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 Solid Waste Funds
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 Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agencies funds, as the lead agency, 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 Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agencies 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:
Solid waste is defined as garbage, refuse, sludge, and other discarded solid materials resulting from residential, industrial, and commercial operations. It is estimated that each person in San Mateo County (County) produces approximately 3.9 pounds of residential solid waste per day.
The Environmental Health Services Division (EHS) of County Health serves as the lead agency for unincorporated areas and all incorporated cities in the County for the Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agencies (LEA) grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). EHS submits annual grant applications to CalRecycle for solid waste enforcement. CalRecycle makes these grants available to Solid Waste LEAs in cities and counties with regulatory authority to perform solid waste permitting and inspection programs. CalRecycle awards Solid Waste LEA funds to each jurisdiction based on active, permitted solid waste facilities and county population.
Since 1996, this Board has adopted a number of resolutions enabling EHS to accept these grants and authorizing the EHS Director or designee to execute all documents related to these grants.
DISCUSSION:
The Solid Waste Program managed by EHS is vital to ensuring that the public’s health and safety is protected by upholding strict standards for collection, handling, storage, and disposal of residential, commercial, and industrial solid wastes. Solid Waste LEA funds from CalRecycle supplement EHS programs for the public. Primary CalRecycle grant-funded activities include the surveillance and inspections of operations at solid waste facilities and sites, including landfills and transfer stations.
Grantees are generally allowed a three-week turnaround to execute a grant agreement with CalRecycle. Therefore, in addition to seeking authorization from this Board for the application and acceptance of said CalRecycle grant funds for which the County is eligible for the period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030, EHS seeks authorization to approve and/or execute all applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests necessary to secure said CalRecycle grant funds, implement approved CalRecycle grant-funded projects, and carry out the related duties and responsibilities during the same period 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 100% of required inspections conducted at solid waste facilities will be completed.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-2025 Actual |
FY 2025-2026 Estimated |
|
Required inspections conducted at solid waste facilities to be completed |
100% 118 inspections |
100% 118 inspections |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This resolution will positively impact all County visitors and residents by ensuring the LEA program receives funding to continue its oversight of solid waste management at Ox Mountain landfill, transfer stations, closed landfills, and other solid waste management-regulated sites. Proper management of solid waste ensures protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Acceptance of State grant funds allows for continued oversight activities. The results of the inspections are publicly available on the state’s Solid Waste Information System, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all. To better serve our diverse communities, these reports can be easily translated into multiple languages using the integrated Google Translate feature, allowing communities to stay 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.