Programs

CERTIFIED UNIFIED PROGRAM AGENCY
The department was authorized as a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) in March 1997 by the California Environmental Protection Agency. As a result of the CUPA authorization, the department enforces the following programs within the City.

• Accidental Release Prevention
  In 1997, the California Accidental Release Program (CALARP) replaced the State mandated Risk Management and Prevention Program (RMPP). The department works to assure that businesses with regulated substances (highly toxic and flammable materials), that exceed threshold planning quantities, comply with the CALARP law. Following registration in CALARP, businesses may be required to prepare Risk Management Plans in order to reduce the likelihood of releases and the possible consequences from such releases.
  
  
• Hazardous Materials
  The Hazardous Materials Monitoring Program began in 1986 in compliance with state mandates. The department collects hazardous materials disclosure information which includes data on how businesses store, use, and dispose of hazardous materials. Up-to-date hazardous materials inventories are provided to the Vernon Fire Department for use when responding to fires, industrial accidents, and natural disasters.
  
  
• Hazardous Waste
  Department staff conducts activities to assure that hazardous wastes generated by Vernon businesses are handled and disposed according to federal, state, and local regulations. The department also assists businesses and consultants in preparation and oversight of site assessments and mitigation activities. In order to minimize present and future threats to human health and the environment, the program actively promotes waste reduction options for hazardous waste generators.
  
  
• Underground Tanks
  The underground storage tank program was established in 1984 and is implemented in conjunction with the Community Services Fire Prevention Inspector Program. Underground storage tanks store a wide variety of motor fuels and chemicals. The program regulates the permitting, inspection, installation, and removal of underground tanks. With the cooperation of Vernon businesses all single wall tanks have been replaced with environmentally friendly double wall tank systems. Operating permits are issued following the proper installation and testing of tank systems with appropriate leak detection equipment.
  
  
• Aboveground Storage Tanks
  

  Owners/operators of aboveground storage tanks or containers that hold petroleum products (gasoline, oil, etc.) at a facility in volumes greater than 1320 gallons, are required to complete a Spill Prevention Countermeasure Control (SPCC) Plan. The SPCC Plan must be maintained at the facility and must be approved by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. Vernon Health Department staff confirms compliance during Certified Unified Program inspections.
  

Animal Control
Animal control activities in Vernon are conducted primarily by the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). Under a contract with the City which is administered by the Health Department, SEAACA responds to reports of stray or injured animals.The department supplements SEAACA animal control activities by licensing dogs, investigating reports of animal bites, and imposing quarantines when appropriate. The department also administers a free live trap loan program to assist businesses in containing stray animals.

Cross Connection Control
The Cross Connection Control Program provides additional protection for the drinking water system. The function of the program is to prevent the water supply from being contaminated by the backflow of industrial fluids. This is accomplished through the inspection of water piping systems, and the permitting and installation of specific plumbing devices at locations where there is a potential for backflow resulting in contamination. Backflow prevention devices are required to be tested annually by certified testers.

Food Safety Program
Food safety inspections are conducted by department staff to assure that foods are prepared, stored, and transported in a safe manner; free of adulteration; and labeled properly. The food operations which receive priority surveillance include food processors; retail establishments such as restaurants, mobile food preparation vehicles (catering trucks), and markets; warehouses; and wholesale food delivery vehicles. Assistance provided by health department staff to food businesses includes: plan check guidance for new and existing facilities; review of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans; food export Free Sale letters; and the provision of water potability letters.

Garment Manufacturing
The garment manufacturing program was initiated in 1991 and monitors the operationand maintenance of establishments which cut, sew, or process apparel related items and accessories. General occupational health and sanitation standards are enforced in these establishments which are often characterized by rapid fluctuations in the number of employees and work volume.

Solid Waste Management
As the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) for solid waste management in the City, staff has traditionally focused on the permitting and inspection of solid waste facilities including one solid waste transfer facility. The program also manages a Solid Waste Non-exclusive Franchise Program and permits vehicles such as trash trucks and rendering vehicles. Staff is also dedicated to monitoring solid waste generation, diversion, and disposal to help the City comply with State mandated waste reduction goals. Business assistance is available to companies interested in recycling or reducing waste.

Storm Water Control
Monitoring storm water quality is an emerging issue that involves the Environmental Health and Community Services Departments. The goal of the program is to prevent pollution of the storm drain system which leads directly to the Los Angeles River and eventually to our local beaches. Storm water control activities are often addressed as part of hazardous materials inspections and can include providing educational materials for businesses.

Vector Control
One of the critical areas of environmental health is vector control surveillance. Vectors are organisms such as rats and mosquitoes which are involved in the spread of diseases. Inspections are conducted and notices of violation are issued in order to control vector populations in the City. Rodent surveys are performed to identify vector activity, and pesticides are applied to control vector populations.

Water Quality
Department staff helps maintain the quality of Vernon's drinking water by inspecting water well installations and monitoring general water quality. Routine water samples are taken at various locations in the City and then submitted to a water quality laboratory for analysis. Water supplies for the City come from different sources including municipal wells, private wells, and surface waters (Metropolitan Water District).