To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services; Office of Recovery and Resiliency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Christine Sosko, 565-6521
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Urgency Ordinance Establishing Requirements For The Removal Of Fire Damaged Debris From Private Property Following The Glass Incident
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Waive further reading of the Glass Incident Cleanup Emergency Ordinance and adopt the urgency ordinance. (4/5th Vote Required)
end
Executive Summary:
The Glass Incident has destroyed or damaged a large number of structures. The Health Officer proclaimed a local health emergency on September 29, 2020 due to contaminated debris from household hazardous waste/materials and structural debris resulting from the destruction of a large number of structures. Also on September 29, 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 proposed Glass Incident Cleanup Emergency Ordinance establishes cleanup standards to protect public health and the environment, and to facilitate recovery. It tracks the cleanup ordinance from the LNU Lightning Complex Fires and the cleanup ordinance from other recent fires. At this time, though there is some uncertainty, staff believes there will be a public cleanup option administered by the California Office of Emergency Services. If there is a public cleanup option, no alterations will be required of this ordinance.
Discussion:
Unfortunately, Staff is returning to your Board with another urgency ordinance to address another fire - the Glass Incident. The Glass Incident has had a devastating impact on Sonoma County. On Monday, September 28, 2020, the Director of Emergency Services for the County of Sonoma Issued a Proclamation of a Local Emergency due to the destruction and ongoing threat from the Shady Fire which has since been incorporated into the Cal Fire managed Glass Incident. On September 29, 2020, the Health Officer proclaimed a local health emergency due to contaminated debris from household hazardous waste/materials and structural debris resulting from the destruction of a large number of structures. Both proclamations were ratified by your Board on October 2, 2020.
The Health Officer has 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. Debris and ash from this fire 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.
The proposed Glass Incident Cleanup Emergency Ordinance mirrors the cleanup ordinance for the LNU Lightning Complex Fires. The cleanup standards are the cleanup standards recommended by CalRecycle. Samples will be required to establish baseline/background conditions and post-cleanup conditions. The health screening levels are found in the attached Debris Removal Requirements document, adapted from CalRecycle guidance. In Sonoma County, the geology in many areas exceeds health screening levels for some chemicals - for example, arsenic - and where this is the case, the cleanup will only be required to meet background conditions in the area.
Staff believes standards for cleanups need to be put in place as expeditiously as possible to protect public health and the environment, and to facilitate recovery. The County requested assistance from the State in the form of a public debris removal mission on October 6, 2020. At this point it appears uncertain but likely that the State will conduct a Phase I (Household Hazardous Waste sweep) and Phase II (debris removal) cleanup program in Sonoma County. Should this public option become available, the Director will address it through changes to the cleanup standards.
Prior Board Actions:
Ratification of Local Emergency, October 2, 2020
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
Attachments:
Proposed Urgency Ordinance Of The Board Of Supervisors Of The County Of Sonoma, State Of California, Establishing Requirements For The Removal Of Fire Damaged Debris From Private Property Following The Glass Incident Urgency Ordinance; Debris Removal Requirements based on CalRecycle Guidance
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board: