Mission
To protect and promote the health, safety, and well-being of Contra Costa residents as they are affected by hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
To provide and promote a forum for building consensus on environmental issues affecting Contra Costa residents related to hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
To provide recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and the Board's respective Committees and Commissions regarding policies concerning the storage, use, and management of hazardous materials and hazardous waste as they affect health, safety, and the environment, including land-use planning and economic effects.
History
The Hazardous Materials Commission was established in 1983 by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. Its charge is to develop policy recommendations for hazardous materials and wastes and advise the Board, local elected officials, and county and city staff.
Meetings
Public meeting documents related to the Hazardous Materials Commission can be found at Contra Costa County’s Public Meetings website.
All meetings are open to the public. For information please call Adam Springer at 925-655-3200 or email adam.springer@cchealth.org.
Membership and Bylaws
County Board and Commissions Details
Committees
The Operations Committee oversees the Commission's organizational business, provides guidance to county department programs and management, and addresses public education and communication issues.
The Planning and Policy Development Committee provides technical assistance on the update of the land use ordinance and other long-term policy and planning issues.
777 Arnold Dr., Martinez, CA 94553 - Paramount Room https://cchealth.zoom.us/j/98031936341 Meeting ID: 980 3193 6341
4th Thursdays at 4pm
Locunity is a independent informational service and is not an official government page for this commission.We use AI-assisted analysis and human editorial review to publish information.
900-Signature Petition Names HazMat Commission as Decision-Maker on Refinery Cleanup Bond
A Change.org petition with 900+ signatures demands the Board of Supervisors and the Hazardous Materials Commission require PBF Energy to post a decommissioning bond for the Martinez refinery.
Why it matters: The petition elevates the commission's profile on refinery accountability, though staff noted existing regulations already require financial responsibility for cleanup—raising questions about whether current safeguards are sufficient.
45-Day Public Comment Period Opens on MRC Fire Investigation With July 1 Community Meeting
A third-party audit of the Martinez Refining Company following its February 2025 fire enters a 45-day public comment period starting June 23, with an in-person meeting July 1.
Why it matters: The MRC fire injured six workers and forced a shelter-in-place; the ERG audit report and upcoming public comment period will shape future safety requirements for the refinery.
California Blocks Cross-Property Hazardous Waste Consolidation Despite Federal Allowance
California's DTSC decided against adopting federal rules that would have let businesses consolidate hazardous waste across adjacent properties before shipping, citing public concerns about tracking.
Why it matters: The decision affects businesses with multiple adjacent properties in Contra Costa County who must continue shipping waste separately from each location, increasing transportation costs but preserving stricter waste tracking.
Commission's Future Remains Uncertain as Staff Offers No Update on Elimination Proposal
Commissioners expressed frustration that program director Nicole provided no update on the proposed elimination of the commission, despite a promise to report back this month.
Why it matters: The commission's existence is being questioned as a cost-cutting measure, creating uncertainty about whether its forum planning and policy work will continue to have institutional support.
Contra Costa County
Public ForumHazardous Materials Commission46d agoJune 29, 2026
Commission Finalizes September 17 Forum at IBEW Hall With Multiple Topic Tracks
The commission confirmed its September 17 public forum from 6-8 PM at the IBEW hall in Martinez, seeking presenters on the CUPA transition, carbon capture, e-fuels, Raven waste-to-fuel technology, and Zone 7 PFAS filtration.
Why it matters: The annual forum is the commission's main public engagement tool, and this year's lineup will address several emerging industrial and environmental issues affecting Contra Costa County residents.
Commission to Investigate Marathon Refinery Safety After 60-Day Strike
A striking USW Local 5 refinery worker warned the commission about unqualified replacement workers and 18-hour mandatory shifts at Marathon's facility, prompting an agenda item for the next meeting.
Why it matters: County staff confirmed they have already audited Marathon and will send another team next week, but the commission wants a formal report on whether the Industrial Safety Ordinance is being followed during the labor dispute.
CalEPA Approves Hazmat Program Transfer to Fire District Effective July 1
CalEPA's public hearing on transferring CUPA administration from the county Health Department to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District drew no opposition and is expected to finalize smoothly.
Why it matters: Nearly 40 staff members are being moved to a new division, and approximately 4,000 regulated facilities will now fall under fire district oversight, fundamentally changing the county's hazardous materials regulatory structure.
Staff Offers to Show HazMat Facility Map at Next Meeting but Public Access Faces ADA Hurdles
Commissioners pressed for a public hazardous materials inventory map; staff confirmed one exists internally but ADA website compliance rules delay online publication.
Why it matters: Recent incidents in Los Angeles and Washington highlighted gaps in knowing what hazardous materials are stored where; commissioners want the same transparency for Contra Costa's industrial corridors.
Contra Costa County
Published Reports
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