California Environmental Reporting System (CERS)

The California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) is a statewide web-based system to support California Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs) in electronically collecting and reporting various hazardous material-related data as mandated by Section 25404 (e)(2-5) of the California Health and Safety Code and 2008 Legislation (AB 2286).  Since January 1, 2013, all businesses in Santa Cruz County with a unified program facility permit are required to maintain their permit and submit their business information electronically.

This includes businesses that:

•  Handle or store Hazardous Materials
•  Generate or treat Hazardous Wastes
•  Own or operate Underground Storage Tanks
•  Are part of the California Accidental Release Prevention Program
•  Store 1,320 gallons or more of Petroleum in aboveground tanks

Advantages of Online Reporting

The CERS site is a convenient, relatively easy one-stop site to fully complete your reporting requirements. It reduces paperwork, automatically notifies the CUPA of updates, and allows emergency responders to electronically access hazardous materials inventories, site maps and after-hours contact information.  Required annual updates can be done by updating the changed information rather than completely redoing paper forms.  Also, once you have submitted the information, it will continue to be available to you online for reference and for required updates.

Additional Documents

When submitting the HMMP through CERS, a few of the submittal elements such as facility site maps, emergency response/contingency plans, and several underground storage tank program information forms are separate documents that must be completed and uploaded to the CERS site.  Links to suggested document template forms can be found on the CERS site or on the specific program page(s) of our EHS website.  

Additional Assistance for Local Businesses

For local businesses that have limited computer access or need additional direct assistance, Environmental Health Services has computer workstations in our office lobby located at 701 Ocean Street, Room 312 in Santa Cruz. We are available during regular business hours to provide assistance, if needed, in order to help you meet the electronic reporting requirements. 

Please do not hesitate to call our office at (831) 454-2022 and ask to speak to a hazardous materials inspector or program manager if questions arise.