To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services; County Counsel
Staff Name and Phone Number: Dr. Sundari Mase; Christine Sosko, 565-6521; Cory O’Donnell
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Ratification of the Proclamation of Local Health Emergency Due to the LNU Lightning Complex Fires
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a resolution ratifying the Health Officer’s proclamation of a local health emergency due to the LNU Lightning Complex Fires.
end
Executive Summary:
This item requests the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution ratifying the proclamation of local health emergency by the Sonoma County Health Officer due to the Walbridge and Meyers Fires (which have been incorporated into the LNU Lightning Complex Fires) that began on or around August 18, 2020. The Health Officer proclaimed a local health emergency on August 24, 2020 due to contaminated debris from household hazardous waste/materials and structural debris resulting from the destruction of a large number of structures. Under Health and Safety Code section 101080, the health emergency proclamation requires ratification by the Board of Supervisors within seven days to remain in effect.
Discussion:
The Health Officer proclaimed a local health emergency on August 24, 2020 due to contaminated debris from household hazardous waste/materials and structural debris resulting from the destruction of a large number of structures. Under Health and Safety Code section 101080, the health emergency proclamation requires ratification by the Board of Supervisors within seven days to remain in effect.
Debris and ash from these fires contain hazardous substances. The health effects of hazardous substance releases after a wildfire are well documented. Improper handling can expose workers to toxic materials, and improper transport and disposal of fire debris can spread hazardous substances throughout the community.
At the time of this writing, County staff are working on ensuring that there is a sweep for household hazardous waste, similar to what occurred in 2017 and 2019, and are in active discussions with the State about what assistance the State can provide with the cleanup. This discussion with the State also impacts the nature of the broader fire debris cleanup program.
The Department of Health Services, Office of Recovery and Resiliency, and County Counsel will be returning to your Board with an urgency ordinance to provide for a safe fire cleanup of hazardous debris. Pending the adoption of those requirements, on August 24, 2020, the Health Officer issued an order advising that “Property owners and the community should not enter the burn footprint of structures without Personal Protective Equipment,” and requiring no cleanup activities without the written authorization of the Department of Health Services, Environmental Health.
Prior Board Actions:
N/A
Fiscal Summary
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FY 21-22 Projected |
FY 22-23 Projected |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There are no fiscal impacts directly associated with this item.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution Ratifying Local Health Emergency
Attachment 2 - Proclamation of Local Health Emergency - LNU Lightning Complex Fires
Attachment 3 - Emergency Health Officer Order - LNU Lightning Complex Fires
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None