California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 25299.36

The board, a regional board, or a local agency may undertake or contract for corrective action in response to an unauthorized release from an underground storage tank that is subject to this chapter, pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 25296.10 or if a situation exists that requires prompt action by the board, a regional board, or local agency to protect human health or the environment. At the request of the board or a regional board, the Department of General Services may enter into a contract on behalf of the board or a regional board and acting as the agent of the board or a regional board. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a situation requires prompt action by the board or a regional board to protect human health or the environment, the board or a regional board may enter into oral contracts for this work, and the contracts, whether written or oral, may include provisions for equipment rental and, in addition, the furnishing of labor and materials necessary to accomplish the work. These contracts for corrective action by the board or a regional board are exempt from approval by the Department of General Services if the situation requires prompt action to protect human health or the environment.