Title
Extend the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency for the Soberanes Fire Incident.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Extend the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency for the Soberanes Fire Incident.
SUMMARY:
On July 22, 2016, a wildfire swept through the Soberanes area of unincorporated Monterey County ("Soberanes Fire"), which has caused severe damage to the surrounding area within Monterey County. On August 22, 2016, pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 101080, Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno declared a Local Health Emergency. On August 29, 2016, a second Declaration of Local Health Emergency was signed by the Health Officer which was ratified by the Board of Supervisors on August 30, 2016. Due to the continuing Soberanes wildfire which is projected to burn through September, and due to the continued presence of hazardous waste on properties with structural damage as a result of the wildfire, the conditions warranting the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency continue to exist; this declaration is required by State law to be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors every fourteen days. Review and extension of this Declaration is requested.
DISCUSSION:
The Soberanes Fire has 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 and as such, poses an exceptional risk of exposure of county residents and various local agency employees to this hazardous waste. This risk has been 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 pursuant to section 101080 of the California Health and Safety Code. Per state law, once ratified by the Board of Supervisors, the declaration must be presented to the Board of Supervisors for review at least once every f...
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