HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 2001-41 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-41
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF HUNTINGTON'BEACH RESPONDING TO THE 2000-2001
ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT ENTITLED,
"SEWAGE SPILLS, BEACH CLOSURES-TROUBLE IN PARADISE?"
WHEREAS, the 2000-2001 Orange County Grand Jury released a report entitled,
"Sewage Spills, Beach Closures-Trouble in Paradise?", a copy of which is attached
hereto as Exhibit"A"; and
The Orange County Grand Jury has requested that the City respond to certain
findings and recommendations in the Report by July 25, 2001;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of the
City of Huntington Beach authorizes the Mayor to send the attached response on behalf
of the City, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "B".
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach
at a regular meeting thereof held on the 16th day of July 2001.
T h'r� tZG�
Mayor
! ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
V
City Clerk 67-11- 4., .�CttyAttorney
REVIEWED AND APPROV D: _ INI AND APPROVED-
City Administrator t Director of Public Works
/ 1
2001 reso/response to OC grand jury report
EXHIBIT "A"
Res. No.2001-01
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ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY
700 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE WEST•SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92701 •714/834-3320
FAX 714/834-5555
April 19, 2001
Ray Silver
City IManager
City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 926,48
Dear Mr. Silver:
Attached is a copy of the 2000—2001 Orange County Grand Jury report, "Sewage Spills, Beach Closures
-Trouble in Paradise?"Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05(f), a copy of the report is being provided to you
two working days prior to its public release. Please note that"No officer, agency, department, or
governing body of a public agency shall disclose any contents of the report prior to the public release of
the final report." Emphasis added. (Public release date—April 25, 2001.)
It is requested that you provide a response to each of the findings and recommendations of this report
directed to your office in compliance with Penal Code 933.05(a) and(b), copy attached. For each Grand
Jury recommendation,be sure to describe the implementation status, as well as provide a schedule for
future implementation.
It is requested that the response to the recommendations be mailed to C. Robert Jameson, Presiding Jud e
of t ee-Superior Court. 700 tvic ter D,� VV rive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 with a separate copy mailed
---�,
to the Orange County Grand Jury,700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 927 1, no later than 90
days after the public release date, (April 25, 2001), in compliance with Penal Code 933, copy attached.
The due date then is July 25, 2001.
Should additional time for responding to this report be necessary for further analysis,Penal Code
933.05(b)(3) permits an extension of time up to six months from the public release date. Such extensions
should be advised in writing, with the information required in Penal Code 933.05(b)(3), to the Presiding
Judee of the Superior Court, with a separate copy of the request to the Grand.fury(address above).
Very truly yours,
2000 —2001 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY
JG:mlh Joseph Gatlin, Foreman
Attachments
Grand Jury Report
Penal Code §933, §933.05
Res.No.2001-41
Sewage Spills, Beach Closures
Trouble in Paradise?
SUMMARY
In the past several years, Orange County public beaches have experienced
many closures due to ocean water contamination, significantly impacting Orange
County's economy and quality of life. The Orange County Health Care Agency
issued 252 orders that closed beaches for more than 2000 days from the
beginning of i887 through 2000 and the situation is getting worse. Almost all
closures were the result of bacterial contamination from a sewage spill into drains
or other waterways flowing into the ocean.
The 2000-2001 Orange County Grand-Jury conducted a survey among 35
wastewater-collection and/or treatment agencies in the County. The survey
concluded that the leading cause of sewage spills is clogged sewage pipes from
accumulation of grease/oil discharged from restaurants and high-density
residential areas. While several wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies
have grease discharge ordinances that require restaurants to have grease
trap/interceptor devices, only a relative few of these agencies have a regular
inspection and enforcement program in place. With over 6,800 restaurants and
approximately 12,000 miles of sewer pipes in Orange County, more effective
methods of minimizing grease discharge into sewer pipes must be developed
and put into practice if grease-related sewage spills are to be prevented.
The Orange County Grand Jury's recommendations to reduce the grease buildup
in our sewer system include:
Cooperation of cities, county wastewater collection and/or treatment
agencies in adopting a standardized countywide grease discharge
ordinance with enforcement power,
An aggressive public education program aimed at individual restaurant
owners and staff as well as the general public, including
owners/managers of large housing complexes, and
Regular review of restaurant grease traps/interceptors maintenance
logs by the Orange County Health Care Agency and routine inspection
of these devises by wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies
staff within their respective jurisdictions.
