For Immediate Release:

November 30, 2018

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is cautioning residents returning to homes with septic tanks in the Woolsey fire burn areas that are located in unincorporated portions of Malibu. Heat from the Woolsey fire may have weakened fiberglass and plastic components of septic tanks, lids, and risers, which may result in its collapse or caving in when additional weight is placed on top of it. All properties where the fire was present on the property and/or where there was full or partial fire damage are included in this advisory. Public Health is advising residents of the unincorporated areas of Malibu to take the following precautions:

• Keep children and pets away from the septic tank area
• Avoid walking, driving over, or using heavy equipment on or near your septic tank
• If you do not know where your septic tank is located, avoid your yard until it is located and inspected by a qualified contractor*
• If you know where your septic tank is located, mark its location and if possible place a barrier around it
• Have the system inspected for damage by a qualified contractor*

*A qualified contractor is an individual who possesses a valid California License as General Engineering Contractor (Class A), Sanitation System Contractor (Specialty Class C-42), or Plumbing Contractor (Specialty Class C-36). The qualifying contractor under this definition may perform all work related to installation of new and replacement septic system, and repair of existing septic systems in accordance with California Business and Professions Code and Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. A General Building Contractor (Class B) is qualified for completing repairs but is not approved for performing a certification inspection of an existing septic system.

Residents may contact Public Health's Land Use Program for any questions at 626-430-5380.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of over 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,100 employees and has an annual budget of $1 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichea lth.lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lap ublichealth, facebook.co m/lapublichealth and youtube.com/ lapublichealth.

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