Solano County Disaster Debris Removal Program
The Solano County Health Officer proclaimed a local health emergency on August 24, 2020 due to the hazardous health conditions associated with fire debris that remains on properties. Damaged or destroyed structures may contain hazardous waste and materials that can threaten public health and the environment. It is therefore very important that this debris be properly identified and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
To expedite recovery activities and ensure the safe removal of hazardous waste and fire debris on properties in the affected burn perimeter, Solano County Office of Emergency Services has been coordinating disaster assistance funding with State and Federal agencies. During this recovery phase, Solano County is implementing the State’s two-phase Wildfire Debris Removal Program.
Phase One: Household Hazardous Waste Removal
On September 4, funding for Phase I cleanup on private properties impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex fire was approved. The State’s Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) Emergency Response Program began on September 9 with assessing and removing household hazardous waste and easily identifiable asbestos. This work is on-going. Property owners can view their Phase I status at the DTSC dashboard.
Phase Two: Debris Removal and Cleanup OPTIONS
The County has not received a decision from State and Federal agencies about providing Phase II funding for remaining fire debris removal on private properties. However, it is important for you to inform Solano County Environmental Health about which option you prefer to proceed with in addressing Phase II debris removal on your private property by completing the Phase II Debris Removal and Cleanup Determination form.
OPT-IN: POTENTIAL Government-Sponsored Cleanup Program (Public Option)
If private property owners choose to opt-in, the removal of ash or debris on the property shall not be completed while Solano County is pursuing State and Federal funding for Phase II. Should the County receive funding, Phase II would be provided at no cost. If the property owner is insured, any payments received by the property owner from the insurance company for debris removal and cleanup will need to be paid to the government program. Any and all costs beyond insurance coverage will be covered by the government-sponsored cleanup program if, and when, a program becomes available. The contact information provided on the Determination form will be used to provide the status update related to the government-sponsored program option.
OPT-OUT: Private Property Owner Cleanup (Private Option)
Property owners who choose to opt-out and do not want to wait for a potential government-sponsored State cleanup program, must hire a private contractor(s) to remove fire debris and clean up their properties. Debris removal must follow the standards established by Solano County Environmental Health, which mirror the state standards used by Cal OES and CalRecycle for the State Program in past fires. Work must be performed by qualified personnel as set forth in the Phase II Debris Removal and Cleanup Private Option Application and Work Plan packet.
A Phase II Application and Phase II Work Plan must be submitted and approved by Solano County Environmental Health prior to the commencement of work. Private debris removal is done at the homeowner’s expense and must meet the standards set by local, state and federal agencies. This includes compliance with all legal requirements for disposal, authorized disposal sites, best management practices for activities on-site, proper transportation and documentation of waste, soil testing, and erosion control.
After implementation of the approved Work Plan, the owner must submit a certification showing that all work has been completed as specified. Documentation of adequate cleanup and proper disposal will be required. Property owners will not be allowed to build on their property until there is a certification that the property cleanup and removal of all hazardous waste has been completed in accordance with applicable standards.
Conditional Exemption
The Disaster Debris Removal Program Exemption Application is available if the property owner determines burnt debris is from non-residential structures less than 120 square feet, fences, and non-structural wood materials that did not contain paint, pesticides, herbicides, propane or other similar hazardous substances. An inspection by Solano County Environmental Health is required to verify conditions.
Submit required documents to Solano County Department of Resource Management, Environmental Health Services Division, 675 Texas Street, Suite 5500 (5th Floor), Fairfield, CA 94533 or call (707) 784-6765 during business hours, or electronically any time at [email protected].
The is available if the property owner determines burnt debris is from non-residential structures less than 120 square feet, fences, and non-structural wood materials that did not contain paint, pesticides, herbicides, propane or other similar hazardous substances. An inspection by Solano County Environmental Health is required to verify conditions.
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