The City of Malibu has released a statement about the EPA using the area where the Topangas Ranch Motel was as a Toxic Waste Station. This contradicts what a few of the local politcians have been saying about it. It will be a toxic waste sorting and packing site. NOT a just a "storage and staging" site.
Here is the City of Malibu's updated statement:
Update with factual information addressing concerns about US EPA's Palisades Fire hazardous materials temporary staging area at Topanga & PCH and assurances by EPA about measures to ensure the safety of the environment & the community.
1/31/2025 - UPDATE FROM CITY OF MALIBU ADDRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT THE EPA'S PALISADES FIRE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEMPORARY STAGING AREA AT TOPANGA AND PCH
The City is aware of community concerns we’ve heard about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s fire cleanup efforts and the use of the former Topanga Motel site on Pacific Coast Highway as a staging area. We know that this is an emotional time for our community, and want to provide clear, factual information about what is happening and what this means for Malibu.
The EPA is currently conducting Phase 1, hazardous materials cleanup following the Palisades Fire. This is an important first step in helping residents return home safely and quickly while protecting the environment, including our streams and oceans. During this Phase 1, EPA teams are going into the burn footprint and carefully removing hazardous household waste — things like propane tanks, paints, batteries, and household chemicals that need to be properly handled. The Topanga site is only for the first Phase materials — burn debris removal in Phase 2 will bypass this site entirely and go straight to disposal.
Because of the size of the impacted area, the White House has directed the EPA to complete this work in 30 days — something that would normally take six months to a year. To make that possible, the EPA has deployed over 1,000 personnel and 60 teams to get the job done quickly and safely.
The Topanga site is a staging site, not a disposal or storage site. Teams are temporarily bringing collected materials to the Topanga site, sorting and repacking them safely, and then promptly transporting them out of the area for final disposal. All of this activity is following strict federal guidelines.
This Topanga property is outside the Malibu City limits and is owned by California State Parks and has been authorized for use by the State. That decision was made without consultation with Malibu or advance notice. We understand this site was chosen because it is within the burn area and has the space needed to safely manage operations.
We understand the concerns about the potential for environmental contamination, we want to assure the community that the EPA has reaffirmed that it has strict safety measures in place.
The EPA has confirmed to the City of Malibu that:
1. The area is highly secured, fenced off, and only accessible to EPA personnel.
2. The staging area is lined with plastic, with spill control measures in place, including wattles, berms, and booms — to prevent anything from leaving the site.
3. Continuous air monitoring is happening around the perimeter, and a water truck will suppress dust multiple times a day to reduce visible emissions.
4. The EPA pre-tested the soil before use and will test it again after they leave to ensure there is no contamination left behind.
Additionally, the City has made it clear that no additional staging or sorting sites will be located within Malibu city limits.
The City is providing a muster site near City Hall, but this is only for EPA staff to meet, receive briefings, and conclude their day — no materials or equipment will be stored there.
We understand this is a challenging time, and we appreciate your patience as this process unfolds. The City will continue to advocate for Malibu’s residents, ensure transparency, and share accurate information. First and foremost, we are focused on protecting our environment from the household hazardous and burn materials that are the result of the Palisades Fire, and their environmentally safe removal and transport.
The City encourages you members to stay informed and engaged — we will continue to update the community as we learn more. Thank you.
For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire,
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For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, 
Peter Akemann, the former president of Skydance Interactive
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