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Board approves new hazardous‑materials positions as county moves to resume CUPA oversight
Summary
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved creation of hazardous‑materials staff and job classifications so the county can pursue local oversight of the CUPA program previously administered by the state. Staff said costs for FY25–26 will be reimbursed by the Department of Toxic Substances Control.
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors on July 1 approved creation of hazardous‑materials specialist positions and a program manager role to support local administration of the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) elements, including the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) and underground storage tank (UST) programs.
Jeff Lamour, deputy director of the Public Health Department's Environmental Health division, told the board the county began talks with CalEPA and the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to restore local CUPA oversight and that technical staffing is required to meet state certifications and training timelines. "Recruiting appropriately qualified personnel is essential, given the technical complexity and regulatory demands of these programs," Lamour said.
Lamour said estimated costs to administer APSA and UST for fiscal year 2025–26 are $539,000 (about $398,000 personnel, $99,000 indirect costs, $40,000 operations). He told supervisors those costs will be reimbursed by DTSC under the participating‑agency agreement and "will not impact the county's general fund." Brenda Leivas of Human Resources presented the new job classifications and said the item establishes titles and job descriptions for Hazardous Materials Specialist I–III and a Hazardous Materials Program Manager.
Supervisors asked for clarification about the historical administration of CUPA elements and about ongoing funding. Lamour explained that, before 2005, several county and state agencies handled separate CUPA elements; after the county elected not to pursue CUPA, DTSC served as CUPA for Imperial County. The board voted to approve the staffing plan and job descriptions. A motion by Supervisor Kelly, seconded by Supervisor Escobar, carried.
The approved changes direct staff to post/establish classifications and proceed with recruitment necessary for state certification requirements; staff said fees and DTSC reimbursements are expected to support ongoing program costs.
Lamour and Leivas said the new positions will support enforcement, technical compliance, and the county's application to CalEPA for return of CUPA responsibilities.
Questions about timeline for certification and the start date for recruitment were raised during the meeting; staff said they will proceed and report back as hires are made.
