FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2020
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL TO BEGIN ASSESSMENT AND REMOVAL OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUSE WASTE AND BULK ASBESTOS FROM BURNED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Butte County—On October 5, 2020 the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) will begin the Phase 1 Assessments of residential properties destroyed in the North Complex Fire. The Phase 1 activities include assessing and removing Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and bulk asbestos from burned residential properties in communities impacted by the North Complex Fire.
DTSC will consolidate and dispose of HHW including paints, cleaners, solvents, oils, batteries, herbicides and pesticides. Fuel from pressurized cylinders and tanks will be removed and marked with a white “X” and left as scrap metal. Please not that following a fire, these products require special handling and disposal, particularly if their containers are compromised. DTSC will also remove bulk asbestos items like transite siding, transite roofing, and certain types of floor tile. These efforts will reduce potential threats to public health and safety and allow other agencies to remove solid waste, debris and ash in the affected areas.
DTSC’s work is authorized by a California Office of Emergency Services-issued mission pursuant to the Governor’s Disaster Declaration.
Specifically, DTSC’s response activities involve:
• Assessment, survey and collection of HHW and bulk asbestos from all destroyed residential structures impacted by the North Complex Fire in Butte County.
• Coordinating the safe removal, transport and disposal of hazardous with Butte County and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
For additional information on recovery efforts in Butte County, please visit www.buttecouty.net.