Res. No.2001-41
PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION
The beaches of Orange County are among the most beautiful and utilized
recreational resources in the entire country. When closed to public use, not only
do the people using the beaches lose a recreational resource, but there is a
substantial economic impact associated with the absence of beachgoers as well.
From San Clemente to Seal Beach, many coastal businesses depend upon
beach visitors for a significant portion of their income.
When a sewage line or other sewage facility fails, raw sewage may drain to the
ocean, carrying with it bacteria and other human pathogens. This will
automatically trigger a state-mandated beach water closure, which will remain in
effect until further testing deems the water to be safe for recreational use.
According to a survey conducted by the Grand Jury and directed to 35
wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies in Orange County, the reasons
cited for most sewage spills are:
• Accumulation of cooking grease in sewer pipes
• Age-related deterioration of sewer pipes
• Tree root intrusion and blockage of sewer pipes
• Sewage system pump failure
The purpose of this study is to explore the effect improperly discarded cooking
grease/oil has on sewage spills and highlight possible remedies that may be
available in preventing them
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
California State law requires that when designated "indicator bacteria" reach
certain levels in tested ocean water, the adjacent beach will be posted with
warning signs, if higher levels are detected, the ocean waters will be closed to
recreational use. Waters are tested several times a week at many locations
along Orange County's coastline. Data collected by the Orange County Health
Care Agency shows that from 1987 through 2000, the agency issued 252 beach
water closure orders, which effectively closed the adjacent beaches to visitors for
a total of more than 2000 days.
When large volumes of restaurant or high-density housing-generated cooking
greaseloil enter sewage collection pipes, the grease solidifies and accumulates
resulting in narrowing of the pipe's internal opening. Eventually the inside of the
pipe is closed forcing incoming sewage to escape through manhole covers or
other exit points. Until this sewage is detected and contained it may enter a
surface drainage system, natural or manmade, where it drains into the ocean.
Sewage has a high human pathogen content and thus contaminates water
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Res. No.2001-41
adjacent to where the drains empty into the ocean, creating an immediate public
health hazard.
Restaurants generally dispose of cooking grease/oil in the following three ways:
1. Grease traps: These are small devices hooked directly to the outgoing drains
of sinks and dishwashers and are located inside the restaurant. Because they
hold small quantities of captured grease, these traps must be emptied and
cleaned on a regular basis and the grease properly discarded to prevent
grease overflow into the sewer system.
2. Grease interceptors: Interceptors are large underground devices usually
located outside the restaurant and connected to the restaurant's outgoing
sewer drainage system. These large tanks have heavy manhole-like covers
that are difficult to access for inspection. When full they must be emptied and
cleaned by private waste pickup and disposal companies.
3. Large covered barrels: Barrels, in which higher quality cooking grease is
placed, are kept covered and then collected by commercial companies who
sell it for industrial reuse. These barrels are placed outside the restaurant.
They are easily accessible and are usually not a contributing factor to the
problem unless they are accidentally spilled and the contents enter sewer or
storm drains.
Several beach cities in other Southern California counties have recently tackled
their grease buildup and disposal problem with very encouraging results. During
the 1990's the City of San Diego reported a 48% reduction in the number of
sewage spills as a result of aggressive inspection and enforcement of their
grease discharge ordinance for restaurants. In particular, the City of Oxnard
(Ventura County) has not only adopted a grease discharge ordinance but its
sewage treatment plant also operates its own grease pump-out service. The
grease is pumped from restaurant interceptor tanks and brought back to the plant
for proper processing and disposal. This program has shown to be not only cost
effective, but the number of grease-related sewer spills has been reduced from a
five year average of 25 to an average of eight spills a year for 1999--2000.
Orange County's situation is complicated by the fact that we have 38 separate
agencies that provide wastewater collection and/or treatment services. Thirty-
five of these agencies are cities or special districts that provide the sewer pipes
and pumping facilities for collecting and transporting the raw sewage to one of
the treatment plants located along the coast responsible for final treatment,
reclamation and/or disposal of wastewater. These treatment plants accomplish
final disposal by one of the following methods:
• Treated effluent water is sent out several miles via underwater pipe into
the ocean.
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Res. No.2001-41
• Wastewater is'treated to levels suitable for recharging the natural
underground aquifer.
• Treated wastewater is used as reclaimed water for landscaping or other
non-human consumption-related activity.
In general, these agencies are responsible for the construction, inspection and
maintenance of wastewater collection and transportation and in some cases
treatment facilities within their jurisdictions. They also have the authority to issue
wastewater discharge permits and to adopt various ordinances. These
ordinances dictate quality, volume and prohibited types of wastewater accepted
from residential, commercial and industrial wastewater generators.
The Grand ,fury conducted a survey among 35 wastewater collection and/or
treatment agencies in Orange County. Pertinent questions and responses from
each agency to the survey were as follows:
1. Please list the most important reasons for accidental sewage spills occurring
in your jurisdiction. A total of 29 (83%) agencies included grease as a major
cause of sewage spills.
2. Do you have a grease discharge ordinance in your City/Agency?
Yes: 23 (66%) No: 12 (34%)
3. Do you require grease traps/interceptors for restaurants?
Yes: 26 (74%) No: 9 (26%)
4. If you do require grease traps/interceptors, do you have an
inspection/maintenance program for these? (Of the 26 "Yes" responses to
question number 3.)
Yes: 7 (27%) No: 19 (73%)
5. Have you adopted the 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code for use in your
City/Agency? (This question relates to standardized design of grease
traps/interceptors.)
Yes: 31 (89%) No: 4 (11%)
The Grand Jury's analysis shows that approximately two-thirds of the wastewater
collection and/or treatment agencies surveyed have adopted a grease discharge
ordinance within their area of jurisdiction and most (74%) require some type of
grease intercepting device in restaurants. However, only 27% conduct routine
inspection and maintenance programs to assure that these devices are effective
in reducing the discharge of cooking grease in sewer lines.
The Orange County Sanitation District, in cooperation with their member
agencies and Orange County Health Care Agency have conducted public
information efforts to educate not only restaurants but also occupants of high-
density residential housing areas such as large apartment complexes. This is
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Res.No.2001-41
accomplished by distribution of brochures and presentations to residents and
restaurants. Large residential housing complexes are also a source of cooking
grease, although not nearly in the same volume as that discharged by restaurants.
However, these efforts may need to be resumed and expanded given the fact that
grease-related sewer pipe blockages continue to increase in number.
METHOD OF STUDY
The Grand Jury visited wastewater collection and/or treatment sites and facilities
as well as conducted interviews with administrative, technical and operational.
staff of several wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies, both within and
outside of Orange County. Seminars and workshops on the subject of
wastewater collection, treatment and water quality were attended. Grand Jurors
interviewed restaurant owners and managers. In addition, the Grand ,fury met
with several staff members of the Environmental Health Division of the Orange
County Health Care Agency and then accompanied them on their regular
restaurant inspections. Literature and ordinances from other coastal counties
relating to grease discharge in sewage systems were also reviewed.
FINDINGS
Under California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, responses are required
to all findings. The Orange County Grand Jury has arrived at five findings:
1. Seventy-four percent of Orange County wastewater collection and/or
treatment agencies require restaurants in their jurisdictions to have grease
trapslinterceptors installed and 66% have discharge ordinances.
2. Few wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies (27%) are using these
discharge ordinances as a basis for grease trap/interceptor inspections and
maintenance activities and resultant enforcement actions when restaurants
are not in compliance with the ordinance.
Responses to Findings 1 and 2 are required from:
The City Councils of:
Anaheim Laguna Beach San Juan Capistrano
Brea La Habra Santa Ana
Buena Park La Palma Seal Beach
Cypress Los Alamitos Stanton
Fountain Valley Newport Beach Villa Park
Fullerton Orange Westminster
Garden Grove Placentia Yorba Linda
Huntington Beach San Clemente
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Res.No.2001-41
And
The Boards of Directors of:
Aliso Water Management Agency Santa Margarita Water District
Costa Mesa Sanitary District South Coast Water District
E1 Toro Water District South East Regional Reclamation
Irvine Ranch Water District Authority
Moulton Niguel Water District Sunset Beach Sanitary District
Midway City Sanitary District Trabuco Canyon Water District
Orange County Sanitation District Yorba Linda Water District
Rossmoor/Los Alamitos Area
Sewer District
3. The Orange County Sanitation District, through its member agencies and the
Orange County Health Care Agency have carried out public education efforts
aimed at reducing cooking grease discharge from restaurants and residential
sources.
