Debris Removal
The Sonoma County Consolidated Fire Debris Removal Program has two phases: removal of household hazardous waste and removal of other fire-related debris.
Phase I: Household Hazardous Waste Removal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will inspect your property and remove any Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as batteries, asbestos siding, and paints. Review the progress of Phase I. Phase I of the Program is required for all residential properties.
Phase II: Debris Removal and Property Clean-up
- Option 1: Sonoma County Consolidated Debris Removal Program
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local officials are coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to conduct fire-related debris removal from your property. This will include removal of all burnt debris, foundations, hazardous trees, and some soil to ensure the site is clean and safe for building. Phase II debris removal by USACE is optional. (DEADLINE FOR OPTION 1 HAS PASSED) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District (USACE) has established a Debris Removal Information Line for property owners affected by last year’s devastating wildfires in Northern California. The number for the USACE Debris Removal Information Line is 877-875-7681. May 16, 2018, is the last day USACE will accept new debris removal complaints via its phone line and email. Residential property owners who are registered for the government-sponsored debris removal program can also e-mail: USACESupportToSonoma@usace.army.mil
- Option 2: Private Debris Clean-up
Property owners who do not qualify for, or who chose not to participate in, the Sonoma Consolidated Debris Removal Program, must hire a private contractor to remove fire debris and clean up their properties.
A Private Clean-up Application form must be submitted to the County of Sonoma or City of Santa Rosa, depending on location of the property, prior to the commencement of work. Private debris removal is done at the homeowner’s expense and must meet or exceed the standards set by local, state and federal agencies. This includes compliance with all legal requirements for disposal, authorized disposal sites, best management practices for activities on site, proper transportation and documentation of waste, and erosion control.
City of Santa Rosa & County of Sonoma Informational Mailings
Health Screening Level Guidance
The summary tables in this document provide updated health screening level guidance and cleanup goals for the Sonoma County Complex Fires. Click here to view this document.
What to do if you are in the Debris Removal Program and want to sell your property
If you are in the government sponsored Debris Removal Program and intend to sell your property then you and the proposed buyer need to execute a Consolidated Debris Removal Program Affidavit form. Signed copies must be returned to Environmental Health at:
625 5th Street
If the affidavit is not fully executed the property will be removed from the Debris Removal Program and it will be the owner’s responsibility to remove the debris.
The affidavit requirement does not apply after debris removal is finished and the property owner has received a Certificate of Completion from the County of Sonoma.
Debris Removal Right-of-Entry Processing Center
The County of Sonoma is operating a Debris Removal Right-of-Entry Processing Center at the Department of Health Services building in downtown Santa Rosa. Environmental Health staff will be on hand to assist residents with filling out the appropriate paperwork for the debris removal program.
When: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: 625 5th Street, Santa Rosa, between Riley and Humboldt
Phone #: (707) 565-6700