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1. What do I need to do to receive debris clean-up services?

Phase one: Nevada County declared a Local Health Emergency, allowing us to provide free hazardous waste clean-up services. All affected properties have already been assessed and clean-up operations are underway.

Phase two: Nevada County Environmental Health can assist you with debris removal on your property. You can contact Amy Irani, Director of Environmental Health, at (530) 265-1464 or amy.irani@co.nevada.ca.us to obtain or complete a Right of Entry (ROE) form which grants government contractors access to your property. You can also find Nevada County's ROE and instructions to fill out the ROE on our Lobo and McCourtney Fire Recovery web pages.

2. If I sign a Right of Entry from for property fire debris clean-up, what can I expect?

The fire debris clean-up by state agencies and Nevada County has two phases: removal of hazardous waste and removal of other fire-related debris. 

In phase one, the County, state, and federal agencies have organized teams of experts from the California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to inspect your property and remove any household hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as batteries, asbestos siding, and paints.

In phase two, Cal OES, FEMA and local officials are coordinating with CalRecycle to execute contracts and conduct fire-related debris removal from your property.

3. Who will pay for debris clean-up and removal?

All initial costs will be paid by state and federal agencies. However, if property owners have insurance that specifically covers debris removal owners must inform local officials, and they will be required to remit that portion of the insurance proceeds that are specifically reserved for debris. This is required by state law (California Disaster Assistance Act, California Government Code sections 8680-8692) and is included in Nevada County's Right of Entry forms.

4. When will debris removal begin?

Phase 1: Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) crews have already begun removal of hazardous household waste. 

Phase 2: Removal of fire debris, other than hazardous household waste, is scheduled to begin by November 13th, 2017. In order to take advantage of free state debris removal for your property, you must complete and turn in a Right of Entry (ROE) form by November 7th.

5. What should I know about rebuilding my home?

• All County related building permit fees & County impact fees will be waived for any property affect by the fires as long as permits are applied for prior to October 10th,2018 and the structure was previously permitted. More information on building fees can be found on the Permit Fee Estimate Form (Waived Fees).
• If your structure was destroyed in the fire, when you rebuild you will need to comply with current 2016 California Building Codes. Your project plan check will be expedited through the process to assist you in your recovery efforts.

6. What is considered hazardous waste?

Household hazardous waste is waste from houses that poses a threat to public health, animals, or environmental. Hazardous waste includes chemicals that are ignitable, toxic, corrosive and reactive. Examples include pool chemicals, car batteries, antifreeze, used oil filters, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, propane tanks, disinfectants, aerosols, paint, bleach, and ammunition.

7. If I have homeowner's insurance, can I still participate in the debris removal program?

Yes. However, to avoid a duplication of benefits provided by the state or federal government, your insurance company is required to provide payment from your policy that is designated for debris removal. This is a required by state law (California Disaster Assistance Act, California Government Code sections 8680-8692) and is in Nevada County's Right of Entry form.

8. I need to restore power to my property. Who do I contact?

Contact the PG&E Building & Renovation Service Center online at www.pge.com/CCO or by phone (877) 743-7782 or (800) 743-5000. Their Local Service Planning Office is located at
788 Taylorville Rd in Grass Valley and  are open Monday - Friday from 7am - 3:30pm.