Prepare and administer the Los Angeles County Integrated Waste Management Plan and Hazardous Waste Management Plan which provide direction for proper management of all waste generated within the County. As the County's lead agency, we advise the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on all waste management issues. Implement numerous programs to meet State-mandated solid waste reduction goals including recycling, composting, source reduction, household hazardous waste management, public education, etc. Operate six garbage disposal districts serving a population of over 300,000.

Regulate underground storage tanks in the unincorporated areas and over 76 cities for protection of groundwater resources. This program is the largest in the State encompassing some 10,000 underground tanks at over 2,500 sites. Site remediation plans are reviewed and approved for the cleanup of contamination caused by leaking underground storage tanks.

Regulate industrial waste management systems at 5,000 generator sites, as well as permit and inspect industrial waste discharges into over 3,000 miles of local sewers within the unincorporated areas and 38 contract cities.

Respond as a support unit to reported incidents involving the existing and/or potential discharge of contaminants or toxic materials/waste into Public Works drainage facilities.

Create multipurpose watershed projects, such as groundwater recharge or storm water retention basins with recreational features, improve aesthetics of flood control facilities, increase recreational use of rivers and reservoirs, improve water quality, including creating wetlands and greening river corridors.

Coordinate responsibilities with 88 separate jurisdictions under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Program, or NPDES, for storm water/urban runoff discharges. NPDES requires identification and control of nonpoint sources of pollutants discharging into flood control drainage systems. Programs are implemented to monitor urban runoff and improve the water quality of surface drainage in the unincorporated areas.

Permit, check plans, inspect, and monitor industrial waste facilities and underground storage of hazardous materials for the County and a large number of the incorporated cities.

Monitor and analyze water quality for surface and underground water to protect County flood control and water conservation facilities and to prevent contamination of the County's groundwater resources.