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Deal Being Worked Out To Let DEQ Dispose Of Hazardous Materials From Burned Homes

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

Returning residents of the McKenzie River Corridor are being urged not to clean up damaged or destroyed homesteads following the Holiday Farm Fire. 

Lane County and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality are working with state and federal agencies to arrange removal of dangerous materials at no cost to property owners.

Tim Laue of the McKenzie Community Development Corporation says it’s hard for people coming back not to sort through the remnants of their homes, but asbestos, mercury, and other hazards in the ash pose their own risks. 

KLCC confirmed with the State Joint Information Center that negotiations are being worked on among the agencies, including FEMA and the EPA.  But it’s unknown when they’ll be finalized and if other areas will be served. 

Copyright 2020, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.