Renowned for its vibrant lifeguard stations, sun-kissed surfers, and beach volleyball enthusiasts in bikinis, Will Rogers State Beach stands as a globally recognizable shoreline, largely due to its association with the iconic TV show “Baywatch.” However, the once picturesque beach now finds itself surrounded by the remnants of charred residences and palm trees, its parking lot transformed into a hub for hazardous waste stemming from recent wildfires. Instead of beachgoers, hazmat-clad Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) teams now comb through melted electric car batteries and other perilous materials, preparing them for transportation to designated landfills.
The aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton fires has left an astonishing 4.5 million tons of debris in its wake, dwarfing the cleanup efforts required after the devastating Maui fires of 2023, which generated approximately 400,000 tons, as reported by the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the EPA spent three months clearing debris from the Maui fires, the agency aims to complete the cleanup of Los Angeles within a month, by the 25th of February, following President Donald Trump’s directive to accelerate the removal of contaminated and general waste materials.
Criticism has arisen over the decision to conduct waste sorting in close proximity to the coastline, leading to protests. As the rapid cleanup progresses, concerns mount over the safety of ocean waters for recreational activities like swimming and surfing. Environmentalist and actress Bonnie Wright, known for her role as Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter series, expressed apprehension over the hazardous waste sorting near the Topanga Creek watershed, emphasizing the potential risks posed by the close proximity of dangerous materials to the beach.
Despite some setbacks, including failed attempts to relocate waste sorting operations away from the coast, activists successfully advocated for moving burned electric vehicle batteries to a separate site near Will Rogers State Beach, diverting them from the sensitive watershed area.
Acknowledging the unique challenges posed by damaged lithium-ion batteries, the EPA asserted its capability to manage such hazardous materials effectively. Intending to prioritize safety, the agency strategically chose the Pacific Coast Highway for waste sorting due to its accessibility for truck traffic, as opposed to the challenging terrains within the Palisades.
Steve Calanog, the EPA’s incident commander for the LA fires, emphasized the urgency of the cleanup efforts, highlighting the potential hazards of delayed action. He stressed the need for swift intervention to prevent further environmental harm, particularly the risk of contamination reaching the ocean.
While the speed of the EPA’s cleanup operations has faced scrutiny, Calanog underscored the imperative nature of their work, emphasizing the critical importance of expeditious action in safeguarding the environment against further harm.
Mr. Calanog oversaw the EPA’s response to the Maui fires, which may offer insights on how to assess safety and reasonableness in testing water and soil samples. Concerns persist about the presence of heavy metals and chemicals in the air and water post-fire. Nearly 18 months later, a section of the Lahaina coast remains closed to the public. The Army Corps of Engineers recently completed their cleanup efforts in Lahaina. Despite ongoing closures, the Hawaii Department of Health declared the coastal waters safe for recreation eight months after the fires.
The aftermath of the Los Angeles fires has resulted in the largest cleanup operation in U.S. history. Beaches along a nine-mile stretch were closed for weeks following the fires, with subsequent mudslides and runoff leading to further closures. While most beaches have since reopened, a water advisory remains in effect from Santa Monica to Malibu. Access to the burn area beaches is limited, and surfers are advised to avoid ocean water in the affected areas.
During a visit to an EPA sorting site, Annelisa Moe witnessed surfers in the water at Topanga Beach amidst cleanup activities. Water quality testing has shown better-than-expected results, but caution is advised near the burn site. Various organizations are conducting tests for contaminants like forever chemicals and heavy metals, with results expected in several weeks.
The Surfrider Foundation continues to test ocean water for fecal bacteria but faces challenges in testing for other contaminants in the burn areas. Volunteers are no longer able to work in these areas due to safety concerns.
Teaming up with Heal the Bay and the University of Southern California, the community members of all ocean enthusiasts are joining forces to process their water samples. “We have the same questions as our community members. It’s a concern, and everybody is asking, When can we go back? When is it safe? And I wish I had an answer,” shared Eugenia Ermacora of the Surfrider Foundation. In better days, Will Rogers State Beach was a bustling hub for California surfers. Chad White, a surfer who grew up in the Palisades and was vocal about his opposition to the EPA sorting site along the Pacific Coast Highway, expressed his current reluctance to surf there. The sight of the coast marred by debris and pollution is too painful for him to bear. “It’s taken my desire to surf down to zero, not just because of the water quality, but just because of what’s happening,” he disclosed during a coffee chat in Topanga Canyon. Having caught his first wave at Will Rogers State Beach in 1977 and passed on his love for surfing to his son and wife, White lamented the devastation that has befallen the beloved beach. The destruction along the coast has left him shattered, and he worries about the collective impact on the numerous individuals who frequent the beach daily. Witnessing the loss of homes and the trauma experienced by friends, White emphasized the profound changes in the landscape and coastal areas. “Every movie or film that has enticed people from around the world to dream of California has been centered on the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway and the stunning homes in Malibu along the beach. They’re all gone,” he lamented. “Now it’s a toxic waste dump.” In the aftermath of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, speculation on the potential causes – whether power lines, hikers, or arson – abounds. The heartbreak and sense of loss among residents are palpable, with many feeling they have nothing to return to amidst the destruction.
