DPH briefs commission on Maher map triggers and site‑mitigation process under Health Code Article 22A

Health Department staff Ryan Casey and Mandu Awad presented a technical overview of San Francisco Health Code Article 22A (the Maher program). They described the Maher map and the triggers that require site investigation: disturbance of at least 50 cubic yards of soil in areas within 100 feet of a current or former underground storage tank, within 150 feet of a current or former elevated roadway, or other site history indicators such as Bay Fill or listings in state contamination databases.

Casey outlined the typical sequential submittals for a site: application and fee, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Phase II subsurface investigation, site mitigation plan, final implementation report and -- when needed -- land‑use covenants or deed restrictions. Typical analyses requested include Title‑22 metals, volatile organic compounds, PCBs, PAHs, methane and asbestos or pesticides if site history suggests them. He said routine review timing is usually within 30 days but complex excavation and mitigation projects can take longer because DBH waits for proponents' resubmittals and mitigation plans.

Commissioners asked whether mitigation monitoring continues through project life and whether tenants and the public receive summary reports. Staff said remediation systems often require deed restrictions with maintenance plans, periodic inspections and reporting; final No Further Action letters and summaries become part of the public record and can be made available to tenants upon request.