Other Board Members
James M. Lents, Ph.D., Executive Officer
Nikkila (909) 396-3010
(nnikkila @aqmd.gov )
A meeting of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board will be held at 9:30 a.m., in the Auditorium at AQMD Headquarters, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. The Governing Board Letters and their attachments (if any) for the month of April 1997 in Microsoft Word 6.0 can be down loaded (self extracting compressed) from within the individual Board letter (click on "Attachment" at the end of the letter)
CALL TO ORDER
(nnikkila @aqmd.gov )
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1 through 26)
Note: Consent Calendar items held for discussion will be moved to Item No. 27
1. Minutes of March 14, 1997 Board Meeting
Dix (909) 396-2500
(jdix@aqmd.gov )
2. Set Public Hearing May 9, 1997 to Amend Regulation III - Fees
Leyden (909) 396-3120
(pleyden@aqmd.gov )
Proposed amendments increase fees for certain types of equipment consistent with the 2.4% increase in the California Consumer Price Index for 1996. Other amendments increase consistency within Regulation III rules (e.g., reducing Rule 306 plan fees 50% for small business, consistent with the small business discount in Rule 301); establish AQMD’s authority to collect fees for facility registration permits; establish a charge-through system for recovering fees for analytical laboratory services performed by outside contractors; simplify and streamline fee tables; revise emissions surcharge for technology advancement; and propose new fees for permit modifications under Title V, plan cancellation, certain types of toxics equipment not previously listed in Rule 301, change of operator, and reinstating expired permits. This is scheduled for review by the Administrative and Stationary Source Committees on April 18, 1997.
Budget/Fiscal Impact
3. Execute Contracts with Acurex Environmental Corporation and CARB to Cost-Share Demonstration of Fuel-Borne Catalyst System to Reduce NOx and Particulate Emissions from
Diesel-Fueled Vehicles
Liu (909) 396-2105
(cliu@aqmd.gov)
Acurex Environmental Corporation has proposed a demonstration of an innovative heavy-duty diesel technology in a California fleet application. The technology, developed by Rhône-Poulenc, Inc., simultaneously achieves low NOx and particulates levels by utilizing a cerium-based diesel fuel additive to achieve regeneration of a particulate after-treatment filter. Total project cost is $1.3 million. AQMD cost-sharing is $225,000. This was reviewed by the Technology Committee on March 28, 1997, and recommended for approval.
4. Execute Contracts with New Emission Reduction Associates and CARB to Cost-Share Evaluation of In-Use Vehicles Retrofitted with Advanced Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
Liu (909) 396-2105
(cliu@aqmd.gov)
The effectiveness of vehicle catalytic converters decreases as mileage increases. In this project, New Emission Reduction Associates will evaluate the effectiveness of replacing factory-equipped catalytic converters from in-use vehicles with advanced aftermarket units. This strategy could ultimately be used to generate emission reductions which could be used towards compliance with AQMD rules. Total project cost is $140,000. AQMD cost-sharing is $70,000. This was reviewed by the Technology Committee on February 28, 1997, and recommended for approval.
5. Execute Contract with California Electric Transportation Coalition to Identify Public Charging Sites for Electric Vehicles
Liu (909) 396-2105
(cliu@aqmd.gov)
The California Electric Transportation Coalition has proposed to identify prime public charging sites for EVs within the South Coast Air Basin. Such sites will be those most visible and useful to EV owners and also will promote and encourage EV ownership. These sites will also assist utilities in preparing the electricity infrastructure to support EVs. AQMD funding for this $87,000 project will be $40,000. This was reviewed by the Technology Committee on March 28, 1997, and recommended for approval.
6. Execute Contract with ARB to Develop and Demonstrate Automatic Charging System for Electric Vehicles
Liu (909) 396-2105
(cliu@aqmd.gov)
Vehicle manufacturers are introducing battery-powered EVs in response to ARB regulations and other agreements. When manually connecting electrical charging cords to EVs, some consumers are concerned about possible electrical shock. This activity is also inconvenient and may unnecessarily expose consumers to electromagnetic fields. The ARB, in cooperation with the AQMD, has proposed to develop an automated, hands-off charging system that improves overall consumer-friendliness of battery-powered EVs. AQMD funding for this $483,650 project will be $150,000. This was reviewed by the Technology Committee on March 28, 1997, and recommended for approval.
