Utilizing the Debris Removal Program

Written By Mo Bell

As the city attempts to return to normalcy, the team at MOTIFF Realty remains dedicated to providing up to date resources and strategies to those affected by the January 2025 wildfires. The county of Los Angeles recently announced a debris removal process for those interested in government assistance. Please visit https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/ for more information. Residents are also able to opt-out to manage the clean up independently. We’ve highlighted the most important parts of the program below:

  • Phase one:

    • Hazardous waste removal is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). You do not need to opt-in or opt-out. This work is free, automatic, and already underway.

    • The EPA has stated that if residents are home when they arrive, they will need to skip that property and return at a later date for your safety and theirs.

    • If you have a particular reason why you should be home during Phase 1 work (for example, you need to unlock a gate around your property to allow workers in) please contact the EPA hotline at 833-798-7372 to inform crews ahead of time

    • Generally, you will not receive advance notice of which day EPA will do Phase 1 work on your property. However, you should check the EPA StoryMap to track where EPA crews have recently completed work on EPA’s web page: www.epa.gov/california-wildfires.

    • “Deferred to Phase 2” means that due to the presence of unsafe conditions at the property, household hazardous waste removal crews cannot complete Phase 1 assessment and certification.

    • Parcels must have a destroyed structure totaling at least 120 square feet to be eligible for EPA Phase 1 clean up. If you are unsure if your home qualifies, please submit a Right of Entry Form for assessment.

  • Opt-in or Opt-out: As a resident affected by the wildfires, you have two choices for managing debris removal on your property. Opt in to the Government Run Debris Removal Program or Opt Out to Manage Cleanup Independently.

    • By opting in, you must submit a Right of Entry Form by March 31st to authorize the government to perform the following activities on your property:

      • Property Assessment: Identify site hazards, hazardous trees, environmental resources, and asbestos-containing materials.

      • Asbestos Removal: Safely remove asbestos-containing materials if required.

      • Tree Removal: Remove fire or wind-damaged trees assessed as hazardous and other trees that impact public areas or debris removal access.

      • Ash and Soil Removal: Remove surface ash, including up to 6 inches of incidental soil.

      • Burned Debris Removal: Remove burned home remains, furniture, personal belongings, appliances, and patio furniture.

      • Structural Demolition: Demolish clearly destroyed structures.

      • Vehicle Removal: Remove damaged and destroyed vehicles, vessels, and other titled property.

      • Erosion Control: Install erosion control measures such as straw wattles, compost socks, and hydromulch.

      • Environmental Monitoring: Conduct tribal, archaeological, and biological monitoring for environmental and historical preservation.

      • ***Potential Foundation Removal***: When you opt into the debris removal program, you will need to decide whether you want the government to remove your property’s foundation or leave it in place.

    • Note, if you opt in, this work will be performed for you by the Army Corps, with no cost to you. Your insurance payment for debris removal will be assigned to the government to help pay for the work; even if the insurance payment does not fully cover the work, the work will be performed at no charge to you. You do not need insurance to participate in the program.

    • By opting out, you must complete the Opt-Out form

      • Apply for a Permit from the County to handle debris removal on your own after you receive EPA certification of Phase 1 completion for your property.

      • The County will review your application and your contractor’s work plan to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. You will be required to meet all the same requirements as USACE.

      • Once your opt out application is approved, your permit issued, and any work is begun on your property, you cannot opt back in. You will bear the full cost of debris removal and disposal.

    • Note, if you opt-out of the Consolidated Debris Removal Program, you will be responsible for hiring the appropriately licensed and certified contractors. You will be responsible for all costs of debris removal and asbestos abatement.

  • The Right of Entry Form is needed to opt-in for Phase 2

    • The ROE authorizes the government to access eligible properties to clear burned debris, destroyed structures, damaged vehicles, vessels, and chimneys, also referred to as Phase 2.

    • If your home is still standing, but you have a destroyed structure on your property, please fill out and submit the form.

  • Phase two:

    • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is executing Phase 2 of the federally funded debris cleanup effort on behalf of FEMA.

    • Phase 2 involves removing visible fire debris, such as chimneys, hazardous trees, ash and, if specified on the right-of-entry (ROE) form by the owner, foundations.

    • Within the communities affected by fire, both phases of work will be going on concurrently. On each individual property, the EPA needs to first clear hazardous material in Phase 1 to expedite the larger debris removal work of the Army Corps of Engineers in Phase 2.

    • The Army Corps of Engineers is aiming for debris to be safely removed in two-to-three days PER PROPERTY.

    • The operational crews will attempt to contact you 72 hours prior to starting debris removal work on your property

  • Insurance and Costs

    • Debris removal by the Army Corps has no cost to you regardless of your insurance coverage or whether you have any insurance at all. If you do have insurance that covers this work, the government will ask your insurance company, not you, for reimbursement of costs up to the limits of that specific coverage.

    • You can participate in the government program if you have insurance, however to avoid a duplication of benefits provided by the government, the County will work with insurance providers to ensure any proceeds specifically designated for debris removal are assigned to the government.

    • The County will only work with insurance carriers to seek debris removal specific insurance proceeds as stated above. The County will not attempt to collect any insurance proceeds designated for other uses such as rebuilding.

    • For more information regarding insurance claims, coverage, or understanding your policy, please visit the California Department of Insurance website.

  • ****We highly suggest considering the following factors when deciding to allow the removal of foundation****:

    • Age of foundation - An older foundation may require repairs or replacement

    • Damage to foundation - Fires can cause damage to foundation, but the removal process of debris will require heavy duty equipment that may cause further damage to the foundation

    • Potential new build on the lot - Foundations are built for specific properties, removing the foundation may be necessary if you plan to build a larger or smaller home.

  • The debris removal process is not a first-come, first-served process but getting your forms in early—and encouraging your neighbors to do so as well—will speed the work in your neighborhood.

  • Deadline to Participate: March 31, 2025

We will continue to update as more information is released and discussed. Please feel free to reach out anytime for questions.

Mo Bell
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