena and Pacific Palisades and found alarming levels of lead and other heavy metals lurking in supposedly “cleaned” areas.
Health and Environmental Concerns: Toxic material can linger even after cleanup—posing risks to children, the elderly, and anyone exposed. Without testing, these dangerous contaminants may go undetected, especially as rebuilding efforts accelerate.
LA County Takes Action: In lieu of federal testing, Los Angeles County conducted its own sampling program. Early results found lead levels exceeding state health standards in up to 80% of properties downwind of the Eaton fire, with “hot spots” of arsenic in Palisades.
Why This Matters
Public Safety at Risk — Without proper soil testing, toxic contamination may persist under unsuspecting feet, threatening long-term health.
Precedent Undermined — The federal agencies’ deviation from decades of safety protocol raises questions about accountability and priorities.
Communities Forced to Fill the Void — Local governments, researchers, and journalists stepped up when traditional authorities stepped back. Their work underscores the importance of independent investigation in ensuring safe rebuilds.