7. Execute Contract with Battelle Memorial Institute to Cost-Share a Feasibility Study of Butane-Propane Blend Fuel Use in Heavy-Duty Engines
Liu (909) 396-2105
(cliu@aqmd.gov)
Because of fuel formulation requirements of California Phase 2 gasoline, refiners are accumulating excess butane. Butane is cleaner than gasoline or diesel, and because of excess supply, could be priced lower than propane. Battelle Memorial Institute has proposed to investigate the feasibility of butane-propane blend as a motor vehicle fuel through optimization and laboratory testing of a heavy-duty engine and development of fuel level and composition sensors. Total project cost is $342,000 with AQMD cost-sharing of $162,000. This was reviewed by the Technology Committee on March 28, 1997, and recommended for approval.
8. Execute Contract with Gladstein & Associates to Cost-Share Phase II of the Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor and Support the Local Government Clean Fuels Outreach Program
Liu (909) 396-2105
(cliu@aqmd.gov)
Gladstein & Associates proposes to continue the Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor (ICTC) project and to initiate a clean fuels outreach program to local governments. ICTC Phase II will continue to implement clean fuel trucks and infrastructure on interstate corridors. This effort will be expanded to increase awareness and involvement of local governments in clean fuel vehicles, with particular emphasis on designated Department of Energy Clean Cities to facilitate use of clean fuel vehicles in the public and private sectors. Total AQMD funding will not exceed $133,000. This was reviewed by the Technology Committee on March 28, 1997, and recommended for approval.
9. Execute Contracts for AQIP for Fourth Quarter of 1996
Wasikowski (909) 396-3264
(cwasikowski@aqmd.gov)
Rule 2202 - On-Road Motor Vehicle Mitigation Options was adopted on December 8, 1995. As one compliance strategy, Rule 2202 allows employers to invest in the AQIP. Monies received are placed in a restricted account to fund programs that result in equivalent emission reductions that would otherwise have been achieved by the participating employers. Staff evaluated the proposals received during the fourth quarter of 1996 and this action is to recommend several for funding. The adjusted amount available for this quarter is $483,557. This was reviewed by the Mobile Source Committee on March 28, 1997, and recommended for approval.
10. Amend Contract with Sierra Cybernetics to Enhance the Facility Permits Processing System
Mathur (909) 396-2722
(vmathur@aqmd.gov)
At its June 1996 meeting, the Board awarded a contract to Sierra Cybernetics to Enhance the Facility Permits Processing System. This contract is a two-phase project including design work (Phase I) and building and implementation (Phase II). Funds were included in the FY 1995-96 budget to complete Phase I and start Phase II. This action is to extend the contract term to allow work to continue on Phase II and increase funding at a cost of $150,000. The additional funds have been included in the FY 1996-97 Budget. This was reviewed by the Administrative Committee on March 21, 1997, and recommended for approval.
11. Execute Contract with ThirdWave Corporation to
Develop Workflow Automation System and Initial Application
Mathur (909) 396-2722
(vmathur@aqmd.gov)
At its December 1996 meeting, the Board approved an RFP for the design and development of a workflow system and initial applications. A number of AQMD functions involving multiple levels of approval and cutting across organizational lines lend themselves to workflow automation (e.g. purchase requisitions). This action is to award the bid to ThirdWave Corporation for a total cost of $149,985. Funds for these services are included in the FY 1996-97 Budget. This was reviewed by the Administrative Committee on March 21, 1997, and recommended for approval.
12. Execute Agreement with State of California Department of General Services to Purchase Vehicles
Contaoi (909) 396-3038
(jcontaoi@aqmd.gov)
The AQMD’s Equipment Replacement Plan was established to replace obsolete and worn equipment and vehicles over a five-year period. In accordance with the Plan’s replacement guidelines, six utility vans and one truck were determined to be high-mileage vehicles that are no longer cost effective to maintain and repair. The purchase agreement with the State of California, Department of General Services will allow the AQMD to purchase six utility vans and one truck at a lower cost resulting from economy of scale purchasing. The total expenditure will not exceed $142,000. This was reviewed by the Administrative Committee on March 21, 1997, and recommended for approval.
13. Reallocate Funds to Purchase a Karl Fischer Titration System
for the Analysis of VOCs
Nikkila (909) 396-3010
(nnikkila @aqmd.gov )
Various AQMD rules limit the amount of VOCs in products. A Karl Fischer Titration System is needed to perform the water portion of the VOC analysis. For FY 96-97, $50,000 was allotted for an Inductive Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer (Fixed Asset #20) which staff has decided not to purchase since the new PM2.5 standard has not yet been finalized. This action is to reallocate funds from Fixed Asset #20 to purchase a Karl Fischer Titrator System, the cost of which is approximately $38,000.
