LA County Launches $1M Soil Cleanup Pilot For Eaton Fire-Affected Homes

ALTADENA, CA — A Los Angeles County pilot program launched Wednesday will provide soil testing and lead cleanup services for eligible homeowners in Altadena and unincorporated Pasadena.

Applications are open through noon on Nov. 25.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger and the Los Angeles County Development Authority launched the New Roots Eaton Canyon Pilot Program with $1 million from the county Board of Supervisors’ Climate Equity Account. The funding will cover soil testing, cleanup and program administration.

The program aims to clean up about 20 properties, with each homeowner eligible for up to $60,000 in bare-soil cleanup services.

Applicants must certify that the property has been their primary residence since Jan. 7, 2025, when the deadly, wind-driven Eaton Fire broke out. County officials said the home must be habitable and occupied by the owner when the application is submitted. Required documents include a property tax bill, utility bill and government-issued photo ID.

Applications will be evaluated based on lead levels detected in bare soil and household circumstances, according to the county. Priority will be given to:

1. Households with a pregnant member.
2. Households with children younger than 6.
3. Households regularly visited by children younger than 6.
4. Households with a member who has elevated blood lead levels.
5. Households with children ages 6 through 17.
6. Households with an older adult or a person with disabilities.

“Eaton Fire survivors have been through so much–they deserve every bit of support, now," Barger said in a statement. “New Roots is another step towards bringing them some relief. I will continue doing everything the County can do to support these families while we urge Congress to appropriate the federal disaster recovery funding our community needs.”

County officials are exploring additional funding to expand assistance, including potential federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds.

Los Angeles County Development Authority Executive Director Emilio Salas said homeowners' needs continue to change as families move through recovery. He described the pilot program as a small step and expressed hope that federal assistance could help expand the effort.

“The needs of homeowners in fire affected communities are complex and evolve as families enter new phases of recovery," Salas said in a statement. "We are eager to lend a hand in ensuring families are able to remain in their home safely as they clear the way to new beginnings."

Applications opened at noon Oct. 21. To check eligibility or apply, visit newroots.lacda.org, call 626-568-1727 or email newroots@lacda.org.