LOS ANGELES, CA – As heavy rains threaten Eaton and Palisades burn scar areas, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force has proactively placed 630,250 feet of critical watershed protection materials throughout Eaton and Palisades burn scar areas.
More than 500 state personnel including environmental experts, engineers, and emergency teams, have come together to execute the state’s largest watershed protection mission. With heavy rain expected, these efforts are critical in reducing the risk of toxic runoff.
In partnership with the California Conservation Corps (CCC), the California Department of Water Resources, CAL FIRE, Caltrans, and the California Geological Survey, the Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force has been working since mid-January to prevent toxic runoff from impacting creeks, rivers, and water bodies.
The CCC continues to play a crucial role in deploying emergency protective materials such as straw wattles, compost socks, and silt fences in burn scar areas to contain hazardous runoff and prevent contamination of vital water sources. Additionally, the task force has coordinated debris flow prevention resources, including K-rails, that were requested by the county.
Watershed Protection Materials by the Numbers
- 606,576 feet of compost socks (114.9 miles)
- 22,625 feet straw wattle
- 7,500 feet silt fence
Mudslide and Debris Flow Prevention Materials by the Numbers (Secured for Local Government)
- 7,960 feet of K-rail
Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force Key Actions
- Deployment of Emergency Protection Materials: CCC crews installed straw wattles, compost socks, and silt fences to trap hazardous materials and control sediment flow.
- Erosion Control Measures: Teams placed protective barriers along slopes, waterways, and roadways to slow and filter runoff, stabilizing fire-damaged terrain.
- Debris Flow Mitigation: The task force supported locally requested K-rails and muscle walls to divert potential debris flows away from communities and infrastructure.
- Debris Basin Cleanup: The California Military Department (California National Guard) assisted with clearing debris basins to restore water flow and prevent flooding.
Flood fighting and watershed protection crews remain prepositioned to monitor and respond as heavy rain threatens burn scar areas in Los Angeles County.
These critical efforts and essential partnerships demonstrate California’s commitment to rapid, effective disaster response and environmental protection.
For more information on the Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Taskforce, visit Watershed Protection Mission: Frequently Asked Questions For Residents | Cal OES News