Free Quake Debris Removal to Continue

A free curbside quake debris removal program for Los Angeles residents will continue in the San Fernando Valley until June 30, city officials said. The program will end for the rest of Los Angeles on April 15.

Since the Jan. 17 Northridge quake, contractors hired by the city’s Department of Public Works have removed about 120,000 tons of quake rubble and debris. Most of the cleanup has been completed in the Los Angeles areas south of Mulholland Drive and in the Sunland-Tujunga areas.

But because an additional 100,000 tons of debris remain in the Valley and many property owners are still waiting for federal emergency and insurance inspectors, the free cleanup program will be extended in the Valley, said Andres Santamaria, director of the newly formed quake cleanup division.

Cleanup teams are still driving through the hardest-hit areas of the Valley in search of quake debris. But to make certain that debris from a home or business is not missed, property owners can call the Bureau of Engineering at (800) 498-CITY.