EPIC+ 

Laboratories

Education, Process Improvements & Compliance for Environmental Risk Reduction in the Biotechnology and Lab R&D Industry

The goal of the program is to reduce the most common hazardous waste , medical waste and hazardous materials violations found in the Biotech and R&D industry sector. The main objective is to demonstrate that education and outreach can be effective tools in obtaining compliance from the regulated community. 

Participants that meet program Performance Standards oulined below are eligible for a 25% reduction in their Unified Program Facility Permit base and per-item material and waste fees (see current fee schedule)

EPIC+ Online Training 

Every biotech participating in the EPIC+ Program must have at least one employee complete the online training or attend an EPIC+ seminar, at least every 12 months.

To get credit for the online training you must review the EPIC+ Online Training materials below and complete the exam posted. You must score at least 75% to receive credit.
Eligibility for New Applicants

San Diego Biotech/R&D Lab testing businesses interested in participating in the program must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to be considered for the EPIC+ fee reduction: 

  • Must have a valid Unified Program Facility Permit (UPFP) in good standing. 
  • Submitted a complete EPIC+ application to the EPIC+ Coordinators
  • Had the same business operator for the last two HMD inspections. A change of ownership may have caused a change in facility operator.
  • Have Scored Fewer Than 15 Points (each) During Their Last Two Full CUPA Inspections
    • New businesses must have had at least 2 full CUPA inspections to participate. 
    • New facilities under a parent organization are eligible after the initial inspection if the parent business is located in San Diego County, and has achieved performance standards.
  • A full CUPA inspection entails all elements as applicable: medical waste, hazardous waste, hazardous materials business plan, APSA, UST.  Abbreviated Large Quantity Medical Waste and Underground Storage Tank inspections do not count toward two initial inspections.
  Required Performance Standards

 Complete Annual EPIC+ Training Requirement

  • Participants must have at least one employee (may not be consultant or vendor) complete the annual training by attending the EPIC+ seminar or completing the online training.

 Continue to score fewer than 15 points at each full CUPA inspection.

  • Businesses already in the program that score 15 or more points during a compliance inspection will be ineligible to continue in the program, but may reapply after undergoing 2 full CUPA inspections scoring fewer than 15 points.
  • A full CUPA  inspection entails all elements as applicable: medical waste, hazardous waste, hazardous materials business plan, APSA, UST. Abbreviated Large Quantity Medical Waste and Underground Storage Tank inspections do not count toward two initial inspections.

Failure to comply with these standards will terminate EPIC+ fee reduction benefits.