A:
If property owners elect not to participate in the state/federal government debris removal program (if it is available), the property owners are still required to remediate their properties and remove the fire-related debris at their own expense in accordance with the County’s Debris Removal Requirements. The work must be completed in a manner that ensures the protection of public health and safety.
The property owners will not be reimbursed with public funds for the remediation of debris removal. Documents related to this are available here.
Property owners are required to choose a contractor with the proper California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) licensing and certifications to perform the ash and debris cleanup work, including hazardous material and asbestos removal.
The CSLB website has information to assist property owners with requirements: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesandPublications/DebrisRemovalFacts.pdf
You can verify a contractor's licensing at the CSLB website: https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx
It is recommended that property owners verify that contractors and consultants have adequate insurance and that the owner is included as an additional insured under the contractor’s insurance policy for the cleanup work.
The order of actions needed to remove debris outside the state/federal government debris removal program is:
1) Property owner will hire a debris removal contractor or indicate they will do it themselves (must be qualified to conduct hazardous materials cleanup) .
2) Property owner will submit a Property Owner Application to Hire A Private Contractor for Fire Debris Removal to Environmental Health.
3) The contractor will submit a Debris Removal Plan to Environmental Health. The Debris Removal Plan will need to contain protocols for handling and disposal of debris, and ash, including any remaining HHW or asbestos, and the method for soils tested after cleanup is complete.
4) Once the application and plan are approved by Environmental Health, the debris removal can proceed.
5) Once complete, the property owner must provide a Final Report including documentation from the solid waste facility where the debris was disposed of, ash sampling results for asbestos, asbestos disposal verification (if applicable), debris materials recycled (concrete, metal, etc.), the post-soil removal sampling results, and storm water protection methods implemented to safeguard Environmental Health.
6) EH will issue a Debris Removal Clearance if the documentation supports that debris removal was conducted properly and according to the plan.