Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health is designated by the California Division of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) as the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) for Humboldt County in its entirety. The cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, and Trinidad each approved of this action by resolutions adopted in 1992.

LEA responsibilities include educating individuals and business entities on the proper methods for handling and disposal of solid waste. Solid waste is non-hazardous, non-liquid waste and includes garbage, compostable materials, and construction and demolition debris.

Public and environmental health considerations of solid waste handling are:

• control of vectors (potential disease-carrying animals such as rats, mice, flies, and mosquitoes)
• control of public safety and health nuisances (fires, odors, dust, bear and bird attraction)
• prevention of ground and surface water contamination

The LEA provides the following services:

• performs inspections of solid waste operations and facilities throughout the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Humboldt County. As of May 2007 we have an inventory of 66 active and inactive sites requiring routine inspection.
• Issues, reviews, revises and modifies solid waste facility permits
• Fulfills public notice requirements
• Reviews and comments on design plans and environmental review documents
• Investigates illegal dumping
• Investigates public complaints of improper solid waste handling

Education of solid waste site operators as well as the public on sound solid waste handling disposal practices is the focus of our program. Enforcement of solid waste regulations is essential to protect public health and the environment.

Land Use Program Staff

Carolyn Hawkins, REHS Program Supervisor (707) 268-2215 chawkins@co.humboldt.ca.us

Mark Johnson, REHS LEA Field Inspector (707) 268-2202 mbjohnson@co.humboldt.ca.us

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