Hazardous Materials (CUPA)
Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulatory Program (Unified Program) was established in 1993 to protect public health and safety, and to restore and enhance environmental quality, and sustain economic vitality through an effective and efficient implementation of the Unified Program. San Mateo County Environmental Health Services was designated by the State Secretary for Environmental Protection as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) for San Mateo County in 1996.
Compliance is achieved through routine inspections of regulated facilities, and investigation of citizen-based complaints and inquiries regarding improper handling and/or disposal of hazardous materials and/or hazardous wastes.
If your facility needs to be regulated for any of the CUPA programs listed below, you need to obtain a permit by registering your facility with San Mateo County Environmental Health Services. Please contact the designated district inspector for assistance with the registration process.
A complete list of active and inactive hazardous waste (CUPA) regulated facilities is now available on the County’s Open Data site. The list is updated monthly. Site-specific information can be found on the State’s Regulated Site Portal. This site includes activities related to hazardous materials and waste, state and federal cleanups, impacted ground and surface waters, and toxic materials. It is maintained by the California Environmental Protection Agency and the information is updated monthly. On this site, you will find information about regulated facilities, chemical storage, open violations. If you would like additional details about a particular facility, please make a public records request.
STATE SURCHARGE INCREASE BEGINS JULY 1, 2021:
The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) has
increased the state oversight surcharge on all CUPA regulated
facilities from $49 to $84 dollars effective July 1,
2021. The increase includes $27 to cover the cost of
upgrades to the state reporting system CERS and $8 to cover the
increased costs of overseeing the Unified Program. The CERS
portion of the increase is in effect for four years, after which
time it will be adjusted to only cover the cost of ongoing
maintenance and operations of CERS NextGen.
Additional information can be found at https://calepa.ca.gov/cupa.
Any questions or concerns about the surcharge increase can be
directed to CalEPA at cupa@calepa.ca.gov.
CUPA RESOURCES:
New Facility Permit Registration Form
Sign up for CUPA HAZMAT Compliance Updates
Hazardous Materials Business Plan Program
Businesses must complete a Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) using an electronic reporting system for the safe storage and use of chemicals.
Hazardous Waste Generator Program
The purpose of the hazardous waste program is to ensure that all hazardous wastes are properly handled, recycled, treated, stored and disposed of.
- Accumulating Hazardous Waste at Generator Sites
- Hazardous Waste Accumulation Time for Generators
- Hazardous Waste Tank Management
- Managing Hazardous Waste Non-Saleable Merchandise
- Managing Empty Containers
- Small Auto Repair Facility Requirements
- Used Oil Generator Requirements
- Managing Used Oil Filters
- How to Avoid the Most Common Hazardous Waste Violations
- Management of Hazardous Waste at Construction and Demolition Sites
- Hazardous Waste Generated at Healthcare Facilities
- Como Prevenir Las Violaciones Mas Comunes Desechos Peligrosos
- Fillable Hazardous Waste Label
- registration form
- Read more
Tiered Permitting Program
Treatment means any method, technique or process that changes the physical, chemical or biological character or composition of a hazardous waste, or removes or reduces its harmful properties or characteristics.
Underground Storage Tank Program
Storing hazardous materials in underground tanks benefits businesses and the community by reducing the risk of fires and explosions, enabling more efficient property use, and cutting costs through bulk purchases of raw products.
California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CalARP)
The California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) Program protects people from the release of regulated substances into the environment.
Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Program
Storing petroleum aboveground storage tanks benefits businesses and the community. However, there are also risks in storing petroleum in aboveground storage tanks.
Electronic Reporting
Electronic Reporting
Electronic submission of the Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs) and Underground Storage Tank (UST) information is required (AB 2286, Feuer) by submission via the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) established by CalEPA. Historically, San Mateo County businesses had two options for electronic submissions: the San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Public Portal (EHS Portal) and CERS.