APPENDIX N - CCAMP HAZARDOUS MATERIALS USE AND DISPOSAL RECOMMENDATIONS 

 December 1987 Page N-3 



the utilization of local-health-agent data and knowledge and involve good 

 coordination with local boards on enforcement. 



2 . Examination of Different Roles in Hazardous Waste Inspections . 



In conjunction with the initiation of a joint inspection program in the 

 southeast region, a work group should be established to examine the roles 

 of the DEQE inspectors and local and regional health agents who may be 

 conducting similar inspections under hazardous materials bylaws. This work 

 group should ensure that health agents are aware of DEQE's policies so that 

 businesses will hear a consistent message from both state and local 

 inspectors. Clear communication will permit all levels to present a united 

 front in working on hazardous waste. The work group should determine a way 

 for DEQE personnel to utilize local knowledge, data and referrals. In 

 return, DEQE should provide enforcement assistance to local boards on key 

 cases. Finally, the work group should note the types of follow-up that 

 DEQE may not be able to perform but would like to delegate to local 

 agents. Clarifying the state, local and regional roles in this area will 

 prevent duplication and encourage coordination and innovation as well as 

 result in greater protection to groundwater through a more efficient use of 

 available manpower. The Regional Planning Agencies should assist in 

 coordinating local participation on such a work group. 



3 . DEQE Regional Staff Responsiveness to Local Health Agent Concerns . 



DEQE Regional staff must improve their responsiveness to local health agent 

 referrals and concerns. Many towns employ trained agents and, in general, 

 the sophistication of local boards of health is growing. DEQE must respond 

 promptly to the referrals of these trained observers. In delaying, DEQE 

 risks letting serious sources of contamination go unchecked as well as 

 alienating potential allies and valuable sources of information. To 

 encourage better communication, the regional DEQE offices should encourage 

 towns to meet periodically with at least one representative of the regional 

 office to review priorities and concerns and develop a coordinated 

 enforcement strategy. At this meeting, DEQE should indicate what 

 facilities are its lowest priorities so the Board of Health can plan to 

 cover these. The BOH should then channel further questions and concerns to 

 this regional staff person who will then be responsible for facilitating 

 DEQE regional responses to this town. 



4. Ensuring Adequate Local Expertise . 



Many towns do not have available resources or expertise to develop their 

 own programs to inspect local businesses using hazardous materials. Such 

 towns should consider jointly hiring appropriately trained inspectors to do 

 this work. The Barnstable County Health and Environment Department (BCHED) 

 should also try to procure funding for regional inspectors specializing in 

 hazardous materials for loan to those towns in need as is currently done 

 with county sanitarians. 



