LAHAINA, Hawaii – With each passing day recording more of the burned area, the charred black earth and ash will soon turn pink as a “water-based glue” is applied to keep the winds and the rain picks them up and slides into the ocean.
In the coming days, workers from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s incident response team will begin applying the non-toxic, biodegradable material known as “soil adhesive” using tanker trucks that will spray the material with hoses. , according to an official of the agency.
The process will not begin until the search and rescue operation is deemed complete, said Steve Calanog, EPA Region 9 Incident Commander, which covers Hawaii. As of Friday night, 78% of the burned area had been recorded, according to county authorities.
At least 114 people have died in the wind-driven wildfire that tore through historic Lahaina.
The authorities have stated that it is likely that several toxic substances, such as lead, asbestos, and arsenic, have contaminated the burned area after the fire progressed by burning at extremely high temperatures. The measure was intended to prevent the movement of potentially dangerous contaminants, which is why it was described as “the utmost precaution,” Calanog said.
The decision was based on unique conditions. Proximity to the ocean and strong leeward winds on most afternoons contributed to the plan’s acceptance by the EPA, the state of Hawaii and Maui County.
“It will be dyed pink,” Calanog said. “Once it is applied and dries it will be visually obvious that we have passed.”
While doing so, workers will also attempt to remove household hazardous waste, which may include compressed gas cylinders, solvents, pesticides and, in some cases, radiological sources.
According to the EPA, the glue hasn’t been used much on other wildfires. It is harmless to the environment, as it decomposes naturally after about six months or if people walk on it.
According to the US Hazardous Materials Identification System, the Soiltac brand Safety Data Sheet indicates that the soil stabilizer does not pose a risk to human health and is non-flammable.
Calanog called the EPA’s response to the fire “emotional” and “solemn.”
“The cultural and historical significance of Lahaina is enormous,” Calanog said. “We do this in a way that honors and respects the traditions of the State of Hawaii.”
This article was originally published in English by David Douglas for our sister network NBCNews.com. For more from CNBC enter here.
