More about the Unified Program

Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs) and Program Agencies (PAs) throughout the state created a partnership and formed the California CUPA Forum. Together, members of the California CUPA Forum and representatives of local, state and federal agencies established the Unified Program Administration and Advisory Group (UPAAG) to effectively address policy decisions, training and problem solving. The UPAAG’s goals and objectives are listed in the UPAAG Strategic Plan (PDF).

The Unified Program consolidates the administration, permit, inspection, and enforcement activities of several environmental and emergency management programs; learn more about them.

State agency partners involved in the implementation of the Unified Program are responsible for setting program element standards, working with CalEPA to ensure program consistency and providing technical assistance to CUPAs and PAs. The following state agencies are involved with the Unified Program:

California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) The Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency is directly responsible for coordinating and evaluating the administration of the Unified Program and certifying Unified Program Agencies (UPAs). UPAs are accountable for carrying out responsibilities previously handled by approximately 1,300 different state and local agencies.

Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) The Department of Toxic Substances Control evaluates and provides technical assistance for the Hazardous Waste Generator Program, including Onsite Treatment (Tiered Permitting) and the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA).

California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) CalEPA evaluates and provides technical assistance for the Hazardous Material Release Response Plan (Business Plan) Program and the Area Plan Programs, as well as the California Accidental Release Prevention Program.

CAL FIRE- Office of the State Fire Marshal (CAL FIRE-OSFM) The Office of the State Fire Marshal evaluates and provides technical assistance for the Hazardous Material Management Plan (HMMP), the Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) and the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) Programs. The HMMP and HMIS Program are closely tied to the Business Plan Program.

State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) The State Water Resources Control Board evaluates and provides technical assistance for the Underground Storage Tank Program.