How will property owners know when debris cleanup is complete?
As Debris Management Task Force (Task Force) work continues to pick up throughout the state, property owners are understandably eager to rebuild. So, how do you know when the cleanup work is complete and your property is ready and safe to begin rebuilding?
The final stages of cleanup
After crews remove ash and debris from your property, soil testing begins as the final part of the Step 2 cleanup process. When crews have finished clearing debris, they’ll test the ground soil for contaminants left by wildfire, as they can be a threat to public health. Ash and debris removal takes three to five days per property. Crews will proactively remove up to six inches of soil to check for toxic metal contaminants often left behind after a fire. If crews detect wildfire containments, they will remove additional soil and test the soil again. They’ll repeat this process until wildfire contaminants are below levels where they pose a risk to public health.
Notification
When the state-led cleanup is complete, the state will issue a notice that debris has been removed, soil has been tested and the Right of Entry agreement has ended. A physical and electronic letter from the Task Force will be sent to you by mail and email certifying the cleanup process on your property is complete. This letter will include your property's soil testing results. Properties adjacent to a waterway will also receive an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) High Priority Report. Once the state has certified that cleanup is complete and that the soil is safe, then your property is set for the rebuilding process to begin.
Interactive property status map
To see the current progress of your property, visit the Property Status Map and input your address or access number. Your property will be highlighted or outlined in one of the colors on the map legend. This is your property’s status. Information is updated daily. A dark blue layer on the map means that the property has passed final soil testing, hazard trees have been removed and hydromulch has been applied. A gold star over a dark blue layer means that the property is safe for rebuilding and the state will mail an official letter verifying the work is complete. You can click the gold star on the map to download an electronic copy of your state-issued soil testing results and EPA High Priority Report. If you need help interpreting the map or your property’s status, refer to the explanation below the map or call the debris cleanup hotline: 503-934-1700.
Next steps
Once you’re ready to rebuild, visit your local building department for state, county, city or local permitting requirements.
