To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services; County Counsel
Staff Name and Phone Number: Christine Sosko, 565-6521; Cory O’Donnell
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Continue the proclamation of local health emergency due to the LNU Lightning Complex Fires.
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Continue the proclamation of a local health emergency due to the LNU Lightning Complex Fires.
end
Executive Summary:
This item requests the Board of Supervisors to continue the proclamation of local health emergency by the Sonoma County Health Officer due to contaminated debris from household hazardous waste/materials and structural debris resulting from the destruction of a large number of structures in the LNU Lightning Complex Fires. The Board ratified the proclamation on August 31, 2020. Under Health and Safety Code section 101080, the Board must review the need for continuing the local health emergency proclamation at least every 30 days.
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 in the LNU Lightning Complex Fires. Also 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.
The Board ratified the Health Officer’s emergency proclamation on August 31, 2020. Under Health and Safety Code section 101080, the health emergency proclamation the Board must review the need for continuing the emergency proclamation at least every 30 days.
Over 298 structures were destroyed or significantly damaged, including 159 residential structures. 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.
On September 1, 2020, the Board adopted the LNU Lightning Complex Fires Cleanup Emergency Ordinance establishing cleanup standards to protect public health and the environment, and to facilitate recovery. It tracks the cleanup ordinance from the 2017 Sonoma Complex Fires and the cleanup ordinance from the 2019 Kincade Fire.
At the time of this writing, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, with support from the County, is in the process of conducting a sweep for household hazardous waste (HHW), similar to what occurred in 2017 and 2019. Following the completion of the HHW sweep, the Phase 2 debris removal program can begin.
Until all fire debris is properly cleaned up and disposed of a threat to public health and the environment remains.
Prior Board Actions:
8/31/20 Ratification of Local Health Emergency
9/1/20 Adoption of LNU Lightning Complex Fires Cleanup Emergency Ordinance
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Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board: