HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 07222008 - D.1 Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
- :- Costa.
FROM: William B. Walker, MD, Health Services Director �a" -=
mow, county •
DATE: July 22, 2008 A`°°"
SUBJECT: Environmental Justice Framework: A Public Health Approach
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION(S): CONSIDER accepting the Environmental Justice Framework:A Public Health
Approach, submitted by Contra Costa Health Services, and
ACKNOWLEGE the Outstanding Leadership in Environmental Justice award bestowed by Contra Costa Health Services
on.Dr. Henry Clark for his long-standing,tenacious and principled leadership and vision to promote environmental justice
for West County residents and beyond for the last 25 years.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. The principles and strategies described in the Framework will be incorporated into
existing work as appropriate.
BACKGROUND: The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors adopted an environmental justice policy in 2003. The Board
directed its departments to implement and integrate the policy into their program activities and to develop internal
procedures for overseeing projects related to environmental justice. The Health Service Department's (CCHS) Public
Health Division established an internal workgroup that developed this Framework to guide CCHS in its efforts to carry out
the Board policy. The workgroup researched state and federal policies and practices prior to drafting the Framework.
CCHS staff solicited and incorporated feedback from the Public and Environmental Health Advisory Board, Hazardous
Materials Commission, the Contra Costa Council's Environmental.Task Force and the Contra Costa Asthma Coalition.
The resulting Framework has been shared with the California Conference of Local Health Officers, the County's HEEP
Team and others locally and around the state.
Dr. Henry Clark championed.the cause of environmental justice and the health impacts on people of color who are
disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, long before the issue achieved state or national recognition. He
founded the West County Toxics Coalition in 1985, has served on the county's Hazardous Materials Commission for
nearly 15 years, and was a founding member of the North Richmond Center for Health Advisory Board. Nationally
recognized for his pioneering work to bring these issues to public awareness, Dr. Clark was a key leader in urging the
Health Department to engage communities in the process of identifying and defining environmental justice problems,and
in determining their solutions,
CONTINUED ON'ATTACHMENT: YES NO XX SIGNA URE
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMME ATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
4- _APPROVE OTHER
SIATURE(S):
AC ON OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED_2C OTFWR
(
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS:: eken e ono ra ('os�� N6zz cd ows Wt r I els L'o on .
VOTE OF p m rile SSl
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT [+� _) I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND
CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
AYES: NOES: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SUPERVISORS ONNTTHE DATE SHOWN.
Contact: Wendel Brunner ATTESTED .—J
JOHN CULLE .,CLERK THE BOARD OF
cc: Public Health Director,597 Center,#200,Martinez SUPERVIS S AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Senior Nutrition Program, 1330 Arnold Drive#252,Martinez
Health Services Director,50 Douglas Dr,Martinez
Aging&Adult Services,Employment&Human Services Dept. BY-- DEPUTY
County Administration(Crapo&Sansoe)
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FRAMEWORK
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICEPOLICY
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors(BOS)adopted
the following policy for environmental justice in 2003:Contra
r Costa County will conduct its programs, policies and activities
that substantially affect human health or the environment, and
promote enforcement of all health and environmental statutes
under County jurisdiction in a manner that ensures the fair
$ treatment of people of all races, cultures and income levels,
including minority populations and low-income populations
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of the County. The health department's Public Health
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Division expanded this policy to include public
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"- health's responsibility for identifying an
responding to emerging public health threats,
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and developed this Framework to guide its work.
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A PUBLIC HEALTH-BASED DEFINI TION OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
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Environmental Justice (EJ) means the fair treatment of people
' of all races, cultures and incomes by: 1) identifying, advocating
. . for, and adopting public health and environmental laws,
regulations and policies that reduce disparity in the exposure
to pollution; and 2) implementing and enforcing these policies.
While recognizing that the "environment" encompasses both
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p h sical and social determinants, the focus of this Framework
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is on those programs.that address the physical environment.
BACKGROUND IMPORTANCE OF THE FRAMEWORK
In September 2003, the Contra Costa BOS accepted a This Framework offers a model for using a public
report from its Environmental justice Ad Hoc Committee health approach to work with communities to reduce
that outlined how county departments should address disproportionate exposures to toxics in their environment.
environmental justice issues. In that report, they adopted it was created to help Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS)
a countywide policy for environmental justice.. The Board comply with the Board directive and to ensure that our
directed all county departments to implement and integrate policy is consistent with current, accepted standards of Ej
the policy into their program activities and to develop practice at both the state and federal level.The Framework.
internal procedures for overseeing projects related to can be used as a tool to guide, strengthen and help advance
environmental justice. The health department's Public the health department's EJ work by:
Health Division(PHD)established an internal workgroup that • Developing a common language to describe public
developed this Framework to guide the health department health's involvement in EJ work. For instance,if EJ issues
in its efforts to carry out the Board policy. The workgroup such as disproportionate exposure to diesel emissions
reviewed existing literature on environmental justice influences asthma rates in certain communities, and
definitions, principles and strategies from state and federal eliminating health disparities is a public health priority,
sources and adapted the materials to reflect a local public then this EJ concern is a PH concern.
health perspective. The workgroup solicited feedback from • Outlining a set of principles that can be used to measure
concerned residents, activists and industry representatives accountability to the community for how the PHD will
through focus group discussions with the Public and respond to their concerns about toxic exposures.
