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 agencies to Monterey County 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.
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: Dr. Edward Moreno, Health Officer, 755-4585
Approved by:
______________________Date:_________
Elsa Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Resolution to Ratify the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency is on file with the Clerk of the Board
Declaration of Local Health Emergency issued on September 10, 2020 is on file with the Clerk of the Board
Declaration of Local Health Emergency issued on September 3, 2020 is on file with the Clerk of the Board