Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Heather Forshey, Director, Environmental Health Services
Subject: Application and Acceptance of Groundwater Protection Local Oversight Program Grants from the State Water Resources Control for the Oversight and Abatement of Unauthorized Releases of Hazardous Substances from Underground Storage Tanks
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing San Mateo County Health, on behalf of the County of San Mateo, to apply for and accept all available Groundwater Protection Local Oversight Program grant funds from the State Water Resources Control Board for Fiscal Years July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 1988, the Groundwater Protection Program (GPP) in Environmental Health has been funded by grants from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). GPP functions as a Local Oversight Program authorized under the California Health and Safety Code for the oversight abatement of hazardous substances from underground storage tanks. Since being established, the GPP has guided more than 1,160 leaking fuel underground storage tanks cases through characterization, remediation, and final closure. The GPP continues to handle approximately 150 active cases, including sites contaminated by fuels, solvents, metals, and pesticides.
DISCUSSION:
Continued SWRCB grant funding would ensure the GPP's operation and oversight of leaking underground fuel tank remediation cases for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025. Currently, approximately 40% Full Time Employee (FTE) of a Program Supervisor, and 80% FTE each of a Hazardous Materials Specialist IV and two Hazardous Materials Specialists III are funded by SWRCB grant funding. GPP ensures the timely characterization and clean-up of fuel releases that could impact the public health and environment of San Mateo County.
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