Permit and Inspection Services
One-time Permits
These are for the construction, installation, modification (including repair) or
removal (closure), of hazardous materials buildings, rooms, tanks or process
equipment. These kinds of permits are issued upon submittal of a BLES (Building,
Life and Environmental Safety permit application, submittal of plans and
specifications, and payment of fees. A plan review and approval are required
prior to permit issuance, and the facility owner and/or contractor shall sign
the permit.
Hazardous Materials Storage Permit
An annual permit is required for the continued use or operation of a storage,
handling, treatment or use facility. After the initial permit issuance, these
types of permits can be automatically renewed by payment of fees, and submittal
of updated owner/operator information. Permit conditions are attached to these
permits and the conditions and compliance with the various laws and regulations
is required to keep these valid. Permits can be revoked for failure to comply.
Application Process
The application consists of a Business Owner/Operator form and a Business
Activities Page (both two-sided). Other forms are required depending on
which activities are checked off on the Business Activities Page. The Gilroy
CUPA program will provide the correct forms. Annually there will be an invoice
sent as well as blank application forms. These are to be completed to update our
records. The Business Owner/Operator form includes a section for annual
certification that the chemical inventory is the same, or if changes are
attached (using blank forms).
The Chemical Control Program inspects all hazardous materials and CUPA
facilities. These inspections may or may not be scheduled. Often they are
so that the proper business representative can be present for the inspection.
There are several inspection forms used by the inspector to record the
results of the inspection. Click on the form name in blue to go to a sample
form. The most common ones are:
In addition there are a different forms for Underground storage tanks, and
tiered permit facilities.
Inspection Protocols
Inspectors are to identify themselves and may come announced (by appointment) or
unannounced. The Hazardous Materials Ordinance as well as the State Laws provide
the authority for the inspector to carry out an inspection. The inspector will
want to look at all portions of the facility and operations, including any washing,
waste handling, and storage areas. Interior and exterior parts of the facility
will be looked at including parking areas and garbage/dumpster storage areas.
Inspection Frequency
Inspections can be done on varying frequencies, but are done at least every
year for Underground Storage Tank sites, and annually to semi annually
(up to 2 years) for other hazardous materials facilities.
Sampling
Inspectors may choose to sample waste streams, or may request a facility to
sample its waste stream and send it to a laboratory for analysis.
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