Environmental Health Advisory Board(PEHAB),Contra Costa • Identifying EJ issues that have PH implications and
Asthma Coalition,Hazardous Materials Commission and the link to the efforts to reduce health disparities. For
Contra Costa Council's Environment Task Force.Their input. example,if lack of transportation in certain low income
was invaluable in helping clarify key terms and concepts in communities leads to decreased access to health care,
the document. public transportation systems become a joint public
health and environmental justice concern.
• Providing leverage to promote a broader PH approach
to bring together diverse stakeholders and extend our
impact.
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PRINCIPLES FOR EJ WORK
The following principles can be used to assess whether the public health division is
carrying out the spirit of this Framework:
• Respectfor our community partners and the knowledge and resources they
bring to our Ej efforts.
• Early involvement by the public in shaping the process of planning,
prioritizing and responding to Ej issues.
• Community participation strategies that allow for
meaningful involvement,empower residents to influence decisions,and build their
capacity for effective involvement.
• Transparent decision-making that discloses who the decision-
makers are,what information was provided to assist in the decision-making process,
the rationale for decisions made,and identifies the influence of outside sources.
• Coordination of e f forts across departments and jurisdictions.
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VISION OF EJ PRACTICE IN CCHS
Environmental Justice practiced according to a public health
perspective in CCHS will ideally incorporate a number
of.elements. As the PHD moves forward to develop this
approach,we will establish and/or strengthen each of these
components:
• Community education that is early, consistent,
ongoing and culturally appropriate.
• Ongoing access to information and data that is
" understandable and meaningful to the community,
ensuring that relevant information is widely distributed.
' Given the complexity of the field and its terminology,the
health department can play a critical role in translating
_..... ..__. r... data and other information.The PHD can also advocate
�F. for research that will advance local health issues or
emerging concerns.
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• Public participation that is multi-level, mutually
1 respectful, interactive, empowering and enables the
health department, agencies, industries and others
to work collectively and collaboratively with the
community. Pathways will be in place for two-way,
ongoing communication with existing community
i groups concerned about EJ, as well as with the broader
�!j✓,F community.
• Resident capacity building that provides impacted
' communities with the skills and knowledge to give
meaningful input, and that emphasizes a long-term
relationship with the health department that is distinct
from short-term efforts to address specific problems.
• Procedures thatfostercollaborationamongmultiple
agencies, including local city government.The PHD has
a recognized role as a convener due to its long history of
working within impacted communities.
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Criteria for identifying, setting and responding
to EJ priorities that are shared and used within CCHS
and with community. This process will need to be fluid
and carried out in conjunction with health department
leadership.
• Appropriate accountability measures and processes
for community participation, input and advice.
Resources are available to get the job done.
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• Written procedures for ensuring that environmental
justice is built into public health work.
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STRATEGIES FOR CARRYING OUT
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EJ ACTIVITIES
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• Identifying with the community their concerns and eX ,,
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emerging issues,as well as gaps in existing regulations, �.::.. .. n
laws and policies, and innovative approaches for =: W.
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consideration by CCHS leadership.
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Advocating for community concerns,through venues
such as PEHAB,coalitions and commissions,Town Halls,
and b y building the capacity of residents to advocate a...
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on their own behalf.Support and tap existing advocacy '
groups for leadership.
• Supporting the adoption of laws, policies and
regulations that reduce the disparity in exposure, ','':.;
such as those that decrease exposure to lead-based > :
paint typically found in low-income housing. work
with organizations to change their policies to create
healthier environments,looking at housing,health and
safety issues, and land use planning through general
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plans.
•
Consulting or educating about the enforcement
Of laws, policies and regulations. Activities include "
providing information,notification,training(including
to health providers-around assessment and public " .
health advisories), facilitation and linking of issues
back to health and public health consequences.
• Involvingcommunities, including residents, health
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care providers, businesses, schools and others. ' .
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Involvement activities include education and p lannin "
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for public participation strategies that are early, :r°: `
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consistent, ongoing, culturally relevant, mutually
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respectful and empowering of residents to influence
decisions.
