Army Corps of Engineers Debris Removal Update

The latest information on how USACE is conducting Phase 2 of the debris removal program, what the process looks like, and how it supports local families and businesses.

We’re sending this update to keep you informed about the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) debris removal currently underway in wildfire-affected areas of Los Angeles County. As our community moves forward in recovering, we want to share the latest information on how USACE is conducting Phase 2 of the debris removal program, what the process looks like, and how it supports local families and businesses.

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USACE’s Mission and Focus

• Federal Coordination:
  USACE operates under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), taking part in a larger federal effort to assist state and local agencies with disaster recovery.

• Phase 2 Debris Removal:
  This involves clearing ash, structural remains, and other fire-damaged materials from eligible properties.

  • Phase 1, led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), addresses hazardous household materials.

  • Once Phase 1 is complete on a property, USACE teams can step in to remove other types of debris.

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How the Debris Removal Process Works

• Initial Assessment and ROE (Right of Entry):

  • Property owners must submit a Right of Entry form at Recovery.LACounty.gov or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

  • LA County reviews these forms, verifies eligibility, and coordinates directly with USACE.

• Site Preparation:

  • Before heavy equipment arrives, USACE conducts a thorough review for any ongoing safety hazards or “deferred” items (e.g., unstable walls or trees).

  • If necessary, specialized teams stabilize or remove hazards to protect workers and residents.

• Debris Removal and Sorting:

  • Teams carefully remove ash and debris, including fire-damaged structures.

  • Crews sort materials on-site (metals, concrete, ash, and asbestos) and transport them to approved recycling centers or landfills.

  • “Wet method” techniques (misting and water application) minimize dust and ash from becoming airborne.

• Transport and Disposal:

  • Each truck bed is lined and wrapped to prevent ash or contaminants from escaping.

  • Trucks take approved routes to landfills permitted to handle specific types of debris.

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Safety and Environmental Protections

• Air Monitoring:

  • Real-time air monitoring stations track dust and potential contaminants.

  • If levels exceed safe thresholds, work pauses until crews resolve the issue.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Workers in direct contact with debris wear Tyvek suits, respirators, gloves, and protective footwear.

  • Other personnel follow site-specific safety guidelines, always with an emphasis on reducing any risk to the public.

• Hazard Trees:

  • ISA-certified arborists identify trees that pose immediate safety risks or are unlikely to survive.

  • Residents can request a “Tree Removal Waiver” if they wish to keep certain marked trees, although this may involve safety and liability considerations.

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Timeline and Volume

• Estimated Debris Total:

  • Approximately 4.25 to 4.5 million tons of fire-damaged materials, equivalent to 110,000–150,000 dump truck loads.

• Projected Duration:

  • USACE aims to clear debris from most properties within a year, though exact timelines depend on property-specific conditions, weather, and other operational factors.

• Geographic Challenges:

  • Steep cliffs, bluffs, and hillside locations require specialized equipment and approaches to protect against landslides or environmental damage.

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What This Means for Property Owners

• Participation:

  • If you choose the government debris removal program, submit your ROE form and await confirmation from LA County.

  • Once approved, USACE will contact you with next steps and projected scheduling.

• Opting Out:

  • Property owners who prefer private cleanup must complete an opt-out form, obtain necessary permits, and hire licensed contractors.

  • Private cleanup must meet all county, state, and federal guidelines.

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Additional Resources

• Debris Call Center: 213-308-8305 (USACE)

• Email Inquiries: SoCalWildfires@usace.army.mil

• County Recovery Website: Recovery.LACounty.gov

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We'll cover this (and more) in detail during our Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, April 10th at 7PM PST. It's a great opportunity to get your questions answered and feel confident as you move forward.

Register Here: https://forms.gle/tRMst3QqcuYbH9Yv5