14. Issue RFP to Prequalify Temporary Employment Services Providers
Nikkila (909) 396-3010
(nnikkila @aqmd.gov )
The current list of prequalified providers of temporary employment services expires June 30, 1997. This action is to issue an RFP to prequalify temporary employment agencies for the next two-year period.
15. Approve in Concept the FY 1997-99 AB 2766 Discretionary Fund Work Program; Approve Issuance of RFPs for TCM Smart Shuttle Services and Research and Development Categories; Approve an Application Process and Categories for Local Government Match Program; and Authorize Execution of Agreements
Longville
The MSRC has proposed a two-year, $26 million program consisting of five components: 1) heavy-duty school, transit and fuel-cell buses and other heavy-duty vehicles ($7.5 million); 2) a Local Government/AB 2766 City Subvention Match ($6.5 million); 3) ZEV/ULEV, including Phase II of the EV "Quick Charge" Program, EV signage implementation, and ULEV/LEV Incentive ($8.55 million); 4) Research and Development (R&D) for development and certification of medium- and/or heavy-duty LPG engines and/or conversion kits ($.5 million); and 5) TCMs, soliciting projects for bicycle, video conferencing, smart shuttles, Intelligent Transportation Systems, market incentives and student education ($2.5 million). The MSRC requests Board approval of Work Program elements, issuance of TCM Smart Shuttle and R&D RFPs, and application process, match categories and contract execution for Local Government/AB 2766 City Subvention Program.
16. FY 1996-97 Budget Transfer
Pearce (909) 396-2828
(rpearce@aqmd.gov )
At Board direction, staff has periodically brought to the Board all necessary budget transfers occurring during the fiscal year. Budget transfers are the result of Board actions, further definition of programs approved in the budget, reorganizations, or budget corrections. These transfers move moneys to the appropriate expenditure accounts and do not require additional appropriations.
17. Establish List of Prequalified Counsel to Represent AQMD in Possible Future Worker’s Compensation Matters and Related Litigation
Baird (909) 396-2302
(bbaird @aqmd.gov )
On January 10, 1997, the Board approved issuance of an RFP to prequalify outside counsel having expertise in worker’s compensation matters. The evaluation of responding firms has been completed. This action is to establish a list of prequalified counsel to provide possible future AQMD representation in worker’s compensation matters. This was reviewed by the Administrative Committee on March 21, 1997, and recommended for approval.
18. Execute MOU with Natural Resources Conservation Service and Local Resource Conservation Districts to Assist in Development and Implementation of Methods to
Reduce PM10 Emissions from Agricultural Practices
Wallerstein (909) 396-3131
(bwallerstein@aqmd.gov)
When the Governing Board amended Rule 403 - Fugitive Dust at its February 14, 1997 meeting, it directed staff to work with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Conservation Service (NRCS), local Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs), and agricultural groups to establish appropriate best management practices for reducing soil erosion and to establish guidelines for acceptability of soil erosion control plans. This MOU with the NRCS and local RCDs establishes an ongoing formal cooperative relationship to help achieve these objectives.
19.THIS ITEM WAS WITHDRAWN BY STAFF.
Information Only - Receive and File
20. Public Advisor’s Report
Bowen (909) 396-3235
(lbowen@aqmd.gov )
This report highlights the Public Advisor, Local Government, Small Business Assistance and Economic Development activities for the month of February, 1997. Comprehensive reports on these efforts are set forth in Sections I, II, III and IV, respectively.
21. Hearing Board Variances and Appeals
Abel (909) 396-2500
During the period of January 1 through January 31, 1997, the Hearing Board took action on 17 Variances and 0 Appeals.
22. Lead Agency Projects and Environmental Documents Received by AQMD
Zeldin (909) 396-3058
(mzeldin@aqmd.gov )
This report provides for the Board’s consideration a listing of CEQA documents received by the AQMD between February 5, 1997 and March 4, 1997, and those projects for which the AQMD is acting as lead agency pursuant to CEQA.
23. Rule Forecast
Leyden (909) 396-3120
(pleyden@aqmd.gov )
24. Civil Actions Filed
Mieras (909) 396-3400
(pmieras@aqmd.gov)
This reports the legal actions filed by the District Prosecutor during the period of February 1 through February 28, 1997, pursuant to authority granted by the Board in Resolution 78-27.