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A CASE STUDY The Framework in Action l'
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Contra Costa Health•Servlces had not paid much attention to wafer:quality issues.in Bay Point,
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)jut the:;Healthy Neighborhoods Project Latina Action Team°residents identified'xdrinking
water quality as a community..:concerri'in,2006:Through their.research,.they discovered
their.water.was not'fluoridated and.hada higher concentration of trihalomethanes(which
atThigh leveis can increase the risk of getting certain cancers)than any:other East:.County :•;:.
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community:At the same;time,.the private water company serving the community.
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proposed a major hike in,the water rates .The?Public Healtf�bivision was,;involved iii the
issue because.it was clearly an environmental justice concern:highest cosf'of.water k re
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"'. service for poorest quality of'Water.,Staff he]ped residents:to.access and understand::the.
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Complex data they had:received,and to view it in:a.publichealth context.The Public
Health<Director got Involved;4urging the Publie:Utilities.Commission not'to.allow the.:rate
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increase:::
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.,, . The draft.Framework was`useful-in de'termining,that this;was an.appropriate issue
iiblic health involvement;and us 1f J in oiir role in brin in 'cl'ecision-make_rs.and::. .
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;.. M. regulators to the':table with:fhe c6ncerned::res idents:_The residents were>involved from :°.;.
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the be inning iri identifying theeconcerri and in shaping the process of,the community
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r res _onse::Technical assistance:f' staff.eriab.l:eu`residents;to,understand:tlie issues
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:. : and.to be able to artici ate in the rate.hike hearing process�in.,a.m..e.aningful Way: .:::;::.
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ENVIRONMENTAL` USTICE `. =
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• 1960S-The Model Cities Movement,which included the Contra Costa cities of Richmond and Pittsburg,represents
an early effort to engage communities,local government,and other stakeholders in broad planning for a healthy
community environment.
• 1971 — C6uncil of Environmental Quality report acknowledges racial discrimination adversely affects urban
poor and the quality of their environment.
• 1982 —African-American community in North Carolina fights a PCB landfill.
• 1983 - Government Accounting Office report finds 3 of 4 hazardous waste facilities in southeastern U.S. are
located in African American communities.
• 1987 —United Church of Christ study finds similar results to the GAO study on the national level.
• 1988—Citizens for a Better.Environment publishes"Richmond at Risk,"an examination of environmental justice
issues in Richmond,California.
• 1991 —First National People of color Leadership Summit adopts the"Principles of Environmental Justice."
• 1994—President Clinton issues Executive Order 12898,requiring all federal agenciesto incorporate environmental
justice into their missions.
• 1999 — SB 115 requires the Governor's Office of Planning and Research to coordinate state's efforts for
environmental justice.
• 1999—The North Richmond Center for Health is built in the middle of a community heavily impacted by a major
chemical release, using penalty money from the incident. The Center becomes a focal point for EJ work in the
community.
• 2000 — SB 89 requires Cal-EPA to develop an Environmental Justice plan.
• 2003 — Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors accepts a Hazardous Materials Commission report on
Environmental Justice, endorses the application of Environmental justice, and directs staff to develop policies
related to Environmental justice.
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:-� HOW WILL THIS FRAMEWORK BE USED?
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The Framework will help the .public understand the public health
.s.. perspective on environmental justice and the commitment of the
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Contra Costa Public Health Division to addressing this issue.It provides
guidelines to consider when public health programs get involved in
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environmental justice concerns.By outlining principles that underlie
good environmental justice practice,it provides a tool that the public
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n e e ac r work.•; '. a use to hold h PHD accountable or our EJ k Finally, it ca
be shared with regulatory, industry, local government, and other
partners in order to advocate for community engagement and for the
e : ;. .. role of public health.This document describes the ideal that the PHD
is working toward. We acknowledge that our efforts area "work in
progress:'As the Framework is shared internally and with community
partners,it has the potential to help the PHD work more effectively with
the community to determine the most critical emerging issues, make
.. .;:; decisions about priorities and focus PH resources most effectively.
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%def nitionsfor- %xti• .roc "
Environment as used in this document refers to the physical conditions in the community.
Built environment consists of the buildings,roads,utilities,homes,fixtures,parks and all other improvements
that form the physical character of a city or community.(From National Association of County&City Health Officials
(NACCHO)and the American Planning Association).
Social determinants of health include poverty, racism,housing,education and other social and economic
influences.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Public Health Outreach, Education and Collaboration
unit(PHOEC)produced this Framework,with partial funding
from the California Wellness Foundation. For further
information,contact any of the following:
Roxanne Carrillo 925-313-6810
Mary Anne Morgan 925-313-6715
Michael `Kent 925-313-6587
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CONTRA COSTA
HEALTH SERVICES October 2007