LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As a service to property owners impacted by the recent Rocky and Jerusalem fires, Lake County has requested the California Department of Toxic Substances Control begin the first phase of the household hazardous wastes removal process.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a two-phase debris management and removal plan that includes a partnership with the Department of Toxic Substances Control, as Lake County News has reported.

County officials said the Department of Toxic Substances Control will work with any property owners who opt to allow this work on their land.
 
To initiate the effort, property owners are requested to contact the county immediately to express their interest and sign an access agreement allowing the state agency to remove household hazardous wastes from fire-damaged properties.

The work will be scheduled only when at least 15 residents have expressed interest, the county of Lake reported.

The soonest possible start date for the Department of Toxic Substances Control to begin removal is Monday, Aug. 24.

As such, property owners are asked to immediately contact Lake County Environmental Health Director Ray Ruminski at 707-263-1164 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to express interest and begin the enrollment process.

State workers will remove household hazardous wastes from burned homes in the impacted areas of Morgan Valley Road, Double Eagle Ranch and Jerusalem Valley. This service is only for those affected by the fires.

This effort is being conducted free of charge to protect the health of residents, clean-up crews and the environment.

Household hazardous waste must be handled separately from other burn debris and may not be brought to local landfills.

Residents are strongly urged to leave all household hazardous waste in place and are encouraged to not remove any of the materials or damaged containers from their properties.

Household hazardous waste includes unused or leftover portions of products used in your home that contain toxic chemicals.

Products labeled caution, warning, danger, poison, toxic, flammable or corrosive are considered hazardous.

Examples of household hazardous wastes to be removed are:

• Aerosols;
• Antifreeze;
• Solvents;
• Auto batteries;
• Auto fluids;
• Used oil and oil filters;
• Household cleaners;
• Fertilizer;
• Pesticides;
• Latex / oil-based paint;
• Pool chemicals;
• Propane tanks (less than 30 gallons).

Further questions regarding assistance and cleanup efforts can be directed to the Lake County Residents Help Line at 1-800-325-9604.