Phase 1 & Phase 2 Consultations in the Government Cleanup Process

The aftermath of wildfires often leaves communities grappling with the daunting task of cleanup and recovery. To streamline this process, the government has established a two-phase debris removal program, which is crucial for ensuring public safety and preparing properties for rebuilding. These phases, referred to as Phase 1 and Phase 2, involve distinct steps and responsibilities carried out by various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This report delves into the details of these phases, their significance, and the challenges faced during implementation, based on the latest information from trusted sources.

Phase 1: Hazardous Material Removal

Phase 1 focuses on the removal of household hazardous materials from properties affected by wildfires. This phase is conducted by the EPA in collaboration with other agencies, such as the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The primary goal of Phase 1 is to eliminate immediate health and safety risks posed by hazardous materials left behind after a fire.

Key Activities

During Phase 1, EPA teams survey, remove, and dispose of hazardous materials that could pose risks to residents and workers. These materials include:

• Paints
• Cleaners and solvents
• Oils
• Batteries
• Pesticides
• Pressurized fuel cylinders (e.g., propane tanks)
• Asbestos, if easily identifiable (LA County Recovers, 2025).

The hazardous materials removal process is automatic for all residential properties, and property owners are not required to take any action to initiate this phase. The cleanup is provided at no cost to residents, ensuring accessibility to all affected homeowners (CA.gov, 2025).

Challenges and Deferrals to Phase 2

While the EPA aims to complete Phase 1 efficiently, some properties are deferred to Phase 2 due to unsafe conditions that prevent workers from completing the hazardous material removal. These conditions may include:

• Wall damage
• Collapsed ceilings or upper floors
• Unstable structures
• Heavy metal debris
• Tree debris (Whittier Daily News, 2025).

As of February 2025, the EPA has completed Phase 1 cleanup on approximately 80% of properties affected by January’s wildfires, clearing over 8,000 properties. However, about 3,400 properties have been deferred to Phase 2 due to safety concerns (Whittier Daily News, 2025).

Phase 2: General Debris Removal

Phase 2 involves the removal of all remaining fire-related debris from properties where Phase 1 has been completed or deferred. This phase is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under the Consolidated Debris Removal Program.

Key Activities

The scope of work in Phase 2 includes:

• Removing structural debris, such as ash, burned structures, and damaged foundations.
• Clearing hazardous trees and dead vegetation.
• Testing and remediating contaminated soil to ensure it is safe for rebuilding.
• Placing mulch to prevent erosion (CA.gov, 2025).

USACE crews also address properties deferred from Phase 1, conducting “make safer” operations to stabilize unsafe conditions before proceeding with debris removal (Whittier Daily News, 2025).

Coordination and Progress

Phase 2 work begins on a property-by-property basis as soon as Phase 1 clearance is obtained. Notably, the USACE does not wait for the EPA to complete Phase 1 across all affected areas before starting Phase 2, allowing for simultaneous progress in different regions. This approach is currently being implemented in areas impacted by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire (LA County Recovers, 2025).

As of February 2025, Phase 2 is well underway, with significant progress reported in clearing properties for rebuilding.

Significance of the Two-Phase Process

The two-phase cleanup process is critical for ensuring public safety, environmental health, and the timely rebuilding of communities affected by wildfires. Key benefits include:

1. Health and Safety: Phase 1 eliminates immediate hazards, such as toxic chemicals and asbestos, while Phase 2 addresses long-term risks by removing structural debris and contaminated soil.

2. Accessibility: The government-sponsored program provides free cleanup services, ensuring that all affected residents, regardless of financial status, can benefit from professional debris removal.

3. Efficiency: The phased approach allows for simultaneous progress in hazardous material removal and general debris cleanup, minimizing delays in the recovery process.

4. Environmental Protection: By testing and remediating soil, the program ensures that properties are safe for rebuilding, preventing potential health risks and environmental damage (CA.gov, 2025).

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its benefits, the two-phase process faces several challenges:

1. Deferrals and Delays: Properties deferred to Phase 2 due to unsafe conditions may experience delays in cleanup, prolonging the recovery timeline for affected homeowners (Whittier Daily News, 2025).

2. Coordination Among Agencies: The involvement of multiple agencies, including the EPA, USACE, and FEMA, requires effective coordination to avoid overlaps and ensure seamless progress.

3. Homeowner Participation: Property owners must actively participate by submitting ROE forms or hiring private contractors, which may lead to confusion or delays if not properly communicated (LA County Recovers, 2025).

4. Resource Allocation: The scale of the cleanup effort, involving thousands of properties, demands significant resources and manpower, posing logistical challenges (Whittier Daily News, 2025).

References

1. Whittier Daily News. (2025, February 19). Deferred to Phase 2? Why the EPA can’t clear some burned properties right away – Whittier Daily News. https://www.whittierdailynews.com/2025/02/19/deferred-to-phase-2-why-the-epa-cant-clear-some-burned-properties-right-away/

2. LA County Recovers. (2025). Debris Removal – LA County Recovers. https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/

3. LA County Recovers. (2025). Phase 2: Fire Debris Removal – LA County Recovers. https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/phase-2/

4. LA County Recovers. (2025). Phase 1: Hazardous Material Removal – LA County Recovers. https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/phase-1/

5. CA.gov. (2025). Cleanup and debris removal | CA.gov. https://www.ca.gov/lafires/cleanup-and-debris-removal/