The EPA and all partners involved in debris removal and management are coordinating efforts to protect land and soil quality. During debris removal, the EPA is applying Soiltac, a soil stabilizer, to the ash and debris footprints of burned buildings and vehicles. Application of the stabilizer will prevent ash (and the contaminants within) from spreading to soil and land outside of burned areas.
Ash testing has also been conducted by the DOH to monitor the possible contaminants present within fire impacted areas. Based on data gathered in October 2023, DOH found high levels of arsenic in wildfire ash in Kula, along with elevated levels of lead and cobalt. Samples in Kula were taken from homes built between the 1930s to the 2000s. Given the similar ages of homes, DOH anticipates similar findings in Lahaina.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCAE) is also conducting extensive environmental testing before and after debris removal activities. Soil testing will be conducted to ensure the site is safe and clear of potentially leached toxins. Six inches of soil will be scraped from wildfire damaged sites and then soil quality will be tested. If testing shows the presence of any toxins, USCAE will perform further remediation until they can ensure the soil is clean and safe for rebuilding and habitation. Cultural monitors will be on site during all USCAE clean up and remediation efforts.
Extensive debris removal efforts serve to create clean and safe impact zones. To learn more about debris removal efforts, visit resources from the EPA, USCAE and County of Maui.
Land and Soil Quality Resources
DOH: Preliminary ash testing data: For Kula ( Oct 15, 2023) and Lahaina (Dec 10, 2023)
FEMA and Maui County: Fire Debris Removal and Environmental Testing Information
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Hawaii Wildfire Response Information
U.S. EPA: 2023 Maui Wildfires
Disclaimer: The information on this page provides well-informed, broad overviews of environmental protection efforts. Information may not be an exhaustive list of all protection measures taken by local, state, and federal partners. Information contained in this page is subject to updates and changes.