Purpose
The Certified Unified Program Agency's (CUPA) policy is to educate facility operators regarding requirements for the handling, storage, and proper disposal of hazardous substances. The inspection program focuses on public awareness and provides information designed to assist facility operators with compliance. Inspectors will check hazmat storage areas, disposal records, emergency response plans, and employee training records.
The CUPA has an investigation and enforcement program that addresses facilities that pose risks to human health, safety, and the environment by engaging in unlawful business practices.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Any business that violates any provision of the
Business Plan shall be civilly liable in an amount of not more than $2,000 for each day of the violation. Any business that knowingly and willfully violates any provision of the Business Plan shall be civilly liable in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for each day of the violation (California Health and Safety Code, Section 25514(b).)
Any person who willfully prevents, interferes with, or attempts to impede the enforcement of this chapter by any authorized representative of an Administering Agency is, upon conviction, guilty of a misdemeanor (Health and Safety Code, Section 25515.1.)
If the violation results in, or significantly contributes to an emergency, including a fire to which the county and/or city is required to respond, the person(s) shall also be assessed the full cost of the county and/or city emergency response, as well as the cost of cleaning up and disposing of the hazardous material.