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. A 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 fourteen days to determine if continuance of the Local Health Emergency is warranted. A review and extension of this Declaration was approved by the Board of Supervisors on September 13, 2016. Due to the continuing existence of a Local Health Emergency, a second review and extension of the Declaration is requested.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This declaration will allow cooperation and assistance from local and state agencies and the Monterey County Health Department Environmental Health and Public Health Bureaus for the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste and ongoing surveillance of this Local Health Emergency.
FINANCING:
The financial impact of this declaration is undetermined at this time due to the need for further assessment of costs involved with clean up and mitigation of hazardous debris.
Prepared by: Robin Kimball, Management Analyst I, x1297
Approved by: Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, x4526
Attachments:
Resolution to Extend the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency on file with the Clerk of the Board
Signed Board Order Resolution 16-052 on file with the Clerk of the Board
Declaration of Local Health Emergency (August 29, 2016) on file with the Clerk of the Board