Gilroy Building, Life and Environmental Safety Division Page Updated on 9/11/2007
Gilroy City CUPA

Chemical Control

Welcome to Gilroy. The City of Gilroy Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) encompasses the geographic area known as the City of Gilroy. The CUPA program is implemented by Chemical Control of the Building, Life, and Environmental Safety Division (BLES) of the Community Development Department, located in city hall.

Chemical Control is dedicated to providing a safe and clean environment for the community and future generations. This is accomplished through public education, available technology and enforcement of environmental regulations. We are committed to excellence through prompt, courteous, professional customer service.

Under the Unified Program, Chemical Control is the single agency responsible for implementing six unified program elements as specified in HSC Chapter 6.11 as well as implementing/enforcing the Toxic Gas Ordinance (TGO) and Pretreatment Programs. A brief overview of the programs Chemical Control implements is offered below:

• Hazardous Materials Business Plans
• Hazardous Materials Storage and Handling
• Underground Storage Tank Program
• Aboveground Storage Tank Program
• Hazardous Waste Generator / Tiered Permit Program
• CalARP Risk Management Plans
• Toxic Gas Ordinance
• Pretreatment Program
• Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure Program
• Pollution Prevention, Storm Water, and Non-Point Source Programs

The city is located at the extreme southern portion of Santa Clara County. Chemical Control coordinates water and soil contamination issues with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board in San Luis Obispo. The city of Gilroy is one of the few cities that conduct oversight of UST soil contamination for the Regional Board.

Chemical Control is the only agency that a business will need to contact to obtain permits under the Unified Program. However, should a business require permits in addition to the Unified Program, Chemical Control will assist with referrals to appropriate agencies such as; the California Air Basin 2, Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), Santa Clara County Health Department, and the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) and Office of Emergency Services (OES). For further information on the services provided by Chemical Control, refer to City Services.