Boiling Point Episode Summary: "Post-Fires, the L.A. Times Is Digging Up Dirt"

Introduction

In the May 8, 2025 episode of Boiling Point, hosted by Sammy Roth of the L.A. Times Studios, the focus is on a critical investigation into the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades wildfires in California. The episode delves into the alarming discovery that federal agencies failed to perform standard soil testing for toxic metals post-wildfire, potentially exposing residents to hazardous contaminants. Through in-depth discussions with environment reporter Tony Brisco and Joanne O'Neill of Clean Power Alliance, the podcast uncovers the implications of this oversight and the broader challenges posed by climate-induced wildfires.

Background: Standard Soil Testing Protocols Ignored

During typical urban wildfire recoveries, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers remove up to six inches of topsoil from destroyed properties, subsequently testing the remaining soil for toxins like arsenic, lead, and mercury. However, in the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires, these agencies deviated from standard procedures. As Tony Brisco explains, “they’re just removing the top six inches of soil and calling it quits. And in some places, not removing soil at all” (00:08). This abandonment of comprehensive soil testing left property owners unaware of potential toxic exposures, raising significant public health concerns.

Investigative Journalism: LA Times Takes Action

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Tony Brisco and his team at the L.A. Times embarked on an unconventional journalistic endeavor to conduct their own soil testing. Despite being a news outlet and not a scientific body, they aimed to provide crucial information to affected residents. “We were the last line of defense for, even if it was just a few dozen homeowners, their only line really to getting access to this information.” The team tested soil samples from both destroyed and intact homes, revealing startling levels of contamination that the federal agencies had overlooked.

Findings: Toxic Contamination Exposed

The investigation uncovered significant contamination in the soil, particularly elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury. Joanne O'Neill elucidates the sources of these toxins:

• Lead: Common in older homes with lead-based paints, “lead is... a brain-damaging chemical that can permanently and irreversibly stunt a child’s development” (07:36).
• Arsenic: Used in wood coatings and construction lumber, “arsenic is a cancer-causing agent” with no safe exposure level (07:36).
• Mercury and Cobalt: Often found in electronics and batteries, contributing to environmental and health hazards (07:36).

The study revealed that 2 out of 10 sampled properties had unsafe levels of these heavy metals, aligning with historical data suggesting that up to 20% of properties might remain contaminated despite standard soil removal practices.

Interview Insights: Joanne O’Neill on Policy Deviations

Joanne O'Neill discusses the puzzling shift in federal soil testing policies. “They established that as 6 inches of soil... however, that directly contradicts almost 20 years worth of data that... 20% of properties are still going to be contaminated” (09:05). O'Neill speculates that past federal missteps, such as the costly over-excavation during the 2017 North Bay fires, may have influenced the reduction in soil testing efforts. Additionally, a brief communication from the EPA, a mere 257-word letter, sidelined extensive state data, effectively undermining established safety protocols (12:52).

Methodology: How the Investigation Was Conducted

Tony Brisco outlines the meticulous process undertaken by the team:

1. Composite Sampling: Combining five soil samples from different property areas into one representative sample to ensure comprehensive coverage (19:25).
2. Testing Standards: Utilizing EPA-certified labs to analyze 17 types of metals, adhering to state standards (20:45).
3. Safety Precautions: Employing protective gear to safely collect samples from areas still undergoing cleanup (21:03).

This conservative approach likely underestimates contamination levels, as more extensive sampling could reveal higher instances of toxic hotspots.

Implications: Health Risks and Policy Recommendations

The findings have profound health implications, especially for children and families exposed to contaminated soil. Joanne emphasizes the urgency: “There is a debate whether or not any of this was pre-existing or fire-related contamination. But a lot of people have expressed concern... you have to think... a lot of rain washed over the area which we know drives contamination deeper into the soil column” (26:04).

Tony connects these revelations to broader climate change issues, noting that wildfires are intensifying and becoming more destructive. “This could very well happen again, and this is a problem that we're gonna keep dealing with” (30:33). The episode underscores the need for stringent federal and state policies to ensure comprehensive soil testing and remediation post-wildfires to safeguard public health.

Conclusion: The Role of Investigative Journalism

Boiling Point highlights the critical role of investigative journalism in holding authorities accountable and protecting community health. Tony Brisco asserts, “here at the LA Times, we’re going to keep asking terrifying questions and doing our best to answer them and maybe occasionally testing soil, if that’s what we have to do, because no one else will do it” (31:56). The episode serves as a call to action for policymakers, urging adherence to scientific protocols and prioritizing public safety over expedited redevelopment.

Notable Quotes

• Tony Brisco: “This is what you probably thought you were going to see going in. And there's reason to think that you guys were pretty conservative here in the way you went about this” (26:04).
• Joanne O'Neill: “It’s terrifying to think about what’s next for communities struck by wildfires without proper soil remediation” (31:56).
• Tony Brisco: “Do things right the first time rather than having to replicate and do it again later” (15:32).

Final Thoughts

This episode of Boiling Point serves as a powerful examination of the intersection between climate change, public health, and governmental accountability. Through diligent reporting and courageous investigation, the L.A. Times exposes critical gaps in disaster recovery protocols, urging a reevaluation of practices to prevent future health hazards in wildfire-affected communities.