The Environmental Protection Agency is establishing a second staging site for household hazardous material from the Eaton fire at Charles S. Farnsworth Park in Altadena, the agency announced on Friday, Feb. 7.
The first staging site at Lario Park garnered backflash from residents of Irwindale, Azusa, Duarte and other nearby areas, as did the staging sites established for Palisades fire debris at Will Rogers State Beach’s parking lot and near Topanga Creek. Residents in both areas expressed concerns about environmental impacts.
The Topanga and Will Rogers sites drew criticism for their proximity to the ocean and other waterways, while those living near Lario Park questioned why a site closer to the burn area in Altadena was not selected. Concerns about subcontractors hired to work at the sites with histories of hazardous waste violations added to officials’ and residents’ unease.
EPA officials have stressed that more space is needed to complete the first phase of debris cleanup in 30 days, the timeline the agency has been given.
“Without a staging area, EPA would not be able to continue collecting hazardous materials, which is the necessary first step for the fire-impacted residents of the Eaton fire area to begin recovery from the devastating fire,” the agency’s statement read in part.
The agency clarified that the Farnsworth Park staging area will not include the Historic District, Davies Building or the oak trees in the park.
The agency will sample the area ahead of staging and after the work is done to ensure there was no environmental impact and will take other safety measures, including lining the area with gravel and multiple layers of plastic, creating a buffer zone around the area and spraying water to mitigate dust from vehicles.