Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Heather Forshey, Director, Environmental Health Services
Subject: Application and Acceptance of Grant Funding from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery for Waste Tire Enforcement.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The Environmental Health Services Division of San Mateo County Health to apply for and accept all available Waste Tire Recycling, Cleanup, and Enforcement funds from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery for which San Mateo County is eligible for the period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030; and
B) The Director of Environmental Health Services or designee to approve and/or execute all applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests, and other documents necessary to secure Waste Tire Recycling, Cleanup, and Enforcement funds, implement approved grant-funded projects and carry out related duties and responsibilities for the period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030.
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BACKGROUND:
The Environmental Health Services Division (EHS) of San Mateo County (County) Health serves as the lead agency for all unincorporated areas and incorporated cities in the County for the Local Government Waste Tire Enforcement Grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). EHS manages this grant on the County’s behalf to ensure that used and waste tires do not pose a threat to public health and the environment. Since 2003, this Board has adopted resolutions enabling EHS to administer this CalRecycle grant and authorizing the EHS Director or designee to execute all documents related to this grant.
DISCUSSION:
For the past 20 years, EHS has received CalRecycle grant funding annually for its Waste Tire Enforcement activities. EHS already inspects the majority of facilities that manage waste and used tires in the County because such facilities generate hazardous waste. Grant funds are utilized to reimburse the County for the additional inspector time necessary to ensure facilities are complying with used and waste tire regulations by reviewing disposal receipts and tire storage procedures while on-site. In addition, inspectors are required to check the State database for each facility to ensure correct information is being submitted by the used tire haulers. These inspection activities are documented in CalRecycle’s Waste Tire Management System. The grant also covers the cost of time spent attending training classes, completing progress reports, and conducting outreach to businesses regarding proper disposal options and the dangers of illegally accumulating and transporting waste and used tires.
The grant is a reimbursement grant; a signed payment request is submitted to CalRecycle certifying that the money has been spent in accordance with the agreement. Grantees are generally allowed a three-week turnaround to execute a grant agreement. Authorization is therefore being requested to allow the EHS Director or designee on behalf of the County to execute all necessary applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests necessary to secure funds to implement the approved projects and carry out the purposes specified in the applications for which San Mateo County is eligible, provided that such applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests are reviewed by the County Attorney’s office.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
It is anticipated that EHS will complete 100% of 170 CalRecycle-assigned inspections annually.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Actual |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
|
Percentage of CalRecycle assigned inspections to be completed* |
100% 170 inspections |
100% 170 inspections |
*A routine inspection is required once every three years.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The grant supports the proper disposal of waste tires in the County, thereby mitigating public health risks such as mosquito breeding and deterring illegal dumping. This activity disproportionately impacts lower-income communities, making these grant funds essential in keeping such communities clean and safe. The grant supports proactive patrols to report tire dumping hotspots and funds education on proper waste tire management through outreach efforts and updates to EHS’ tire webpage, which can easily be translated in multiple languages to keep communities informed and engaged.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The anticipated appropriations and grant revenue are included in EHS’ FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. Similar arrangements will be made in future years. There is no Net County Cost associated with this resolution.