Local agencies want EPA’s job
The Imperial County’s Fire Department wants the state’s job of enforcing environmental industry safety, a position known as CUPA : Certified Unified Program Agency.
County Fire Chief Alfredo Estrada said, ” We’re always accessible. We’re there 24/7. We do a lot of the same inspections. We take video. We take pictures. Ultimately, we’re the ones that do the emergency response, so it’s a win-win for everybody. ”
Ryan Kelley, I.C. Supervisor District 4, said local regulation will mean more business.
“By adding the CUPA responsibilities, one inspection to interrupt business per year, depending on the results of that survey, that’s less business interruption, that’s more productivity in the workplace and that means more revenue for our business, means maybe more jobs for our economy,” Kelley said.
Throughout the meeting, the audience raised complaints regarding the state’s work.
“They’re also trying to raise fees significantly to be able to add staff and cost more to the business owner,” Kelley said.
“There have been businesses that have reached out to us and told us that the business has closed because of the rigor of how they’re approached and the program is being enforced,” Estrada said.
Out of 58 counties statewide, Imperial County is one of two who do not have their own CUPA .
” We will continue to make applications. We will follow through with speaking with our Assembly Member and our Senator, ” Kelley said.
Edie Harmon, an Ocotillo resident, opposes the county, saying they would favor local industry and possibly ignore violations.
“Because some of the decisions that the county made were so biased towards business, including u.s. gypsum, that they would’ve sacrificed the local communities,” Harmon said.
The county denies that situation.
” We have given fines before to different businesses for not being in compliance. The way we do it is very different in the sense that we take that route of education and training first, ” Estrada said.
Currently the Department of Toxic Substance Control under the EPA regulates Imperial County.
