LAKEPORT >> In the aftermath of the Sulphur Fire, the Lake County Department of Health Services declared a Proclamation of Local Health Emergency.
The decision stems from an examination of damage from the Clearlake blaze, which consumed 134 buildings. Lake County Health Services Officer Karen Tait said because structure fires are different from wildland fires and can produce greater public hazards a declaration is needed to gain help from the state to clean up waste.
Houses and garages burned in the fire may have contained cleaning or automotive chemicals, corrosive or reactive materials and other hazards.
Tait said some materials that may be toxic could run off into Clear Lake or streams that flow into the lake. For some areas, immediate action may be required because some household waste could be flammable or toxic and could cause a larger problem.
Receiving approval of the proclamation from the board will allow for more resources, funds or equipment to be utilized by the Health Services Department for cleanup of the damages.
Proclamations for a Local Health Emergency were also declared after the major fires hit the county in 2015 and 2016 so county staff is aware of the processes, what is needed and how long each phase can take approximately.
There are two phases of this process Tait said. The first is removing the larger more toxic materials such as compressed gas containers that could explode, batteries, paint and other household substances that are an immediate risk.
This is performed by the Department of Toxic Substances Control
The second is to remove remaining debris and prepare the land for redevelopment.
“The first phase is done fairly quickly and within a few weeks. It starts within a week after the proclamation is approved. The other can go on for quite a while because that removal involves a more thorough cleaning of the property, testing of the soil and returning the property to good condition before building occurs,” Tait said.
Previously when performing debris removal, Tait said they had a difficult time getting the process done quickly because some homes were difficult to reach. With the Sulphur Fire, she feels more optimistic that this process will be much quicker with homes being easier to get to and start process.
Lake County Health Services Director Denise Pomeroy said they will be getting Rights of Entry Permits from property owners when conducting this process to make sure they are allowed to get in the areas and being removals.
“We will be putting info notices for the first part of the toxin removals. We will be doing press releases, utilizing Nixle and the Assistance Center. We do plan on advising the community when we are ready for it. We are not quite there yet at this time,” Pomeroy said.
Tait said she understands people want to get to their properties and go through the debris but advises that sifting through can be hazardous and if doing so to wear a mask and protective gear to help prevent safety issues.
“We advise to keep the area wet if they can and not shift and dig but to gently turn the soil so the ash doesn’t settle or contaminate the air,” Tait said. “If we get a light rain later on this week it will help keep some of the ash down as well.”
This proclamation will go into effect now that the Board of Supervisors approved it at their regular Tuesday meeting and it will need to be reaffirmed every 14 days after it is passed. For those who have questions or concerns about the contractors coming in for cleanup, Tait said they should call Environmental Health at 707-263-1164.