A Response to Finding 3 is from requested from the Orange County Health
Care Agency
A Response to Finding 3 is required from the Board of Directors, Orange
County.Sanitation District and Orange County Board of Supervisors.
4. All Orange County restaurants are inspected on a regular basis by qualified
Orange County Health Care Agency, Environmental Health Division
Specialists.
5. Orange County Health Care Agency specialists do not routinely inspect
restaurant grease traps/interceptors unless there is an obvious indication of
malfunction, even though these inspections are thorough in all other aspects
of sanitation and food safety.
Responses to Findings 4 and 5 are required from Orange County Board of
Supervisors and requested from the Orange County Health Care Agency
RECOMMENDATIONS
Under California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, each recommendation
requires a response from the government entity to which it is addressed. These
responses are submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Based
upon the findings, the Orange County Grand Jury recommends that:
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Res. No. 2001-41
1- All Orange County wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies form a
coalition for the purpose of formulating a standardized grease discharge
ordinance for use by all affected wastewater collection and/or treatment
agencies. (Finding 2)
2. This ordinance should carry enough enforcement power to effectively prevent
cooking grease from being discharged by restaurants and should include a
vigorous inspection schedule, maintenance criteria and clearly defined
enforcement procedures and sanctions where violations are noted.
(Finding 2)
3. All Orange County wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies should
carry out aggressive grease discharge prevention education and training
programs aimed at individual restaurant owners and staff in their respective
jurisdictions. Due to the high turnover in both restaurant businesses and
workers, this effort should be carried out continually, countywide, throughout
the year. (Finding 3)
4. Completion of training programs should be made a condition for wastewater
discharge permit issuance to all new applicants, where discharge permits are
required. This educational program should also contain a component directed
toward owners and/or managers of large housing complexes. (Finding 3)
Responses to Recommendations 1 -4 are required from:
The City Councils of:
Anaheim Laguna Beach San Juan Capistrano
Brea La Habra Santa Ana
Buena Park La Palma Seal Beach
Cypress Los Alamitos Stanton
Fountain Valley Newport Beach Villa Park
Fullerton Orange Westminster
Garden Grove Placentia Yorba Linda
Huntington Beach San Clemente
And
The Boards of Directors of:
Aliso Water Management Agency Orange County Sanitation District
Costa Mesa Sanitary District Rossmoor/Los Alamitos Area
El Toro Water District Sewer District
Irvine Ranch Water District Santa Margarita Water District
Moulton Niguel Water District South Coast Water District
Midway City Sanitary District South East Regional Reclamation
Authority
Res. No.2001-41
Sunset Beach Sanitary District Yorba Linda Water District
Trabuco Canyon Water District
5. The Orange County Health Care Agency should require, and then routinely
inspect and review grease trap/interceptor maintenance logs to be accurately
kept by restaurant operators to assure proper emptying and cleaning
frequency of these devices. This log review should be made part of the Health
Care Agency's regularly scheduled restaurant food safety inspection visit
procedures. (Findings 4 and 5)
A Response to Recommendation 5 is requested from the Orange County
Health Care Agency.
