Enhancing Enforcement and Response to Illegal Mulch Dumping
and Fires
89-E.
Recommendation as submitted by Supervisor Barger: Instruct the
Director of Public Health, in coordination with County Counsel and the
Director of Public Works, to report back to the Board in writing in 21
days with an analysis of current State regulations that govern the
disposal and/or land application of compostable material (mulch), how
current regulations govern companies that produce or dispose of mulch
and other compostable material, what powers local enforcement
authorities have to enforce existing regulations, and recommendations
for proposed legislation to strengthen enforcement of current
regulations, including proposals that would include reporting
requirements for companies and individuals involved in producing,
recycling, and disposal of mulch and other compostable material;
instruct the Director of Public Health to report back to the Board in
writing in 21 days with an assessment of resource needs to provide
greater regulatory oversight of illegal mulch dumping in the Antelope
Valley, including applicable positions and funding needs; and instruct
the Fire Chief to report back to the Board in writing in 21 days on the
number of significant mulch/trash related fires within the last four years
that can be, in part, attributed to improper or illegal dumping of mulch
and/or trash, along with the associated cost to the Fire District to
provide these services and, in consultation with County Counsel,
explore avenues available to recover costs associated with responding
to these fires. (24-1726)