Released waste: certification of local officers.

Existing law authorizes a party responsible for the release of waste requiring remedial action to request a local officer, as defined, to supervise the remedial action. Existing law authorizes the local officer to enter into a remedial action agreement with the responsible party to supervise the remedial action, as specified, and governs the duties of the local officer and the terms of the agreement. Existing law establishes the State Water Resources Control Board to exercise certain powers relating to water rights, water quality, and safe and reliable drinking water. Existing law also establishes the Department of Toxic Substances Control to enforce hazardous waste control laws. This bill would require the board, in cooperation with the department, to develop and implement a certification program for local officers who enter into remedial action agreements. The bill would establish the criteria for certification, and procedures for the review and revocation of that certification. On and after July 1, 2020, the bill would authorize only a local officer who is certified by the board pursuant to that program, or by the department, as specified, to enter into a remedial action agreement. The bill would also require a local officer administering a remedial action agreement to conduct a public notification process under a specified circumstance and would require the agreement to include specified additional terms.