Each state agency operates under separate management, each with its own priorities, manner, and style in delivering services. A primary goal of your staff should be the development and execution of a plan to improve the consistency in the implementation of programs at the state level. We would be pleased to participate in the development of such a plan. The Cal-CUPA Forum believes in the protection of the public and environment from improperly managed hazardous materials and waste. This is accomplished by compliance based oversight of regulated facilities and 'enforcement actions' where violations are not abated or are serious in nature.
Compliance is the ultimate goal - facilities obeying applicable laws and regulations.
Also, combined inspections conducted under the Unified Program present new challenges in having to enforce requirements found in different laws and regulations for program elements that often developed separately and at different times. Recent comments by Antonio Villaraigosa, Speaker of the Assembly, based on information provided by DTSC, raises serious concerns about the capabilities and objectives of local agencies in seeking compliance and asserting enforcement options especially for the hazardous waste program. A significant amount of work has been coordinated through Environmental Strike Forces with much publicized successes continuing to this day. Literally millions of dollars in fines and penalties have been charged to these defendants. The Strike Force concept has been so successful that Cal-EPA has promoted their creation statewide.