Title
Continue the Local Health Emergency for the Monterey County March 2023 Storms.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution to:
Continue the Local Health Emergency for the Monterey County March 2023 Storms.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Storms have created conditions of potential exposure to hazardous waste, specifically damage to open spaces, structures and dwellings which may have compromised containers with hazardous waste, which in turn represents a substantial present or potential threat to human health and the environment.
The circumstances of potential release of hazardous materials, by reason of the magnitude and frequency of the storms, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and will require the combined forces of a mutual aid region, regions, and state.
On March 22, the County Health Officer, Dr. Edward Moreno, declared a Local Health Emergency. On March 28, 2023, the Board of Supervisors ratified the March 22nd Local Health Emergency. Once ratified, the Board of Supervisors must review at least every 30 days the need for continuing a Local Health Emergency. On April 25, 2023, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to continue the Local Health Emergency. Most but not all affected properties have completed Phase 1 removal of household hazardous waste through coordinated efforts with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Due to the continued potential presence of hazardous waste on properties with structural damage as a result of catastrophic flooding, conditions warranting the Local Health Emergency continue to exist. Review and continuation of the Local Health Emergency by the Board of Supervisors is requested.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Continuance of the Local Health Emergency will allow cooperation and mutual aid assistance from regional and state agencies to County of Monterey Health Department for the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste.
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:
Board Report
Resolution
RES 23-148
Board Order (to Adopt and Ratify Res. No. 23-148
RES 23-109
Board Order (to Adopt & Ratify Res. No. 23-109
Declaration of Local Health Emergency