25. Status Report on Controlling Emissions of Particulate Matter and VOCs from Restaurant Operations
Broadbent (909) 396-3789
(jbroadbent@aqmd.gov )
Restaurant operations emit particulate matter and VOCs. With over 30,000 restaurants in the Southern California area, the combined emissions from these sources are significant. This report provides an update of recently completed source tests, the current emission inventory, potential control technologies, and recommended actions to reduce emissions from these sources. This was reviewed by the Stationary Source Committee on February 21, 1997.
26. THIS ITEM WAS WITHDRAWN BY STAFF.
27. Items Deferred from Consent Calendar
BOARD CALENDAR
28. Administrative Committee
Chair: Mikels
Nikkila (909) 396-3010
(nnikkila @aqmd.gov )
29. Legislative Committee
Chair: Burke
Witherspoon (909) 396-3243
(cwitherspoon@aqmd.gov)
The Legislative Committee considered agenda items including recommended positions on the following bills: AB 1114 (Napolitano) - South Coast AQMD: Managerial Audit; SB 432 (Lewis) - Ridesharing: State Funding/Voluntary Program; SB 1203 (Hayden) - Airports: Conditions for AQMD Approval; AB 968 (Knox) - Particulate Matter: Ambient Monitoring; AB 1061 (Machado) - Stationary Source Regs/Consistency; SB 679 (Mountjoy) - Smog Check: Repeal of Enhancements; SB 1250 (Kopp) - Smog Check: Repair Assistance; AB 1269 (Granlund) - Diesel Fuel: Border Surcharges; and SB 1343 (Johannessen) - Heavy-Duty Vehicles: CARB Standards. The Board will consider adopting positions on these bills.
30. Mobile Source Committee
Chair: Wilson
Wallerstein (909) 396-3131
(bwallerstein@aqmd.gov)
31. Stationary Source Committee
Chair: Lee
Leyden (909) 396-3120
(pleyden@aqmd.gov )
32. Technology Committee
Chair: Paulitz
Liu (909) 396-2105
(cliu@aqmd.gov)
33. Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee
Board Liaison: Paulitz
Rhinehart (909) 396-2898
(lrhinehart@aqmd.gov)
34. Air Resources Board Monthly Meeting
Board Rep.: Silva
The ARB did not meet in February. The summary of the March 27, 1997 ARB meeting will be included in the agenda package for the May 9, 1997 Board meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
35. Amend Rule 1134 - Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Stationary Gas Turbines
Coy (909) 396-2434
(ccoy@aqmd.gov )
Proposed amendments address SIP recordkeeping changes recommended by EPA and provide relief to those facilities utilizing digester gas fuel in controlled gas turbine units by increasing the NOx emission limit associated with use of this fuel. The amendments propose to increase the NOx limit from 9 ppm to 25 ppm at any facility with gas turbine units of less than 10 megawatts in size utilizing digester gas. Only one facility will be affected by this change. This was reviewed by the Stationary Source Committee on March 21, 1997.
36. Amend Regulation XX - RECLAIM
Rule 2000 - General;
Rule 2011 - Requirements for Monitoring, Reporting, and
Recordkeeping for Oxides of Sulfur (SOx) Emissions
Rule 2012 - Requirements for Monitoring, Reporting, and
Recordkeeping for Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Emissions
(Continued from February 14, 1997 Board Meeting)
Coy (909) 396-2434
(ccoy@aqmd.gov )
At the public hearing on February 14, 1997, the Board approved amendments to the RECLAIM rules, modifying exemption provisions, emission factors and certain monitoring and reporting requirements; and continued, for 60 days, proposed amendments regarding contractors` equipment. The proposed amendments will provide a definition of contractor and clarify rule requirements for emissions from contractors` equipment at RECLAIM facilities. This was reviewed by the Stationary Source Committee on March 21, 1997.
37. Adopt Proposed Rule 2506 - Area Source Credits
(Continued from March 14, 1997 Board Meeting)
Leyden (909) 396-3120
(pleyden@aqmd.gov )
Proposed Rule 2506 will establish a voluntary emissions reduction credit program in order to accelerate the introduction of lower-emitting technologies. It provides for the issuance of marketable Area Source Credits (ASCs) to entities that reduce emissions of NOx, VOC, SOx, CO, and PM10 from area sources. Regulated facilities could use ASCs as RECLAIM trading credits or as an alternative means of compliance with other AQMD regulations which allow the use of such credits. This was reviewed by the Stationary Source Committee on March 21, 1997.
