Title
Ratify the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency for the Monterey County Fires Incident as Declared by Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County Health Officer. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Ratify the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency for the Monterey County Fires Incident as Declared by Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County Health Officer.
SUMMARY:
On August 16, 2020 the River, Dolan and Carmel wildfires swept through areas of unincorporated Monterey County (collectively, the "Monterey County Fires"), which has caused severe damage to areas within Monterey County, 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 Monterey County Health Officer Dr. Edward Moreno declared a Local Health Emergency. On September 10, 2020, Dr. Moreno issued a new Local Health Emergency. Ratification of this Declaration by the Board of Supervisors is 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 and various local agency employees. 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. This declaration shall expire within seven days unless ratified by the Board of Supervisors. Once ratified, the declaration will then be presented to the Board of Supervisors for review at least once every thirty days to determine if continuance of the Local Health Emergency is warranted.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This declaration will allow cooperation and mutual aid assistance from regional and state agenci...
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