The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working with local, state and federal partners on the response to the Northern California fires. EPA is leading the survey, collection and disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) in Sonoma and Napa counties. This work will allow other state and federal agencies to remove ash and other non-hazardous debris and the rebuilding process to begin.
Specifically, EPA teams are conducting air monitoring and visual observations to identify locations of HHW and other hazardous materials and containers, and to ensure safe conditions. Once properties are surveyed, HHW collection teams are removing the materials identified during the surveys. These materials will be taken to temporary staging areas before disposal at hazardous waste facilities. EPA will continue to expand survey and collection operations in coming weeks.
HHW includes leftover household products that are unstable, corrosive or toxic. Products such as paints, cleaners, solvents, oils, batteries, herbicides and pesticides can contain hazardous ingredients and require special handling and disposal.
Latest Actions:
- In Sonoma County, EPA teams are working in the neighborhoods of Coffey Park and Mark West and soon beginning work in the Larkfield-Wikiup area.
- In Napa County, EPA teams are working in the Silverado and Soda Canyon areas, and soon beginning work in the Atlas Peak Road, Monticello Road and Vichy Springs areas.
- EPA established an Incident Command Post at Rohnert Park in Sonoma County.
- EPA continues to attend community meetings in both Sonoma and Napa Counties.
Response Background Information:
Fires began burning on October 8 in multiple counties in Northern California. EPA is coordinating with federal, state and local agencies, including FEMA and the California Environmental Protection Agency, on response operations.
For additional information on EPA’s response activities, please visit: www.epa.gov/norcalfireresponse