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M7.4 Local Environmental Services

Alameda County Environmental Health Programs 

Clean Water/ Storm Water 
This is a program for unincorporated Alameda County. It includes inspection of facilities for compliance with the clean water regulations, facilitates local compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act.

Disaster Preparedness 
The disaster preparedness program provides information to the public regarding safe storage of emergency food and water supplies as well as the safe disposal of sewage following a catastrophic event. They also provide information for relief in the days after a major catastrophic event.

Local Oversight Program (LOP)
The LOP oversees the investigation and cleanup of hazardous materials releases to the environment. There are two programs the Leaking Underground Fuel Tank (LUFT) program is specific to unauthorized releases associated with petroleum underground storage tank systems, and the Site Cleanup Program (SCP) oversees the investigation and cleanup of releases from hazardous materials, including but not limited to releases of pesticides, heavy metals, dry cleaner solvents, etc., including redevelopment of sites with residual contamination from historic uses.

Food Safety 
The food safety program monitors all retail food facilities in the county (excluding the City of Berkeley). Food sites include restaurants, markets, bakeries, liquor stores, bars, certified farmers' market, food service at fairs and festivals, catering trucks, hot dog carts, ice cream trucks, produce vehicles, and food vending machines.

Green Business
This program provides free assistance to help businesses comply with environmental regulations, and then go beyond compliance to conserve energy, water, and other resources, and reduce pollution and waste. It also recognizes businesses and government agencies that operate in an environmentally responsible way.

Hazardous Materials/Waste Program
This program enforces local, state, and federal hazardous materials management and environmental protection programs in the county. Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) administers the following programs:

  • Hazardous Materials Business Plan Program
  • Hazardous Waste Generator Program
  • Underground Storage Tank Program
  • California Accidental Release Prevention Program
  • Tiered Permitting Program
  • Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act

Alameda County Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Project 
This project recognizes nail salons using safer products and practices that will help protect the health and environment of its clients.

Household Hazardous Waste
The County Board of Supervisors established the Household and Small Business Hazardous Waste Collection Program in 1989. These are permanent waste collection facilities for the disposal of household or hazardous waste generated "at home”.

Pools/ Spas/ Beaches
Program to inspect public pools, spas, beaches, and other water sports contact areas in accordance with Health and Safety Code standards.

Safe Drug and Consumer-Generated Sharps Disposal
A program for county residents to drop off unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and sharps. There are now 71 collection sites throughout Alameda County where residents can drop-off their unwanted prescription and OTC drugs, including 25 sites where residents can also drop-off used Sharps.

Alameda County Environmental Health's Land Use Program Overview
This is water management for Septic Systems for sewage disposal and to ensure safe, potable water on new and existing development projects in Unincorporated areas of Alameda County.

Office of Solid/Medical Waste and Body Art Program 
Provides inspection and registration for landfills, construction and demolition facilities; medical waste generator facilities, including hospitals, clinics, biotech companies, etc. with medical waste treatment; solid and liquid waste hauler vehicles registration and inspection. They also provide registration and inspection of body art establishments.

Alameda County Vector Control 
Provides education on organisms that are vectors. The organisms addressed in this section are Ants, Bats, Bed Bugs, Cockroaches, Flies, Mites, Mosquitoes, Rodents, Stinging Insects, Spiders, and Ticks. Information related to Wildlife, Environmental Health, and Solid Waste and Garbage is also provided to help the society in overcoming vector-borne diseases.

The Water Program 
Provides technical assistance to citizens addressing water quality questions and concerns. They provide water quality and quantity certifications, they provide water testing on samples and investigate suspected drinking water disease outbreaks.

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