The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has updated its mandate with a series of strict dust control measures to combat the potential health hazards presented by post-fire debris removal. The health order targets property owners in the Palisades and Eaton burn areas who are cleaning up their property but do not qualify for the state-sponsored programs.
According to the health order, contractors and property owners must follow a protocol of dust suppression methods, which includes mandatory pre-watering of ash and debris to curb dust kick-up. The Health Department specifies that transport of all fire debris must be executed in a manner that prevents dust from escaping, loads must be wetted and covered with a tarp, including seemingly inert materials such as concrete and metal.
This isn't just about keeping the worksites dust-free. There's an emphasis on the end-of-day rules too, which require any remaining debris to be consolidated, sufficiently wetted, or covered to prevent any dust or contaminants from slipping into neighboring areas. And while the removal process might create visibly dry, disturbed soil surface areas, these must be watered to minimize dust emissions, trying to keep the air as clean as possible for surrounding residents.
Property owners or their contractors have a responsibility to prevent the transfer of debris onto public or private roads; cleanup must occur immediately if trackout happens, especially at job site entrances and exits. Methods for this cleanup are clearly laid out by the order, dictating, "Cleanup must include adequate wetting before or during the cleanup by either misting and manually sweeping or using a rotary brush or broom." Moreover, the use of any devices that might blow the debris around, such as dry rotary brushes or brooms, or blower devices, is strictly prohibited.
The county stresses the importance of these measures to safeguard community health during the necessary but potentially hazardous process of fire debris removal. For those who need further clarification on the guidelines or have additional questions, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health encourages them to visit their website for more information on wildfire recovery and debris management.
