All companies must declare hazardous waste materials used in their operation according to reporting standards determined by the Department's Hazardous Waste Materials Division and the State of California.

Proper hazardous materials management is an integral part of protecting our land, air, and water systems. In 1986, legislation was put into place requiring all businesses to disclose the use, handling, or storage of hazardous materials, and/or waste. This information assists emergency responders, such as the Alhambra Fire Department, to plan for and handle hazardous materials emergencies. The Department's Hazardous Materials Division determines minimum quantity for hazardous waste disclosure. The minimum threshold limit is aggregate quantities equal to or more than 10 gallons in liquids, 10 pounds in weight, or 10 cubic feet in gases at standard temperature and pressure.

The State of California also requires disclosure of hazardous materials in quantities equal to or greater than 55 gallons, 500 pounds, or 200 cubic feet of gas at standard temperature and pressure. The federal government requires an inventory from businesses with hazardous chemicals in amounts equal to or greater than 10,000 pounds, extremely hazardous substances in an amount equal or greater than 500 pounds, or the Threshold Planning Quantity, whichever is lower.

Typical hazardous materials include photographic chemicals, motor oil, antifreeze, paint, any flammable liquid, solvent, parts cleaner, transmission fluid, freon, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, oxygen, helium, propane, and acetylene. Businesses that often generate hazardous waste materials include metal finishers, auto repair/auto body shops, printers, dry cleaners, and plastics and ceramics manufacturers. Hazardous substances contained in food, drug, cosmetic, or tobacco products are exempt for reporting when the product is packaged and presented for retail sale, unless the individual container size is equal to, or exceeds the reportable quantities (10 lbs., 10 gals., or 10 cu. ft. for compressed gas).

Reporting Policy for Alhambra Businesses
Pursuant to SB 1082 (1993), the State of California created a single agency, the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) to regulate hazardous waste. The intent has been to simplify the hazardous materials regulatory environment and provide a single point of contact for businesses to address inspection, permitting, billing, and enforcement issues. The administering agency in the City of Alhambra is the Alhambra Fire Department, Hazardous Materials Division. Any business that handles threshold amounts of hazardous materials, generates any amount of hazardous waste, and/or plans to install, operate, or remove an underground storage tank is required to obtain a permit.

Businesses are urged to fill out the Alhambra Fire Department CUPA forms. The department will only accept information submitted on these forms or the State of California Standardized Reporting forms. Please note, however, that if the State of California Standardized Reporting forms are used, additional information may be requested. The forms may be photocopied, if necessary, but must bear an original signature and have the appropriate signature(s). Be sure to keep copies of your submitted documents for your records, as proof of submission.

Send completed forms to Alhambra Fire Department, Hazardous Materials Division, 301 North First Street, Alhambra, California 91801.

Business Emergency Management Plan
Businesses are required by Chapter 6.95 (commencing with Section 25500) of Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code to submit a Hazardous Waste Management Plan. It is designed to assist in preventing the release or threatened release of hazardous material and to minimize any potential harm or damage to human health or the environment. Businesses must submit this plan if its use of hazardous materials is at or above the state threshold limits. A business must certify in writing to the Alhambra Fire Department that the Business Emergency Plan has been reviewed and updated as required every three years. Revisions to the Plan shall be attached to the certification. In the event a substantial change occurs in the business operation, revisions shall be forwarded in writing to the Alhambra Fire Department within 30 days.

Fees
Billing is handled through the Los Angeles County Fire Department Financial Management Division (FMD) and is processed after verification of the information submitted on the Chemical Description form(s). Fees vary and will be based upon the number and quantity of hazardous materials used, handled or stored by your business. Businesses that are considered a high hazard––having five or more chemicals will be charged an additional 40% surcharge to the base fee.

If you require assistance, contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department at (323) 890-4000 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., or the Alhambra Fire Department Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at (626) 570-3234.