Cleanup crews have started hauling away debris in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones, but there's debate over whether soil testing should be done to ensure no toxic waste was left behind.
California regulations, established in 2007, require soil testing on residential properties following a wildfire, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency insists removing six inches of soil below ground level is an adequate precaution against any remaining toxins.
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This has sparked a debate about balancing safety with the need to rebuild quickly and who will pay for it all.
Congressman Brad Sherman tells KNX News' Pete Demetriou that while you can't always get FEMA to do what you want, this is a situation where the federal government should adopt state standards.
"I think the costs of the testing are relatively modest compared to the amounts of federal aid that we'll be seeking compared to the other costs involved in this process," Congressman Sherman said. "And I don't think we should be afraid to do the testing and then decide whether other remediation is necessary."
Sherman, who represents the Palisades, says homeowners are entitled to know the conditions of a site before rebuild begins, and "Clearly, we need tests at various places around the Palisades, and if FEMA won't do it, then the state government or local government should do it."
Sherman is working with Congresswoman Judy Chu, who is representing the Eaton burn zone. She is asking FEMA to change its standards there as well.
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