June 15, 2026

Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) are aligned in our commitment to oversee safe soil cleanup and restoration of PUSD campuses following the Eaton Fire and communicate about the decision to remove certain trees.

Both organizations recognize the importance of trees on PUSD campuses, and above all, about the safety of the students, staff, and community who gather beneath them. With more than 5,000 trees districtwide, we do not take the removal of any tree lightly. The trees being removed are only those located within the contaminated soil removal area.

Over the past year, PUSD met extensively with the DTSC to chart a path forward for addressing soil contamination concerns across 11 affected sites and evaluate more than 600 tests. These detailed discussions encompassed review of the types of toxins identified, and site-by-site and test by test assessments were performed to evaluate various soil removal approaches. After months of consultation with DTSC, PUSD determined that removing the selected trees is the safest and most appropriate course of action for schools to complete remediation and reopen as quickly as possible. DTSC approved the plan as a health protective way to proceed.

All work follows South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1466 rigorous environmental regulations, including dust suppression to prevent offsite dust emissions; perimeter particulate (air) monitoring; proper handling, containment, and transport of impacted soil, in addition to full compliance with the California Environmental Protection Agency and DTSC guidelines. At appropriate times DTSC will visit the work being performed. The environmental contractor and consultant also have health and safety plans that they must adhere to while performing work. Removing fire-related contaminants impacting soil and trees is the most effective way to protect students, staff, and the surrounding community, eliminating both the immediate and long-term health risks the Eaton Fire left behind.

What gives us hope is what comes next. For every tree removed, PUSD is committed to replanting and restoring the shade, beauty, and gathering spaces our school communities depend on. We are already working with the City of Pasadena and certified arborists to ensure that restoration is thoughtful and lasting.

Our shared goal, as always, is to ensure every PUSD campus is safe, healthy, and ready to welcome students, staff, and community. PUSD looks forward to continuing our close collaboration with DTSC toward this shared goal.

For the most up-to-date information on this work, including safety protocols, site-specific timelines, and answers to frequently asked questions, we encourage you to visit:

http://pusd.us/restoringourschools.

# # #

2026-06-15 DTSC Joint Statement

June 15, 2026

JOINT STATEMENT FROM DTSC AND PUSD ON SAFE

SOIL CLEANUP AND RESTORATION OF CAMPUSES

FOLLOWING THE EATON FIRE

JOINT STATEMENT FROM DTSC AND PUSD ON SAFE JOINT STATEMENT FROM DTSC AND PUSD ON SAFE

SOIL CLEANUP AND RESTORATION OF CAMPUSES SOIL CLEANUP AND RESTORATION OF CAMPUSES

FOLLOWING THE EATON FIRE FOLLOWING THE EATON FIRE

JOINT STATEMENT FROM DTSC AND PUSD ON SAFE

SOIL CLEANUP AND RESTORATION OF CAMPUSES

FOLLOWING THE EATON FIRE