California officials, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration, are urging FEMA to reconsider its refusal to conduct soil testing after cleanup efforts from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. They argue that contaminants can extend beyond the 6 inches of topsoil removed, contradicting FEMA’s stance that testing is unnecessary. This decision has caused concern among state officials and residents, who fear potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. Nancy Ward from California's Office of Emergency Services emphasized the risks of undetected contaminants remaining in the soil, which could endanger people's health and environmental safety during rebuilding efforts.
Without adequate soil testing, contaminants caused by the fire can remain undetected, posing risks to returning residents, construction workers, and the environment.
The decision alarmed California elected officials and residents who feared that fire-devastated properties could still contain dangerous concentrations of toxic chemicals.
Federal contractors are removing wildfire debris and a 6-inch layer of topsoil from properties burned in the Eaton and Palisades fires.
FEMA called the process of soil testing "tedious" and "inefficient," rejecting the state’s preferred cleanup approach.
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