The mission of the Environmental Health Division (EHD) is to provide environmental
services through education, planning and enforcement, with an emphasis on prevention. EHD
performs inspections in 18 programs however the programs listed below are directly related
to TOPPS activities.
Underground Storage Tank Program
This is a state mandated program that requires permitting and inspections of underground
tanks for compliance with routine monitoring requirements as well as inspections during
installation and removal activities. EHD also permits and inspects any monitoring
equipment changes and tank or piping upgrades. The tanks hold hazardous substances such as
gasoline, diesel, acetone, kerosene, or other industrial chemicals. Over 3,200 registered
tanks have been removed under permit and inspection since the program began in 1986.
Documented contaminated sites are referred to the Local Oversight Program for cleanup
oversight.
Hazardous Waste Generator Program
EHD staff inspect and permit 58 hazardous waste generators in San Joaquin County. This was
authorized by the Department of Toxic Substances Control previously through a Memorandum
of Understanding but currently is authorized through the Unified Program. San Joaquin
County has been selected to be the Certified Unified Program Agency for our county and is
consequently authorized to inspect the hazardous waste generators within the county.
Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)
The Unified Program is designed to consolidate six existing programs regulating
hazardous waste and hazardous materials. Participating Agencies (PA's) may implement one
or more of the program elements within the PA's jurisdiction. San Joaquin County Office of
Emergency Services is the PA for this county.
The six existing CUPA programs are:
- Hazardous Waste Generators
- Onsite Tiered Permitting Treatment Facilities
- Underground Storage Tanks
- Aboveground Storage Tanks
- Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventories
- Risk Management and Prevention Program
San Joaquin
Valley Air Pollution Control District
The
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is a public health agency whose mission
is to improve health and quality of life for all residents in the eight counties of the San
Joaquin Valley. The District does so through efficient, effective and
entrepreneurial air quality-management strategies such as rules that affect stationary
sources, incentive programs and public education. See the Air District’s
website for information on our programs and the air quality challenges that face the
Valley: www.valleyair.org