A Response to Recommendation 5 is required from the Orange County Board
of Supervisors
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Res. No.2001-41
423 GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS 1933.6
(d) %.s used in this section "agency" includes a department. § 933.06. Vacancies an grand jury; report submitted by uu=i-
(Added by Statt.1961, c 1284, P. 3064, § 1. Anterded by mous-vote of remaining jurors; conditions
5tars•I963, c 674,p. 167& § 1; Stau.1974, c 393,p• 977, § 6; (a) Notwithstanding Siettious 916 and 940,in a county having
Stact1974, r- 1396,p. 3054, § 3, Siam1977, c 107,p. 539, 16, a population of 20,000 or less,a final report may be adopted and
5ta1s.1977, c 187,p. 709, § 1,- S1att,1980, c. 543, p. 1499, § 1; submitted pursuant to Section 933 with the concurrence of a
Stars.1981, c.203,A 1126, § 1; Stau1982, c. 140$A 5365,§ 5; least r 10 grand jurors if all'of the,fallowing'eonditions are met:
seam1985. a.221,§ 1, urgency, off.July IZ 1985, Siam1987, c (1) The grand jury consisting of 19 persons has been impan-
690 ¢ 1: Sratr.198$ c. 2297, ¢ 5; 5tarz1997, c 443 (AB.829), eled pursuant to law,and the membership is reduced from 19 to
§ 4. Stan.199a C.230('La 1907),§ 2.) - fewer than 12-
§ 933.05. Responses to findings (2) The vacancies have not been frilled pursuant to Section
(a) For purposes of subdivision(b)of Section 933,as to each 908.1 within 30 days from the time that the clerk of the superior
grand jury finding,the responding person or entity shall indicate court is given written notice that the vacancy has occurred.
one of rbe following: - (3) A final report bas not been submitted by the grand jury
(1) -Me respondent agrees with the finding, pursuant to Section 933.
(2) The respondent disagrees wholly or pa.-tiaily with the (b) Notwithstanding Section 933, no responsible officers,
Ending, in which case the response shall specify the portion of agencies,or departments shall be required to comment on a final
the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of report submitted pursuant to this section. (Added by Si=1994,
the ressans therefor. G 1085(S.B.1465),§ 1.)
(b) For purposes of subdivision(b)of Section 933,as to each i 5a is enrolled bill
grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity 433.E Redevelopment agencies,housing authorities,or Dint
shall report one of the following actions; § P � es+ g J
(1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a powers agencies; examination of books and records; per-
surnmary regarding the implemented acdon. 'formanae of duties
(?) The recommendation has not yet been implemented,but A�d jury may at any time examine the books and records
will fix implemented in the future, with a tlemen implemented,
for of a redevelopment agency, a housing authority, created pursu-
ill be
ant to Division 24 (commencing with Section 33000) of the
impHealth and Safety Code, or a joint powers agency created
(3) The recommendation requires.further analysis, with an pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500) of
explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or Division 7 of Title i of the Government Code,and,in addition to
study, and a timehame for the matter to be prepared for any other investigatory powers granted by this chapter, may
discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department investigate and report upon the method or system of performing
being investigated or reviewed• including the governing body of the duties of such agency or authority. (Added by Stam 1979, c
the public agency when applicable. 'This timeframe shall not 305, p. 1124, § 1. Amended by Stats.1986, c 279, § 1.)
exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury
report . ' § 933S. Special-purpose assessing or taxing district; local
(4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it agency rormation commission; examination of books and
k not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation records; performance of duties
therefor. A grand jury may at any time examine the books and records
(c) However,if a finding or recommendation of the grand jury of any special-purpose assessing or taxing district located wholly
addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or or partly in the county or the local agency formation commission
dcoarmcnt headed by an elected officer, both the agency or in the county,and, in addition to any other investigatory powers.
department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if granted by this chapter, may investigate and report upon the
requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of method or system of performing the duties of such district or
supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel commission. (Added by Stats.1961, c 1461, p. 3313, §
matters over which it has some decisionmaking authority. The Amended by Starr.1969, e 931,p. 1870, § 1; Stars.1979, c.306,p-
response of the elected agency or department hc_d shall address 1124,§ 1.)
all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or
her agency or department § 933.6. Nonprofit corporations established by or operated on
(d) A grand jury may request a subject person or entity to behalf of a public entity; examination of books and records;
come before the grand jury for the purpose of reading and investigation and report art performance of duties
discussing the findings of the grand jury report that relates to A grand jury may at any time examine the books and records
that Jerson or entity in order to verify the accuracy of the of any nonprofit corporation established by or operated an
findings prior to their release. - behalf of a public entity the books and rccords of which it is
(c) During an investigation,the grand jury shall meet with the authorized by taw to examine, and, in addition to any other
subject of that investigation regarding the investigation,unless investigatory powers granted by this chapter,may investigate and
the court,either on its own determination or upon request of the rt:porr upon the mcihod or system of performing the duties of
forenerson of the grand jury, determines that such a-mectmg such nonprofit corporation_ (Added by Stars.1986 c. 279, § 2.)
