Property owners with any burned structure from the 2017 Redwood Fire Complex are required to participate in an approved fire debris cleanup and removal process. If property owners choose not to participate in the regional Consolidated Debris Removal Program, property owners must submit a Private Cleanup Form to the Mendocino County Environmental Health Division no later than November 16, 2017.   

Property owners moving forward with private debris removal must conduct the private cleanup with a qualified contractor.  Private cleanups must be conducted in accordance with the Mendocino County Debris Cleanup and Removal Program. This self-certification process requires an asbestos assessment by a Certified Asbestos Consultant, proper handling and disposal of burn debris at an approved landfill, erosion control measures, and confirmation soil sampling to demonstrate cleanup goals have been met.

To conduct a private cleanup, you must submit a Private Cleanup Form to Mendocino County Environmental Health Division no later than November 16, 2017.  It is strongly advised that property owners review all requirements thoroughly before pursuing their own debris removal. Disaster funding will not reimburse for this work, and a Building Permit to rebuild will not be issued unless the property has been remediated to the standards established in the Debris Cleanup and Removal Program.  If property owners do not participate in the Consolidated Debris Removal Program or submit a Private Cleanup Form, Mendocino County may pursue abatement and seek to recover costs for contract work, staff time, and administration time with a lien recorded on the property deed should abatement expenses not be reimbursed.

The Private Cleanup Form and requirements are available at www.mendocinocounty.org/fireinfo and Environmental Health located at 860 N Bush Street in Ukiah. For more information on the Consolidated Debris Removal Program please contact Planning and Building Services at (707) 234-6650.  For more information on the private debris removal requirements, please contact Environmental Health at (707) 234-6625. 

Attached: Debris Cleanup and Removal Requirements