Our Concerns About the Debris Removal Program After the Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire has devastated our community, leaving many homeowners facing the daunting task of rebuilding. As we begin to navigate this challenging process, a crucial decision looms: whether to participate in the County's debris removal program. We at Renew Altadena understand the complexities of this decision and want to share some concerns that have emerged regarding the program, concerns we believe every homeowner should carefully consider.
Understanding the Program:
The County's program aims to facilitate the safe removal and disposal of fire debris and ash, working in conjunction with various agencies. While the intent is undoubtedly good, the program itself raises several questions that have us, and other community members, worried.
Key Concerns for Homeowners:
The Opt-In Deadline and Timeline: The deadline to opt in to the County's program is March 31, 2025. This raises concerns about the actual timeline of the cleanup. Will work begin promptly after the deadline, or will there be further delays? Understanding the projected timeline is crucial for homeowners trying to plan their next steps.
Tree Removal and Soil Disturbance: The program grants broad authority for tree removal, potentially impacting even healthy trees that survived the fire. This could drastically alter the landscape of our neighborhoods. Specifically, the program mentions the removal of fire or wind-damaged trees assessed as hazardous (not including stumps), and the removal of other trees as needed that impact the public right of way or the debris removal crew’s access. This vague language leaves homeowners uncertain about which trees will be spared. Furthermore, the removal of the top 6 inches of soil, while sometimes necessary, can disturb underlying rock formations and create unforeseen issues in Altadena's mountainous landscape. The long-term impact on the land needs careful consideration. How will the removal of this topsoil impact the growth of new plants? Will this affect property drainage? Will construction be affected by soil alteration?
Foundation Removal and Geotechnical Issues: The program's handling of foundations, especially California Basements, is vague. The ROE states that the government will remove the foundation in most cases, however in some situations, such as instances where there are deep foundations or retaining structures, the government may determine that portions of the complex foundation system will be excluded from the removal. This is a significant concern for those planning to rebuild, as these remnants must be fully removed. Furthermore, the demolition process can affect soil stability, potentially requiring expensive geotechnical evaluations before new construction can begin.
Insurance and Financial Implications: Homeowners are asked to assign their debris removal insurance coverage to the County. While this might seem like a simple process, it raises questions about potential future needs. Will the assigned funds be sufficient to cover all debris-related expenses, including unforeseen issues that may arise during rebuilding? We are concerned that the program could exhaust these funds, leaving homeowners with unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Specifically, what happens if the actual cost of debris removal exceeds the homeowner's insurance coverage? Who is responsible for the difference?
Liability Waivers and Potential Damage: The Right of Entry (ROE) form includes broad liability waivers, potentially leaving homeowners responsible for damage caused during the debris removal process, even if that damage is to things that didn't burn. This is a significant risk, particularly for driveways, patios, and other structures that might be impacted by heavy equipment.
A Different Approach: Independent Cleanup
We believe that exploring independent cleanup options may offer several advantages. In our experience, managing the debris removal process independently can often be more cost-effective, faster, and more cautious. By working with qualified contractors, homeowners can have greater control over the process, ensuring that valuable trees are preserved, soil disturbance is minimized, foundations are properly addressed, and wood-burning fireplaces could be saved (you won’t be allowed to build another one). Our company, Renew Altadena, has a team of local contractors that have already taken the necessary steps to be cleared for this type of cleanup.
Why We're Concerned:
Our primary concern is that the County's program, despite its good intentions, may ultimately prove to be a lengthy and costly process, potentially depleting homeowners' insurance funds without fully addressing all the necessary steps for rebuilding. We've heard from other community members and experts that this could become a disaster for homeowners, and we want to help our neighbors avoid that.
Making an Informed Decision:
We strongly encourage every homeowner to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the County's program versus independent cleanup. Consider the potential risks, the financial implications, and the long-term impact on your property. Consult with legal experts, insurance providers, and qualified contractors to make the best decision for your individual circumstances.
We at Renew Altadena are committed to helping our community rebuild. We are available to answer your questions and discuss how we can assist you with independent debris removal. Ultimately, the decision rests with each homeowner, but we believe that informed decisions are crucial for a successful recovery.
