The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has decided not to conduct soil sampling at private properties affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County. The decision has raised concerns about lingering contaminants from the wildfires. While the Army Corps is removing contaminated ash and debris, experts and health officials believe further testing is necessary to assess potential risks and determine the extent of contamination.
The decision not to conduct soil sampling contrasts with past practices after major wildfires in California. In the aftermath of previous wildfires such as the 2018 Camp Fire, federal and state agencies conducted confirmation soil sampling to verify that contamination levels were within acceptable limits. Sanjay Mohanty, an associate professor at UCLA, emphasized the importance of testing to set cleanup goals and ensure contaminants are effectively removed.
Lead contamination has been a particular concern in neighborhoods affected by the wildfires. Toxic heavy metals like lead can have serious health effects, and researchers have found high concentrations of lead in street dust near areas impacted by the fires. Lead exposure can persist in soil and pose ongoing health risks, highlighting the need for thorough soil testing and remediation efforts.
While state and local officials have lauded the speed of the recovery process, including debris removal efforts led by the Army Corps, concerns remain about the potential health impacts of wildfire pollution. Many residents have opted for the Army Corps’ debris removal program, but questions remain about the long-term environmental consequences of the wildfires and the effectiveness of cleanup efforts. Ongoing monitoring and testing will be critical in assessing and mitigating the risks associated with post-wildfire contamination.
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