HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1989/10/10 Item 13 COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
Item 13
Meeting Date 1813189" /oV io/ Y�
ITEM TITLE: Ordinance 0\3, 3 Regulating medical waste and disposal
SUBMITTED BY: Director of PubliO Sty
REVIEWED BY: City Manager (4/5ths Vote: Yes No x )
Council Referral #1602
At the Council meeting of June 6, 1989, Council approved the first reading of
an ordinance to regulate medical waste and disposal . The first reading was
approved, however, the second reading was continued to the week of June 20.
At that meeting, Council directed staff to prepare a report regarding the
impact of the proposed medical waste ordinance on small businesses such as
dentists. Staff was also directed to refer this item to the Chamber of
Commerce for their comments.
RECOMMENDATION: That Council adopt the ordinance and place it on first
reading.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION: Not applicable.
DISCUSSION:
Earlier this year the County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance
regulating the storage and disposal of biohazardous medical waste. The new
ordinance defines biohazardous and medical solid wastes, whom it regulates,
the preparation of a waste management plan, enforcement and fees.
Whom it Regulates
This ordinance will regulate small generators of biohazardous waste (those
producing 220 pounds or less of such waste per month) . Generators would
include veterinarians, dentists and physicians. Large generators are
presently regulated by Title 22, California. Code of Regulations.
Biomedical Waste Management Plan
All generators of biomedical waste shall prepare a management plan to the
Environmental Health Services Division of the Department of Health Services.
The plan is to include the type and quantity of biohazardous waste generated,
how and where it is stored and the method of disposal .
The County Health Department has indicated there are several acceptable
methods of disposal .
1 . Antoclaving is a method whereby materials are raised to a temperature of
250"F by means of steam. This renders the exposed material non-infectious
and then the material may be handled as non-infectious waste for disposal
in an ordinary landfill waste disposal site. Many medical professionals
already have this equipment in place.
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Meeting Dated i j ( y`
2. Isolysing: This process involves placing hazardous waste into surface
disinfected containers, then adding chemicals which solidifies the
material . This renders the waste to a non-biohazardous condition and is
then ready for landfill disposal . The cost of this appliance is under $20.
3. Private Disposal : Handles the biomedical waste generated by the
independent physician, dentist and other medical professionals. Services
include providing various sizes of puncture proof containers, collection
and transportation by licensed DOT trained drivers, and treatment. The
cost of this service ranges from $27 per month for a small container to
$38 per month for a large container. These fees are based on a minimum
one-time per month pick-up.
In all cases, waste may remain on-site in a locked area for up to six months.
Enforcement
The Deputy Director of the Environmental Health Services division of the
Department of Health Services shall be responsible for enforcing and
administering the program.
A separate ordinance has been requested by Supervisor Golding amending the San
Diego County Codes of Regulatory ordinances relating to Health and Sanitation
and Land Use Fees. This amendment would add an annual fee of $105 for
business enterprises generating less than 220 pounds of infectious/medical
waste per month to fund a Medical Waste Management Program within the
Department of Health Services.
The County anticipates the fees will provide full cost recovery for staff and
equipment.
Community Input
The Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce sponsored two meetings with their members
and representatives of the San Diego County Health Department. The first
meeting was held in July and was poorly attended. The second meeting was held
on August 28. The attendees at that meeting included three local dentists,
who, along with the Health Department made presentations. The Government
Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce recommended to their Board
support of the proposed ordinance. The Chamber Board met on September 13 and
voted to support the ordinance, with the provision that Council hear any
revisions proposed by the dental community.
All cities in the County have been asked to adopt a similar ordinance to the
County's. At this time, only three cities have not--Lemon Grove, Encinitas,
and Chula Vista.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
WPC 0234N
— �_ A!_: i
by the City Cou, cil of
Chula Vista, California
Dated L�.3