Sonoma County Flashcards
Describe how Sonoma County regulates cannabis.
EHS issues permits for medical dispensaries, and medical product manufacturing sites, but NOT recreational use.
The regulations are based on Cal Code (CA Retail Food Code).
Define CFOs, and explain the state laws which govern them.
CFO = Cottage Food Operation.
Only “non-potentially hazardous” foods may be produced at a CFO (foods that do not require refrigeration).
There are two classes: Class A Registration (direct sales only) and Class B Permit (direct and indirect sales).
CFOs may NOT deliver via Fedex, UPS, etc.
CFO operators must complete a food processor course.
Class B’s are inspected regularly.
Name the 5 major sources of foodborne illness identified by the CDC.
- Improper food holding temperatures
- Inadequate cooking
- Poor personal hygiene
- Contaminated equipment
- Food from unapproved sources
Describe how Sonoma County regulates septic tanks.
EHS does NOT regulate septic tanks. But, EHS inspects and issues permits for pumper trucks.
Describe the Sonoma County LOP.
The Sonoma County Local Oversight Program (LOP) oversees the investigation and cleanup of fuel releases from underground storage tanks in all areas of the county with the exception of the cities of Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. Sites are entered into the LOP when a release from an underground tank is reported.
Describe how Sonoma County regulates solid waste.
EHS permits and inspects landfills, transfer stations and other facilities which handle solid waste which require permits to operate under authority of CalRecycle. The program includes response to solid waste illegal accumulation or storage complaints and monitoring waste tire sites and haulers.
Describe how Sonoma County regulates ocean water quality.
EHS monitors bacterial levels weekly from April through October.
This applies to beaches with 50,000+ yearly visitors, and are adjacent to storm drains, creeks, or rivers.
Describe how Sonoma County regulates environmental drilling (also explain what it is).
Environmental drilling is used to determine the presence of contamination in soil or groundwater, and is required for investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. It is also conducted for Real Estate Phase 2 environmental assessments.
What are “small water systems”?
Public water systems that serve between 25 and 10,000 people.
Examples:
Small towns
HOAs
Schools
Restaurants
What is the difference between a septic tank and a OWTS?
Septic tank + Drainfield = OWTS (one example)
Describe how Sonoma County regulates retail food establishments.
They use a Green / Yellow / Red Placard system.
Green = no more than 1 major violation was corrected during the inspection.
Yellow = 2 or more major violations were corrected during the inspection. A follow-up inspection will occur within 3 days.
Red = Closure was required due to an imminent danger to public health or safety (if a major violation couldn’t be corrected during the inspection).
Describe how Sonoma County regulates fresh water quality.
EHS monitors bacterial levels in the water at beaches along the Russian River and at Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon by collecting and testing weekly water samples between Memorial Day and Labor Day. They also monitor blue-green algae levels along the Russian River.
Define universal waste.
Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are widely produced by households and many different types of businesses. Universal wastes include electronics, batteries, fluorescent lamps, mercury thermostats, and other mercury containing equipment, among others.
Describe how Sonoma County regulates public pools and spas.
EHS will determine if the facility needs a site review. Then, EHS will identify any violations of the California Pool Code that require remediation prior to operating. Then, EHS will issue a permit.
What are the 3 divisions of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services?
- Administration
- Behavioral Health
- Public Health
Describe how Sonoma County regulates body art.
The Safe Body Art Act (part of the CA Health & Safety Code) created a uniform set of standards for the body art industry. Sonoma EHS issues permits and performs annual inspections.
Describe the “4 Steps to Food Safety”.
This is a list created by the CDC.
- Clean - wash hands, utensils, and produce.
- Separate - keep raw meats away from everything else.
- Cook thoroughly - MUST use a thermometer, NOT sight/texture.
- Chill - refrigerate properly (below 40°F, within 2 hours of cooking).
“Danger Zone” = Between 40°F and 140°F
Name some things that EHS regulates.
Blue-Green Algae, Body Art, Cannabis, Lead Poisoning, Food, Environmental Drilling (investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites), manmade AND natural bathing areas (fresh AND ocean), leaking underground storage tanks, medical waste, septic disposal (pumper trucks), solid waste, and State Small Water Systems.
Define CalARP.
California Accidental Release Prevention program.
The CalARP Program was established to prevent accidental releases of substances that pose the greatest risk of immediate harm, to the public and the environment.
Some examples of regulated substances include: NH3, Cl2, HCl, HNO3, and propane.
Describe the Sonoma County Blue-Green Algae program.
AKA Cyanobacteria. Some species produce toxins. Sonoma EHS tests natural water for 3 toxins at beaches along the Russian River, mostly during summertime, and posts caution, warning, or danger signs if necessary.
What are the similarities and differences between the California Food Handler Card and Food Safety Certification?
Both the CA Food Handler Card and Food Safety Certification are required. The Food Safety Certification is longer, harder, and must be done by only 1 person at a facility.
Define OWTS.
Onsite wastewater treatment systems.
Define PHF.
Potentially Hazardous Food (PHF) is a food that requires time or temperature control to limit pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation.
Examples:
Raw animal foods, raw seed sprouts, cut melons, and cut tomatoes.
Describe Cal Code.
Cal Code = California Retail Food Code. It is an excerpt from the California Health and Safety Code. It requires that at least one person pass an approved course in food safety.
