Q: What is Soil Tackifier, and why is it being applied?
A: Soil Tackifier is a stabilizer used to suppress dust and ash in wildfire-impacted areas. Its primary function is to prevent potentially hazardous ash from becoming airborne, reducing health risks and improving air quality. It also provides temporary erosion control until debris removal occurs.

Q: When and where will Soil Tackifier be applied?
A: Soil Tackifier will be sprayed only on ash and burned debris after Household Hazardous Material (HHM) removal (Phase 1 completion). It will be removed along with the ash and debris during Phase 2 debris removal. Application will be limited to those properties participating in the Phase 2 debris removal programs with an approved ROE.

Q: Why is this happening now?
A: FEMA has tasked USACE with this work to reduce windblown ash concerns on Phase 1 properties where debris removal has not yet been completed. Additionally, the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) requested action to mitigate hazardous airborne particles, especially during high-wind events.

Health, environmental, and safety concerns

Q: Is Soil Tackifier safe for people, pets, and wildlife?
A: Yes. Soil Tackifier is non-toxic, non-hazardous, and non-corrosive. It poses no known health risks to humans or animals through inhalation, skin contact, or proximity after application.

Q: Does Soil Tackifier contain harmful chemicals?
A: No. It is a commercially available stabilizer designed for environmental safety. The formulation is similar to the tackifier used in hydromulch applications.

Q: Could Soil Tackifier leach into groundwater or affect drinking water?
A: No. Soil Tackifier has been tested and does not leach into groundwater, even during rain events.

Q: Will it emit fumes or chemicals into the air as it dries?
A: No. The curing process is non-hazardous and does not release harmful substances into the air.

Q: Has Soil Tackifier been tested and approved by environmental agencies?
A: Yes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) verified Soil Tackifier as being non-toxic and non-hazardous. The EPA also applied Soil Tackifier in Lahaina after the 2023 fires.

Application process and logistics

Q: What does Soil Tackifier application involve?
A: The process includes:

• A water truck spraying Soil Tackifier directly onto ash and burned debris.
• Application taking approximately 1-2 hours per property.
• A drying period of about 48 hours before it fully stabilizes.

Q: Will Soil Tackifier be applied more than once?
A: No. It is a single application that lasts up to six months or until debris removal occurs.

Q: Will the application require road closures or cause disruptions?
A: No. The process will not require road closures, and any disruptions will be minimal.

Q: Can people stay in their homes while Soil Tackifier is applied nearby?
A: Yes. Since the material is non-toxic and non-hazardous, there is no risk to residents.

Property and opt-in/opt-out concerns

Q: Will Soil Tackifier be applied to properties that opted out of debris removal?
A: No. Soil tackifier will only be applied to properties participating in the Phase 2 debris removal program (i.e., properties with a ROE) after HHM removal is complete but before debris removal begins. The application of Soil Tackifier is necessary for public health protection.

Q: Will Soil Tackifier be applied to government properties, schools, or commercial areas?
A: No. Application will be limited to those properties participating in the Phase 2 debris removal programs with an approved ROE.

Q: How do we know all the Soil Tackifier will be removed?
A: The stabilizer will only be applied to the structural ash footprint, which will be fully removed during debris removal.