Title
Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2025.08 seeking Mitigation Monitoring for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex Expansion Project.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2025.08 (Mitigation Monitoring for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex Expansion Project);
b. Provide direction on a preferred referral processing option:
i. Proceed with completion of referral as outlined in preliminary report;
ii. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by Board;
iii. Return to Board with a more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion; or
iv. Rescind referral.
c. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
Background:
Board Referral No. 2025.08, submitted on July 29, 2025 by Supervisor Alejo, requested that Monterey County consider assuming long-term mitigation monitoring responsibilities for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex expansion. The referral was assigned to the Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau (EHB), with Public Works, Facilities, and Parks (PWFP) also engaged due to the project’s location on County-owned property.
Project Description:
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex expansion is subject to oversight by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) under a Standard Voluntary Agreement (SVA) with the Salinas Regional Sports Authority (SRSA). The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan requires ongoing mitigation monitoring, including semi-annual inspections, reporting, public notices, and Arsenic Awareness training. Representatives of SRSA would like the County to consider managing the project.
Estimated Project Cost:
No direct fiscal impact has been identified at this stage. Should a county role be formalized, funding and cost-recovery mechanisms would need to be developed, and positions would need to be added and funded.
Staffing Level Estimate:
EHB anticipates that any role beyond advisory engagement would require additional staffing and expertise. A detailed assessment of staffing needs will be provided if the Board directs staff to pursue further analysis. The state currently has the required positions to oversee these projects.
Departmental Challenges:
Specific challenges are the lack of explicit statutory authority for EHB to supplant DTSC in mitigation monitoring; the potential for precedent-setting impacts if EHB assumes responsibilities beyond its regulatory mission and staffing capacity constraints given existing mandates requiring staff resources.
Proposed Response Date:
Should the Board wish staff to pursue a more detailed framework for EHB engagement with DTSC and SRSA, staff will return with a comprehensive report and estimated resource requirements within 90 days.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The proposed project is targeted to 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.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__Economic Development
__Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Marni Flagg, Assistant Director of Environmental Health, 755-8979
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4621
Attachments:
Board Report
Board Referral No. #2025.08