Altadena after the fire (Photo – W.K.)
Soil testing is set to begin this week in northern Pasadena and Altadena in response to concerns from local residents about the potential environmental impact of the Eaton Fire.
By News Desk
U.S. Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) announced that the Community Action Project Los Angeles (CAP-LA) will begin testing the soil of 1,200 homes in the affected areas.
Rep. Chu, who has been advocating for soil testing in the wake of the fire, expressed her frustration over a lack of federal support. “I have asked the EPA and FEMA to do soil testing in Altadena and Pasadena, and I was disappointed when they flat-out said no. They said they haven’t paid for soil testing after debris removal since 2019, and they have concluded that whatever is found below the 6 inches is preexisting before the fires,” Chu said in a statement.
Despite the refusal of federal agencies to support testing, Rep. Chu stressed the need for immediate action. “While I support efforts to continue to pressure the EPA and FEMA, I understand the need for immediate solutions. That is why I will also continue to pursue other means for soil testing for residents,” she added.
The upcoming testing, organized by CAP-LA, is a crucial step for residents concerned about the environmental and health risks posed by fire-related contaminants. Only homes that have signed up for the testing and provided consent for entry will be included in this phase. “I am pursuing additional funding that would expand the number of houses tested in the burn area,” Rep. Chu concluded.
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