Rep. Chu Meets with EPA to Discuss Eaton Fire Soil Testing, Urges Additional Action for Survivors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Earlier this week, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) met with EPA Region 9 Acting Regional Administrator Mike Martucci, whose jurisdiction includes California, to discuss the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s updated decisionto fund EPA's soil testing for 100 homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire. Rep. Chu pushed the Administrator for further answers and protections for survivors.

"Just over one year after the Eaton Fire, I commend FEMA for making the right decision to fund EPA soil testing for 100 homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire in order to document lead contamination levels. This data will be critical in understanding whether lead contamination risks still exist following debris removal so we can ensure survivors return to their properties without fear of exposure to dangerous toxins. That's why I have long demanded that the federal government cover the cost of comprehensive soil testing and establish a remediation program for survivors' properties," said Rep. Chu.

In September 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health published findingsfrom soil testing conducted in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas. The County tested for several toxic substances, including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxins/furans, and found that lead was the only fire-related contaminant of concern in the Eaton Fire region. No widespread contaminants of concern were identified in the Palisades burn scar.

In response to these findings, the EPA announced it will partner with LA County to conduct soil testing beginning the week of January 16 at 100 properties within the Eaton Fire burn scar. The EPA's stated goals are: "to document lead levels in the soil where buildings once stood after debris removal operations, confirm the effectiveness of cleanup methods, and use this data to establish best practices that will improve future wildfire response efforts across the country."

During the meeting, Acting Administrator Martucci informed Rep. Chu that 200 Altadena property owners are expected to be contacted initially and given the option to opt in or out of the testing program. Ultimately, 100 properties will be tested. At each participating property, the EPA will collect 30 soil samples and consolidate the samples into one bulk sample. According to the EPA, this scientifically accepted method will provide 95% statistical confidence.

Results are expected to be released in April 2026 and will also be sent directly to each participating property owner. Additionally, an EPA representative will be available at the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center to speak to residents and answer questions.

Rep. Chu also pushed Acting Administrator Martucci for answers as to why the federal government did not conduct soil testing at any point during the past year despite her requests and widespread concern that survivors could be exposed to dangerous contaminants. EPA officials acknowledged that the County's findings demonstrated the need for further action to protect the health and wellbeing of survivors, and stated that the data collected will be used to guide future best practices for wildfire and natural disaster response.

Rep. Chu further pressed the Acting Administrator on whether the federal government would cover the cost of additional remediation if the EPA's testing reveals lead levels exceeding federal standards. EPA officials indicated that this was "unlikely," instead stating that results would include "referrals to LA County and state agencies that can provide guidance about available resources." Rep. Chu made clear that survivors should not be forced to take on any additional financial burden required to remediate their homes and protect their health. She will continue working with County and state partners to pursue full remediation.

"While significant progress has been made in our fire recovery, I was dismayed that FEMA and the EPA still refuse to commit to covering remediation if hazardous lead levels are found. The EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleared hazardous materials and removed debris from thousands of properties at no out-of-pocket cost to survivors. If the EPA now finds that this debris removal failed to clear contaminated soil, then the federal government must finish the job they committed to do. Survivors should not be left with the bill to clear remaining toxins from their properties. I will continue pushing for full remediation for contaminated properties and work with federal, state, and local partners until survivors get the resources and protections they deserve," continued Rep. Chu.

On June 3, 2025, Rep. Chu led27 California Delegation Members in a letter sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urging the agency to conduct comprehensive soil testing and establish a remediation program for properties impacted by the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles County.

###