wouid be detrimcntal
(f1 A grand jury shall provide to the affected agency a copy of ARTICLE 3. LEGAL AND OTHER ASSISTANTS
the Portion of the grand jury report relating to that person or FOR GRAND JURIES'
entiry two working days prior to its public release and after the
aPPTOval of the presiding judge. No officer,agency,department, Section
or governing body of a public agency shall dMosc any contents 934. Advice from judge,district attorney,county counsel".or
Of the report prior to the public release of the final report Attorney General; action by Attorney General.
AAdded by Stars.19K c 1170 (S.B.1457), § 1. Amended by 935. ' Appearance of district attorney.
StQMlpg7,c 443'(A.B.829),1 5.) 936. Special counsel and investigators.
Res. No.2001-41
§ 926 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE:" 422
p. 539, § 4; Stam1982, c. 441,p. 1810, § 1; Statt.1988,.c. 1297, fund of the county upon warrants drawn by the county auditor
¢ 4.5.) upon the written order of the judge of the superior court of the
Crass Refereisas county. (Added byStau.1959,c 501,p. 2450,§ 2.)
Payments to grand jurors and witnesses,see Government Code§ 29603. Cross Refereaces
'6jp nditures of grand jury c=ceding budget, see Penal Code § 914"5,
§ 927. Salaries of county-elected officials; report Expenses of grand jury as county charges,see Government Code§ 29603.
tl grand jury ata-y, ana-wlieo requested-try tltc 6ard_of"'.. _
supervisors shall, investigate and report upon the needs for § 932. Order directing district attorney to institute actions for
increase or decrease in salaries of the county-elected officials. A recoveit7'of money due county
copy of such report shall be transmitted to the board of After investigating the books and accounts of the various
supervisors. (Added by Stau.1959, c. 501, p, 2450, § 2. officials of the county, as provided in the foregoing sections of
Amended by StamI970, c. 1513,p.3014, § 62; Srars.1976,c 481, this article,the grand jury may order the district attomey of the
P. 12-14§ 1.) county to institute suit to recover any money that, in the
judgment of the grand jury, may from any cause be due the
Cross References county. The order of the grand jury,certified by the foreman of
Report or recommendation only after investigation, see Penal Code the grand jury and filed with the county Clerk Of the county,shall
§ 939.9. be full authority for the district attorney to institute and maintain
any such suit. (Added by .Stam1959, t. 501, p. 2450, § 2.)
§ 92& Needs of county officers; report
Every grand jury may investigate and report upon the needs of crass Bert pas
ecommendation only after investigation, see Penal Code
all. county officers in the county, including the abolition or Report or r§ 939.9.
creation of offices and the equipment for, or the method or
system of performing the duties of, the several offices. Such § 933," Findings and recommendations; copies of final report;
investigation and report shall be conducted selectively each year. comment of governing bodies, elective officers, or agency
The grand jury shall cause a copy of such report to be heads; definition
transmitted to each member of the board of supervisors of the (a) 'Each grand jury shall submit to the presiding judge of the
county. (Added by SramJ959, c 501,p.2450, § 2, Amended by superior court a final report of its findings and recommendations
Srars.1976, c 895. p. 2056, § 5; Siam]980, c. 566,p, 1553, § 1; that pertain to county government matters during the fiscal or
Srats.1981,t^800,p.5 c d
00,§ 5.) calendar year. Final reports on any appropriate subject may be
Cram Refemc" submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court at any
Repon or rccommcadazion only after investigation, see Penal Code time during the term of service of a grand jury. A final report
§ 939.9. may be submitted for comment to responsible officers,agencies,
or departments,including the county board of supervisors,when
§ 928a. Repealed by Stats.1959,a 501,p.2443,§ 1 applicable,upon finding of the presiding judge that the report is
in compliance with this title. For 45 days after the end of the
§ 929. Grand jury evidentiary material or findings; release to term. the foreperson and his or her designees shall, upon
public of non-privileged matter, approval of judge reasonable notice,be available to clarify the recommendations of
As to any matter not subject to privilege,with the approval of the report_
the presiding judge of the superior court or the judge appointed (b) One copy of each final report,together with the responses
by the presiding judge to supervise the grand jury, a grand jury thereto,found to be in compliance with this title shall be placed
may make available to the public part or all of the evidentiary on file with the county clerk and remain on file in the office of
material, findings, and other information relied upon by, or the county cleric. The county clerk shall immediately forward a
presented to, a grand jury for its final report in any civil grand true cm of the report and the responses to the State Archivist
jury investigation provided that the name of any person,or facts who shall retain that report and aU responses in perpetuity.
