Lakeport >> Just as officials were working on the debris removal plan for the Rocky and Jerusalem fires, Valley Fire pulled even more resources than the first two for emergency operations, leaving a skeletal staff. But as the third most destructive blaze in the state’s history dies down, CalRecycle, California Office of Emergency Services and Lake County Environmental Health have announced the opening of two Debris Removal Operations Centers (DROC) for residents affected by all three fires.
Before the debris disposal process can begin, hazardous material must be removed from the area. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) had an Emergency Response Unit on the scene after the Rocky and Jerusalem fires collecting waste.
“We want to remove the hazardous material as quickly as possible before there is any possibility of it entering rivers or drinking water causing damage to human health and wildlife,” said Adam Palmer, supervisor of the Emergency Response Unit.
Jorge Moreno, of the DTSC, said it took the team about a week to complete the work, and debris removal for the fires has begun.
“DTSC’s primary focus is to evaluate and remove hazardous waste debris which can range from asbestos siding or pipe insulation, to paints, batteries, flammable liquids and electronic waste such as computers and monitors,” Moreno said in a press statement. “The hazardous waste must be removed and properly disposed of at a waste facility to prevent further exposure to the public and the environment.”
A DROC for the Rocky and Jerusalem fires has been established at 16195 Main St. in Lower Lake.
Referred to as the “old bank building,” the Lower Lake center now serves as the information center for people who have had their residences or outbuildings burned by the fires and have signed the Right of Entry form to allow the county to access the properties.
An additional DROC will open today at 21297 Calistoga Road in Middletown. This center will serve as the contact point for residents who lost their homes in the Valley Fire. Visitors to the center will be able to receive information on the anticipated dates that their property will be cleaned, amend the original Right to Enter form or submit new Right of Entry forms.
Because DTSC staff were pulled to other counties to do hazardous waste cleanups for wildfires, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Emergency Response Office, has initiated removal of visible hazardous wastes from the burned residential and commercial properties in the Valley Fire area. This project is expected to take two to three weeks.
The debris removal portion of the project will be initiated once the hazardous materials have been removed, and the priority for both aspects of the project will be clearing the burned dwellings nearest schools.
Lake County public information officer Jill Ruzicka described the task as onerous and encourages residents to visit either DROC for assistance.
Hours of operation for both centers is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
