Office of Public Affairs
For Immediate Release: April 19, 2019
News Release #2019-11
Media Contact: Syd Fong
Almond orchard, vineyards among 13 sites receiving assistance
SACRAMENTO–The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has awarded $401,560 in cleanup grants to restore 13 agricultural properties in five counties through its Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program. The vineyards, orchards, tribe land, and other farm and ranch lands have been overrun with illegally dumped appliances, scrap metal, tires, and vehicles parts.
“These local cleanup projects help restore California’s agricultural lands to productive use and discourage repeat dumping in the future,” CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said. “To have a cleaner and more sustainable California means that we help all communities strive for a safer and healthier environment”
Contra Costa RCD photo of illegal dumpsite in Brentwood
Honey Lake Valley RCD photo of illegal dumpsite north of Doyle
CalRecycle’s farm and ranch cleanup grants provide up to $1 million annually for the restoration of illegally dumped solid waste on farm or ranch property. The following projects received funding during the third and final grant cycle of Fiscal Year 2018-19.
Contra Costa County
The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District will receive $31,635 to help clear tires, fertilizer tanks, and other illegally dumped waste from vineyards in Antioch and Knightsen. Farmland in Brentwood will also be cleared of tires, boats, electronic waste, and construction debris. Signage and barriers will be installed to prevent future dumping.
Lassen County
The Honey Lake Valley Resource Conservation District will receive $100,000 to clear two farm and ranch sites of abandoned vehicles and illegally dumped plastics, scrap metal, tires, and other material. The project goals are to remediate the land to healthy conditions, install fencing, and plant perimeter trees to discourage future dumping.
Shasta County
The Pit River Tribe will receive $80,917 to clean up two sites on the Montgomery Creek Rancheria. Household trash, appliances, scrap metal, old cars, and other debris have been dumped on both sites on the rancheria. After cleanup is complete, abatement efforts such as signage, gates, and fencing will be installed to prevent future dumping.
Sonoma County
The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria will receive $95,523 to assist with cleanup of illegal dumping on land zoned for agricultural use. Once illegally dumped tires and household trash are removed, the tribe plans to install surveillance measures to discourage future dumping.
Yolo County
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Native American Tribe will receive $43,495 to reimburse a cleanup project on its tribal property, Sekarrobeh Leyo. The parcel, comprised mostly of almond orchards, was cleared of illegally dumped soil, metal, and paint. Signs were posted to prevent future dumping.
Yolo County will receive $50,000 to remove unauthorized solid waste from various agriculturally zoned areas. Additional signage and barrier installations will discourage future dumping.
Under the farm and ranch grant program, cities, counties, federally recognized Native American tribes, and resource conservation districts may apply for up to $200,000 per fiscal year, but no more than $50,000 per site. Grants are funded through the state’s Integrated Waste Management Account, Tire Recycling Management Fund, and Used Oil Recycling Fund. Get automatic updates on new grant cycles, awards, and funding availability by subscribing to CalRecycle’s Farm and Ranch Cleanup Grant listserv.
For more information contact, the Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov
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CalRecycle's mission is to protect California's environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery, and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.