that lead to the identity of any person who provided information (c) No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final
to the grand jury, shall not be released. Prior to granting report on the operations of any public agency subject to its
approval pursuant to this section, a judge may requite the reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency
redaction or mashing of any part of the evidentiary material, shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court an the
findings, or other information to be released to the public findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the
including, but not limited to, the identity of witnesses and any contmi of the goveming body, and every elected county officer
testimom or materials of a defamatory or libelous nature, or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility
(Added by Seats 1998, 79(513.2100),§ 1.) pursuant to Section 914.1 shalt comment within 60 days to the
presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy
§ 929.L Repealed by Stats1974,r:13%,p.3054,§ 2 seat to the board of supervisors,on the findings and recommen-
dations pertaining to matters under the control of that.county
§ 930. Comments in report upon persons not indicted officer or agency head and any agency or agencies which that
If any grand jury shad, in the report above mentioned, officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and
comment upon any person or official who has not been indicted county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and
by such grand jury such comments shall not be deemed to be recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall
privileged, (Added by Stam1959,a 501,p.2450,§ 2.) forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior
Cry court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to
Charge,sec Penal Code 1 9I4. lid jury reports shall be placed an file with the cleric of the
public agency and the office of the county"clerk, or the mayor
when applicable,and shall remain on file in those offices. One
§ 93L Payment of expenses, copy shall be placed on file with.the applicable grand jury final
All c=enses of the grand jurors incurred under this article report by, and in the control of the currently impaneled grand
shall be paid by the treasurer of the county out of the getteral jury,where it shall be maintained for a minimum of five years.
Res. No.2001-41
Res. No.2001-41
DRAFT
July 16, 2001
The Honorable C. Robert Jameson,
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Dear Judge Jameson:
Subject: 2000-2001 Orange County Grand Jury report entitled "Sewage Spills,
Beach Closures — Trouble in Paradise?"
The following responses from the City of Huntington Beach pertain to the 2000 --2001 Orange
County Grand Jury report entitled "Sewage Spills, Beach Closures — Trouble in Paradise?"
As requested, the City is providing a response to each of the required findings and
recommendations of the report.
Finding Number 1
Seventy-four percent of Orange County wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies
require restaurants in their respective jurisdictions to have grease trapslinterceptors installed
and 66% have discharge ordinances.
City's Response to Finding Number 1
The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the finding. The City adopts by ordinance the
..Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) whenever a new edition is issued. The City requires all new,
remodeled and/or change-of-occupancy (C of O) commercial kitchens to install grease traps/
interceptors.
Finding Number 2
Few wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies (27%) are using these discharge
ordinances as a basis for grease traplinterceptor inspections and maintenance activities and
resultant enforcement actions when restaurants are not in compliance with the ordinance.
City's Response to Finding Number 2
The City of Huntington Beach agrees with the finding. After final approval of the grease
traps/interceptors, the City has no other regular scheduled inspection, maintenance or
enforcement program regarding commercial kitchen grease traps/ interceptors.
Res. No.2001-41
DRAFT
The Honorable C. Robert Jameson,
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court
July 16, 2001
Page Two
Recommendation Number 1
All Orange County wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies form a coalition for
the purpose of formulating a standardized grease discharge ordinance for use by all
affected wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies. (Finding 2)
City's Response to Recommendation Number 1
This recommendation requires further analysis. The City of Huntington Beach would be
willing to participate in discussions on the formation of a regional standardized grease
ordinance to augment the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). It is recommended that the
Regional Sanitation Districts take the lead in establishing a regional panel, which would
include building officials from various agencies, operators of municipal and district
sewage systems, and other affected parties. It is unknown at this time if this document
could be written and implemented within the timeframe stipulated under California Penal
Code Section 933.05.
