Title
Adopt a resolution continuing the Local Health Emergency for the Monterey County Fires Incident.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a resolution continuing the Local Health Emergency for the Monterey County Fires Incident.
SUMMARY:
On August 16, 2020 the River, Dolan and Carmel wildfires (collectively, the “Monterey County Fires”) swept through areas of unincorporated Monterey County causing severe damage to areas including but not limited to the Sierra de Salinas range, Carmel Valley and areas of Cachagua and Jamesburg, and Big Sur Ventana Wilderness. On September 3, 2020, Dr. Moreno declared a Local Health Emergency and on September 10, 2020, Dr. Moreno declared a second Local Health Emergency. On September 15, 2020 the Board of Supervisors ratified the September 10th Local Health Emergency. The Board of Supervisors reviewed and continued the Local Health Emergency on October 13, November 5, and December 1, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Dr. Moreno declared a third Local Health Emergency and on January 5, 2021 the Board of Supervisors ratified the Local Health Emergency. The Board of Supervisors reviewed and continued the Local Health Emergency on February 2, March 2, and March 23, April 20, May 18, June 15, and July 13, 2021. Review and continuation of the Local Health Emergency by the Board of Supervisors is again requested.
DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Fires have caused damage and destruction of homes and buildings, resulting in ash debris that has been tested and is known to be contaminated with heavy metals, asbestos, and household hazardous waste. As such, the hazardous ash debris poses an exceptional risk of exposure to county residents, various state and local agency employees and private contractor employees. This risk was determined to be an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public, prompting the Monterey County Health Officer to declare a Local Health Emergency on September 3, 2020 which expired after 7 days. On September 10, 2020 the County Health Officer declared a second Local Health emergency and on September 15, 2020 the Board of Supervisors ratified the Local Health emergency. Once ratified, the Board of Supervisors must review at least every 30 days the need for continuing a Local Health Emergency. The Board of supervisors reviewed and continued the Local Health Emergency on October 13, November 5 and December 1, 2020. On December 30, 2020 the County Health Officer again declared a third Local Health emergency and on January 5, 2021 the Board of Supervisors ratified the Local Health emergency. The Board of Supervisors reviewed and continued the Local Health Emergency on February 2, March 2, March 23, April 20, May 18, June 15, and July 13, 2021.
Due to the continued presence of hazardous waste on properties with structural damage as a result of wildfires, conditions warranting the Local Health Emergency continue to exist. Review and continuation of the Local Health Emergency is requested.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Continuance of the Local Health Emergency will allow for cooperation and mutual aid assistance from regional and state agencies to Monterey County Environmental Health and Public Health Bureaus to monitor and assure the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste by responsible parties, as well as continued coordination with the Monterey County Office of Emergency Services.
FINANCING:
The financial impact of this declaration is undetermined as this time due to the need for further assessment of costs involved with clean up and mitigation of hazardous debris.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☒Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Edward Moreno, Health Officer, 755-4585
Approved by:
______________________________Date:___________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachment:
Resolution to Continue the Local Health Emergency