News Releases from Region 09

EPA News Advisory: Northern California Fires Response Update – November 2, 2017

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has collected more than 8,300 containers of household hazardous waste in Napa and Sonoma counties as part of the multi-agency response to the Northern California fires. The items, which range in size from small paint canisters to large chemical drums, have been transported to EPA staging areas in Windsor and Yountville before disposal at hazardous waste facilities.

EPA is working with local, state and federal partners on the response to the Northern California fires. EPA has been tasked with surveying, collecting and disposing of household hazardous waste (HHW) in Napa and Sonoma counties. This work will allow other state and federal agencies to remove ash and other debris so that the rebuilding process in these communities can begin

Household hazardous waste 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:

• EPA has launched a new online tool for the public to track the agency’s progress in both Napa and Sonoma counties. This interactive tool allows the public to see maps of the fire-affected zones and track progress in the field.  The map is updated daily and available at: www.epa.gov/norcalfireresponse.
• EPA completed HHW collection in the Sonoma Coffey Park neighborhood on October 31, 2017. 
• In Sonoma County, operations continue in the neighborhoods of Mark West, Larkfield-Wikiup, and Fountaingrove; teams have begun operations in Glen Ellen and Kenwood. Work is also ongoing at commercial, industrial and public parcels. 
• In Napa County, EPA teams are working in the following areas: Silverado, Atlas Peak, Soda Canyon, Old Soda Springs Road, Mount Veeder Road, Redwood Road, Hardman Ave., Vichy Springs Road and Monticello Road.
• 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