Enforcement

It is the duty of the Contra Costa Health's Hazardous Materials Programs (CCHHMP) to safeguard Contra Costa County from releases of hazardous materials and other pollutants. A team of inspectors, engineers, and responders ensure that businesses follow local stormwater ordinances, state hazardous materials laws, and regulations.

During inspections, if non-compliance issues are observed, CCHHMP will first provide education and regulatory assistance. If these efforts are not sufficient, CCHHMP may take further action, such as the Certified Unified Program Agency Administrative Enforcement Order process or civil or criminal prosecution through the District Attorney's Office.

Authority

The authority for carrying out functions to safeguard Contra Costa County from hazardous materials has been delegated to CCHSHMP. The enforcement authority is limited to the powers granted to it. CCHHMP cannot pursue matters that are outside the scope of the following programs.

CCHHMP is granted enforcement authority under the California Health and Safety Code and Contra Costa County Ordinance for the following programs:

• Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA), HSC, Chapter 6.67, section 25270.4
• Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP), HSC, Chapter 6.95, section 25540
• Administrative Enforcement Order, HSC, Chapter 6.11, section 25404.1.1
• Hazardous Materials Release and Response Plans (HMRRP/HMBP), HSC, Chapter 6.95, section 25514
• Hazardous Waste and Tiered Permitting, HSC, Chapter 6.5, section 25180
• Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO), County Ordinance Chapter 450-8
• Storm Water Management and Discharge Control, Ord. No. 96-21, Title 1014
• Underground Storage Tanks (UST), HSC, Chapter 6.7, section 25299

Goals

The goal of CCHSHMP enforcement is to achieve and maintain compliance. To attain this, enforcement includes:

• Leveling the playing field for all regulated facilities
• Punishing violators and deterring future non-compliance
• Returning violators to compliance within the mandated timeframe
• Depriving violators of any significant benefit gained from the violation