The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has successfully completed its household hazardous material removal mission in Eastern Washington, following the recent wildfires. The agency cleared 789 properties in under a month, meeting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 60-day deadline.
This operation marks a significant step forward in the recovery efforts for communities affected by the wildfires. EPA Region 10 Regional Administrator Emma Pokon emphasized the agency's commitment to aiding Eastern Washington's recovery, thanking local communities and agencies for their support.
The EPA's efforts involved over 220 personnel on the ground daily, removing more than 195,000 pounds of hazardous waste. This initiative was crucial in ensuring the safety of homeowners, contractors, and local agencies involved in the rebuilding process.
The completion of this phase allows homeowners to proceed with rebuilding, starting with an asbestos survey. If asbestos is found, it must be removed by a certified abatement company before obtaining building permits from Spokane authorities.
The EPA will now begin demobilizing and transitioning to the next phase of recovery, working closely with local partners to ensure continued progress in rebuilding efforts.