NEW ROOTS
EATON CANYON PILOT PROGRAM
Who
Homeowners impacted by the wildfire whose primary residence is in the unincorporated areas of Altadena and Pasadena.
What
Grant funds to remediate lead contamination from exterior areas with bare soil.
When
Applications will be accepted from October 21, 2026, 12 p.m. to November 25, 2026, 12 p.m.
How
Read the guidelines and FAQs below for further details prior to submitting an application.
Purpose
The New Roots Eaton Canyon Pilot Program is designed to support homeowners impacted by the wildfire by providing a science-based approach to test and remediate lead‑contaminated bare soil. This initiative aims to safeguard community health, restore property safety, and strengthen long‑term resilience by offering assistance to households recovering from environmental impacts caused by the Eaton Canyon wildfire.
Impact
The Program is estimated to remediate approximately 20 properties. Future funding opportunities may be explored to expand assistance to additional eligible homeowners.
Application Selection Method
A total of $1,000,000 has been allocated for testing, soil remediation, and Program administration. Applicants will be prioritized in the following order:
- Households with a pregnant household member.
- Households with children under the age of six.
- Households with children under the age of six that regularly visit the home.
- Households with a member with elevated lead levels in their blood.
- Households with children 6 through 17 years old.
- Households with an elderly person or a person with disabilities.
Program Details
Homeowners(s) authorize the LACDA and/or its consultant staff to verify the accuracy of information provided in connection with the grant application.
Grant Details
- Each approved application shall not exceed $60,000.
- The LACDA will allocate grant funds to remediate lead contamination from exterior areas with bare soil.
- Grant applicants will be given a maximum of five business days to provide any missing information. Failure to provide needed documentation will constitute forfeiture of application.
Applicants will be given a maximum of five business days to provide any missing documentation. Failure to provide needed documentation will constitute forfeiture of application and participation.
Required Documentation
- Online Application.
- Valid Government-issued photo identification.
- Copy of utility bill issued within 60 days of application.
- Copy of most recent Property Tax notice or recorded Deed.
- Any additional documentation deemed necessary.
Certifications
- Applicant has resided at the property as their primary residence since January 7, 2025;
- No other resident will be able to receive a grant for the same property;
- The information provided in the application is true and correct under penalty of perjury;
- Any false statements may constitute a crime and may be prosecuted under applicable law; and
- Applicant agrees to reimburse LACDA for any funds spent obtained through fraud or error within ten (10) days of notification.
General FAQs
What communities are eligible for the Pilot Program?
The Program is only available to owner-occupied properties within specific zip codes in unincorporated Pasadena and Altadena. Please check your eligibility using the Eligibility Tool.
What factors make applicants ineligible?
Multifamily properties, properties outside the eligible area, commercial properties, homeowners who do not use the property as their primary residence, homeowners whose home is uninhabitable, property owners of vacant lots, and condominiums or townhomes where land is owned by an association or other entity.
I am a renter. Can I apply?
Not at this time. Currently, this Program is only offered to homeowners that use property as their primary residence.
Who will oversee the project?
LACDA will oversee the soil remediation from testing through remediation.
How long will the remediation process take?
The time to complete the remediation process depends on the level of contamination, the methods used, regulatory requirements, and the size of the property. In most cases, the work can take between 1 to 14 days.
Will the work disrupt my daily activities or property use?
Some remediation methods require use of large equipment, limiting your access to your property, causing temporary disruptions. However, remediation teams will coordinate with Property Owners to minimize any impact on daily activities and property use.
What documents will I have to provide?
A property tax notice is required as proof of ownership as well as a government-issued picture ID. The LACDA reserves the right to request additional documentation if deemed necessary.
What documents will I have to sign?
You will need to sign an Owner Participation Agreement, acknowledging and agreeing to the Program guidelines, eligibility requirements and to allow LACDA and its contractors to have access to the property for soil testing and remediation.
Will this Pilot Program be offered again?
Future funding opportunities are being explored to expand level of assistance to include more homeowners.
Can my property be fully used again after cleanup, and are there restrictions?
Yes, your property can be used again after cleanup; however, ongoing maintenance is required. As the Property Owner, you must ensure the soil remains covered and promptly re-cover any areas where bare soil becomes exposed.
Remediation FAQs
What is soil remediation?
Soil remediation is the process of removing, reducing, or containing contaminants in bare soil to restore it to safe and usable conditions.
Why is soil remediation necessary?
Contaminated soil can pose risks to human health, groundwater, plants, wildlife, and future land use. Remediation helps ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.
Who is responsible for paying for the soil remediation, and will I incur any costs?
The LACDA will pay contractors directly for testing and remediation. Property owners will be required to sign an Owner Participation Agreement at the time of application submittal to allow the LACDA and its contractors to have access to the property for soil testing and remediation, but there will be no cost to the Property Owner.
How is the soil tested?
Soil testing involves collecting samples and sending them to a certified laboratory, where they are analyzed to provide a detailed report of the lead levels present in the soil.
What remediation methods are used?
Remediation methods vary depending on the level of contamination and site conditions. Common
approaches may include but are not limited to:
• Removing the top 6–12 inches of contaminated soil and replacing it with clean topsoil.
• Covering exposed soil with grass, rock, or mulch to reduce contact and prevent lead exposure.
What are the health or environmental risks if the soil is not remediated?
If children or pregnant women are exposed to elevated lead levels, they can face serious health risks. In children, lead exposure may impair brain development, or result in lower IQ, reduced memory and attention span, and increased hyperactivity and learning delays. Pregnancy-related risks from lead exposure to the infant may include preterm birth, low birth weight, cognitive and behavioral problems, and kidney damage.
Who are the professionals completing the remediation?
The remediation work is performed by licensed and certified lead abatement contractors.
How will you verify that the soil is safe after remediation?
The new topsoil will be assessed and re-tested after remediation to confirm that it meets Environmental Protection Agency–approved safety levels.