Bailey Canyon Project Report
The City of Sierra Madre has released an update on The Meadows at Bailey Canyon, a proposed development featuring 42 single‑family homes and a 3‑acre public park on a 17.3‑acre site in northwest Sierra Madre.
By John Boucher
Toll Brothers is the project developer, and all related documents are available on the City’s Transparency Portal at sierramadreca.gov/meadows. The latest report, provided in PDF format, is accessible at this link.
Independent Soil Testing Completed
In response to resident concerns, the City asked Toll Brothers to commission an independent, third‑party supplemental soil study. That report—now posted on the Transparency Portal—includes testing for arsenic, lead, cobalt, benzo(a)pyrene, naphthalene, and dioxins (TEQ).
According to a press release sent to our newsroom, the City outlined which substances were analyzed but did not summarize the findings or indicate whether any contaminants exceeded public‑health thresholds.
The City states that the soil report will be reviewed before any grading permits are issued. If contaminant levels exceed standards set by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or the California Department of Public Health, mitigation measures will be required to ensure construction activities do not pose risks to public health or the environment.
What the Report Shows
Environmental testing at the planned Sunnyside residential development in Sierra Madre indicates the site is overwhelmingly clean, with only one small area requiring soil removal before construction.
Hillmann Consulting’s multi‑year investigation found:
- No pesticide contamination
- No harmful vapor levels
- Only low, naturally occurring background metals typical of Southern California soils
Additional sampling conducted after the 2025 wildfires confirmed that nearly all results met state and federal safety standards.
The only concern identified was a single dioxin hotspot—designated FS‑2—where levels slightly exceeded residential screening thresholds. Approximately 100 cubic yards of soil will be excavated and transported to a licensed disposal facility.
The report indicates that construction will proceed under strict dust-control and soil-handling protocols, with long-term inspections to ensure pavement and landscaped areas continue to safely cover the soil. Officials state that once the FS-2 cleanup is complete, the property will meet all residential health standards. (Download the full report in PDF format).
Tracking the Post‑Entitlement Phase
The City has also published a timeline outlining the post‑entitlement phase of the project. Additional materials—including soil‑management documents, mitigation requirements, Air Quality Management District permits, fugitive‑dust control plans, and temporary wall and fence permits—are available online to support transparency and public access.
Public Access and Contact Information
Residents seeking more information about The Meadows at Bailey Canyon can visit sierramadreca.gov/meadows or contact the City directly at publiccomment@sierramadreca.gov.
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