Hydromulching in Yorba Linda
12:00 PM November 25, 2008
Some homeowners in Yorba Linda aren't satisfied with the city's efforts to protect their homes from disaster, so they're taking matters into their own hands.
The city is relying on sandbags and concrete barriers to channel the mud from burned slopes. But in one neighborhood, some property owners and their insurance company are paying a private contractor to spray mulch on a blackened hillside.
The process is called hydromulching. The company is spraying a mixture of rye seed, wood fiber, and glue onto the ground.
Jeff Weaver, of Hydroseed, says the material can immediately prevent erosion.
Even though the seeds take seven to ten days to germinate, Weaver says the substance binds to the soil and can prevent mudslides.
His crew was working fast to complete the job before the storm rolls in.
Cost of the job: around $10,000 for a slope behind five or six homes.
Why isn't this being done in the other burn areas of Yorba Linda? Too expensive?
I don't have an answer.
Weaver blames it on the "confusion" of city government.
Posted by Eric Spillman | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
My sister lost her home in 2003 in the fires at Lake Arrowhead. We have rethought responsibility in this, since you can only really rely on yourself.
Anyone who moves into an area that has or can burn needs to take responsibility for their home. Due dilligence is key. Find out before there is a disaster just what you are up against in case disaster comes. What can you do to make your home safer? What are the community resources, who did due dilligence on said resources and what were their findings.
It's terriby sad when homes are lost. We all need to be proactive. I applaud those who are helping themselves and not waiting for someone else to come help them.
Posted by: JuniperLea | November 25, 2008 at 04:05 PM
When Hurricane Katrina broke the levees and flooded New Orleans was it the home owner's responsibility to protect their homes? No. Natural disasters are covered by FEMA.
Once the governor declared Yorba Linda a disaster area they should have been eligible for Emergency Funds to protect their property.
Perhaps the homeowner has to initiate a request for assistance, which is why only some of the homeowners hired Hydroseed.
Who's the mayor, city council persons for Yorba Linda? Why are they not involved?
FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/media/fact_sheets/declarations.shtm
Posted by: jozielee | November 25, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Cost could be a good reason the city may not have the funds to do it...
But then is it the responsibility of the city or is it the responsibility of the home owners to protect their own property?
I personally feel it is the responsibility of the of the home owner to protect their own property.
Posted by: Jared Held | November 25, 2008 at 03:00 PM