Maui Humane Society (MHS) has been working in close collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the past several weeks in preparation for the possible application of Soiltac® in the Lahaina burn zone. Today, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen announced the approval of Soiltac® to mitigate health and environmental risks.
Soiltac®, which was used after the recent Kula fires, can help mitigate exposure to ash and soot by preventing runoff of hazardous materials into the ocean and by reducing aerosolization and inhalation of toxic particles.
Even though the EPA has reviewed Soiltac® and confirmed that the product is non-toxic, out of an abundance of caution MHS and the EPA are working together to ensure that all cat feeding stations are protected throughout the process of application. “We have provided the exact GPS locations of all 75+ cat feeding stations to the EPA so that their food and water is protected,” said Dr. Lisa Labrecque, CEO of Maui Humane Society. “In the long run, stabilizing the soil will provide a healthier environment for the cats as toxic contaminants are contained and removed.”
The organization has been assured that the daytime application process and presence of trucks/machinery dispensing the product will serve as a deterrent to cats. Because cats are crepuscular, they hide during daytime hours, and are highly unlikely to be exposed to Soiltec directly. The adhesive, which dries clear, will be sprayed onto properties during the day in sections and takes about an hour to dry.
Maui Humane Society estimates that between 250 to 400 cats remain in the burn zone. Cats continue to be trapped and removed daily, and more than 75 feeding stations are replenished daily to support the cats who have not yet been trapped.
For more information and Frequently Asked Questions visit www.mauirecovers.org/recovery/soiltac
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