Researchers Urge Governor Newsom to Fund Post-Fire Soil Testing
Experts warn of health risks from untested soil in fire-affected areas
A coalition of environmental researchers is calling on Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Environmental Protection Agency to fund comprehensive soil testing in areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. In a letter dated May 15, 2025, nearly a dozen university professors emphasized the need for the state to uphold its wildfire-recovery protocols, which traditionally include soil sampling after debris removal.
The researchers highlighted that federal agencies have declined to conduct soil testing, leaving thousands of properties without assessments for toxic substances like lead and arsenic. They argue that this omission poses significant health risks to returning residents and hampers the economic recovery of the communities.
"At present, no parcel-specific soil testing is required or recommended by the State for residential properties impacted by the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire," the letter states. "In our view, this poses a serious risk to public health and the economic recovery of the communities."
The plea comes amid findings that some properties, even after cleanup by federal agencies, still contain hazardous levels of contaminants. Researchers stress that without state intervention, residents may unknowingly rebuild on toxic land, leading to long-term health consequences.
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Researchers call on Newsom to pay for post-fire soil testing in Los Angeles County