Tetra Tech $2M Camp Fire Cleanup Project Settlement

Individuals who worked as a tribal monitor or field supervisor paid by Mechoopda Cultural Resource Preservation Enterprise on the Camp Fire cleanup project between Jan. 10, 2019, and March 13, 2020, may be eligible to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement.

Tetra Tech Inc. agreed to pay $2,000,000 to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging it violated California wage-and-hour laws. The lawsuit claimed Tetra Tech failed to ensure tribal monitors and field supervisors received all wages earned for work performed on the Camp Fire cleanup project.

Who are the class members?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• Mechoopda Cultural Resource Preservation Enterprise paid them.
• They performed work as a tribal monitor and/or field supervisor.
• They worked on the Camp Fire cleanup project.
• They worked any time between Jan. 10, 2019, to March 13, 2020.

The settlement administrator already identified eligible individuals using Tetra Tech’s records, including time cards known as “214s.” If an individual received a notice about this settlement, it is because Tetra Tech’s records indicate they are likely a class member.

The administrator based the number of qualifying shifts for each class member on these records. Class members who believe the records do not accurately reflect the number of qualifying shifts they worked may challenge the calculation by submitting supporting copies (not originals) of supporting documents to the settlement administrator by mail or email by June 2, 2026.

How much can class members get?

Pro rata payment: The settlement administrator will distribute the net settlement fund after deductions for attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, administration costs and a service award to the class representative. Each participating class member will receive a payment based on the number of qualifying shifts they worked during the class period.

• Tribal monitor shifts: Each shift over eight hours counts as one qualifying shift.
• Field supervisor shifts: Each shift over eight hours counts as 1.5 qualifying shifts.

The calculation works as follows:

• The settlement administrator adds together all qualifying shifts for all participating class members.
• It then divides the net settlement amount by the total number of qualifying shifts to determine the per-shift value.
• The administrator multiplies the per-shift value by the number of qualifying shifts each class member worked.

Actual payments may differ depending on the final number of participating class members and court-approved deductions from the settlement fund.

No claim form needed to receive payment

Class members do not need to submit a claim form to receive payment. However, they must submit a completed W-9 form. They can do this online or by printing, completing and mailing the PDF form to the settlement administrator. Class members can also request electronic payment at the same link. The deadline to submit a W-9 form and/or payment election is June 2, 2026.

Settlement administrator’s mailing address: Joseph Strang v. Tetra Tech Inc., c/o Apex Class Action LLC, PO Box 54668, Irvine, CA 92619

Payout options

• Electronic payment via ACH, Venmo or Zelle (must elect on the settlement website)
• Paper check mailed to the address on file (default if the class member does not make an election or if electronic payment information is incomplete)

$2 million settlement fund breakdown

The $2,000,000 settlement fund includes.

• Settlement administration costs: Up to $4,250
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $700,000
• Attorneys’ expenses: Up to $70,000
• Service award to class representative: Up to $15,000
• Payments to eligible class members: The remainder of the fund (estimated at $1,210,750)

No portion of the settlement fund will revert to Tetra Tech. If the court awards less than the maximum for fees, expenses or service awards, the settlement administrator will distribute the remainder to class members.

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: June 2, 2026
• Deadline to submit a W-9 form or select payment: June 2, 2026
• Deadline to challenge workweeks: June 2, 2026
• Final approval hearing: July 28, 2026

When is the Strang v. Tetra Tech payout date?

The settlement administrator will distribute payments approximately 28 days after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged Tetra Tech Inc. failed to ensure it paid tribal monitors and field supervisors working on the Camp Fire cleanup project all wages earned in violation of California labor laws and the prime contract with CalRecycle.

Tetra Tech denied all allegations and any wrongdoing, but both parties agreed to settle to avoid the risks and costs of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement agreement
3. Form W-9