Recommendation Number 2
This ordinance should carry enough enforcement power to effectively prevent cooking
grease from being discharged by restaurants and should include a vigorous inspection
schedule, maintenance criteria and clearly defined enforcement procedures and
sanctions where violations are noted. (Finding 2)
City's Response to Recommendation Number 2
This recommendation requires further analysis. Currently, the UPC establishes the
guidelines for design, construction, installation and testing of grease interceptors for
commercial kitchens. As stated in Recommendation Number One, the City of
Huntington Beach is willing to participate in a regional discussion to formalize a regional
standardized grease ordinance. The main goal of the committee could be to enhance the
UPC to incorporate criteria covering maintenance of the grease trap/ interceptor by the
private sector and any public sector inspections and enforcement policies dealing with
grease traps/interceptors. Any regional discussion must also include the means of
funding the additional programs to ensure its success. It is unknown at this time if this
document could be written and implemented within the timeframe stipulated under
California Penal Code Section 933.05.
Res. No.2001-41
DRAFT
The Honorable C. Robert Jameson,
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court
July 16, 2001
Page Three
Recommendation Number 3
All Orange County wastewater collection and/or treatment agencies should carry out
aggressive grease discharge prevention education and training programs aimed at
individual restaurant owners and staff in their respective jurisdictions. Due to the high
turnover in both restaurant businesses and workers, this effort should be carried out
continually, countywide, throughout the year. (Finding 3)
City's Response to Recommendation Number 3
This recommendation requires further analysis. The City of Huntington Beach would be
willing to participate in discussions on the formation of regional public education and
training programs. It is recommended that a regional agency such as the Orange County
Health Care Agency, rather then individual cities or districts, take the lead in formulating
the requirements and then implementing the program under its regional jurisdiction. Any
regional discussion must also include the means of funding the additional programs to
ensure its success. It is unknown at this time if this program could be implemented within
the timeframe stipulated under California Penal Code Section 933.05.
Recommendation Number 4
Completion of training programs should be made a condition for wastewater discharge
permit issuance to all new applicants, where discharge permits are required. This -
educational program should also contain a component directed toward owners and/or
managers of large housing complexes. (Finding 3)
City's Response to Recommendation Number 4
This recommendation requires further analysis. Currently the City of Huntington Beach,
as well as the UPC, require only commercial kitchens to install grease traps/ interceptors.
The City of Huntington Beach would be willing to participate in regional discussions on
requiring large housing complexes to install and maintain grease traps/ interceptors. It is
recommended that all Sanitation Districts and the Orange County Health Care Agency
take the lead in establishing a regional panel which would include building officials from
various agencies, operators of municipal and district sewage systems, and other affected
parties. It would be the responsibility of this panel to formulate the requirements and the
responsibility of the individual Sanitation Districts to implement the policy under its
regional jurisdiction. It is unknown at this time if this program could be implemented
within the timeframe stipulated under California Penal Code Section 933.05.
Res. No.2001-41
DRAFT
The Honorable C. Robert Jameson,
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court
July 16, 2001
Page Four
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Director of
Public Works, Mr. Robert F. Beardsley, P.E.,at (714) 536-6437.
Sincerely,
Pam Julien Houchen
Mayor
P,JH:cf
c: Orange County Grand Jury
Ray Silver, City Administrator
William Workman, Assistant City Administrator
Gail Hutton, City Attorney
Connie Brockway, City Clerk
Ross Cranmer, Director of Building and Safety
Howard Zelefsky, Director of Planning
Robert F. Beardsley, Director of Public Works
g:eng/kreiger/ocgi response
Res. No. 2001-41
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss:
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH )
I, CONNIE BROCKWAY, the duly elected, qualified City Clerk of
the City of Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said
City, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council
of the City of Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing resolution was
passed and adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the
members of said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on the 16th
day of July, 2001 by the following vote:
AYES: Boardman, Cook, Julien Houchen, Dettloff, Bauer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Green, Garofalo
ABSTAIN: None
City Clerk and ex-officio C erk of the
City Council of the City of
Huntington Beach, California