38. Amend Rule 1610 - Old-Vehicle Scrapping
Wallerstein (909) 396-3131
(bwallerstein@aqmd.gov)
Administrative revisions to Rule 1610 - Old-Vehicle Scrapping are proposed in response to recent discussions with the U.S. EPA pending their approval of the rule. The revisions include clarifying language on the existing intent of the rule to prohibit the use of MSERCs to meet federal maximum available control technology for air toxic contaminants as required under Section 112(d) of the federal Clean Air Act, and federal ozone measures as required under Section 183 of the federal Clean Air Act. This was reviewed by the Mobile Source Committee on March 28, 1997.
39. Amend Rule 1168 - Control of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Adhesive Application
Leyden (909) 396-3120
(pleyden@aqmd.gov )
Proposed amendments will: (i) rescind technology-forcing, January 1998 VOC limits for five plastic pipe solvent cement categories since low-VOC compliant products have not developed as expected; (ii) raise the current VOC limits in several adhesive application categories marginally to reflect laboratory test method changes; (iii) delete present VOC limits for aerosol adhesives since recent state law has granted CARB exclusive regulatory authority in this specific area; and (iv) amend title. As a result, 0.7 ton per day of VOC emission reductions scheduled for 1998 will be forgone. This was reviewed by the Stationary Source Committee on February 21, 1997.
40. Adopt Proposed Rule 2501 - Air Quality Investment Program
Wallerstein (909) 396-3131
(bwallerstein@aqmd.gov)
STAFF RECOMMENDS THIS ITEM BE CONTINUED TO MAY 9, 1997 TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF THE RULE LANGUAGE.
Proposed Rule 2501 will provide an alternative compliance option to sources subject to source-specific AQMD rules and regulations by creating an AQIP reserve of pre-certified or pre-approved emission reductions. Source operators could voluntarily participate by submitting a specified fee to use the emission reductions from the reserve as an alternative to compliance with a specific emission limitation under Regulations IV, XI or Rule 2202. This fee would be used to fund stationary and mobile source projects that would produce surplus emission reductions for the reserve thereby ensuring that this program will produce emission reductions equivalent to or greater than those required by the source-specific rules. This was reviewed by the Mobile Source Committee on March 28, 1997.
CLOSED SESSION
OTHER BUSINESS
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD - (Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3)
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting will be adjourned to 1:00 p.m., April 25, 1997, for the purpose of conducting the Board’s Workshop on the Executive Officer’s Fiscal Year 1997-98 Budget and Work Program. The Workshop will be held at AQMD Headquarters, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California, in Conference Room CC8.
Members of the public are afforded an opportunity to speak on any listed item. Please notify the Clerk of the Board, (909) 396-2500, if you wish to do so. All agendas are posted at AQMD Headquarters, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. All information concerning agenda items may be reviewed in the Library at AQMD Headquarters one week before Board meetings. At the end of the agenda, an opportunity is also provided for the public to speak on any subject within the AQMD's authority. Speakers may be limited to three (3) minutes each.
Note that on items listed on the Consent Calendar and the balance of the agenda any motion, including action, can be taken (consideration is not limited to listed recommended actions). Additional matters can be added and action taken by two-thirds vote, or in the case of an emergency, by a majority vote. Matters raised under Public Comments may not be acted upon at that meeting other than as provided above.
Written comments will be accepted by the Board and made part of the record, provided 25 copies are presented to the Clerk of the Board. Written comments will be accepted by the Board and made part of the record, provided 25 copies are presented to the Clerk of the Board.
ACRONYMS
AQMD = Air Quality Management District
AQMP = Air Quality Management Plan
ARB = California Air Resources Board
AVR = Average Vehicle Ridership
BACT = Best Available Control Technology
CEMs = Continuous Emissions Monitors
CEQA = California Environmental Quality Act
CE-CERT = College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research
and Technology
CO = Carbon Monoxide
CTG = Control Technology Guideline
EPA = Environmental Protection Agency
EV = Electric Vehicle
FY = Fiscal Year
HRA = Health Risk Assessment
IAIC = Interagency AQMP Implementation Committee
IGA = Intergovernmental Affairs
LEV = Low Emission Vehicle
MOU = Memorandum of Understanding
MSERCs = Mobile Source Emission Reduction Credits
MSRC = Mobile Source (Air Pollution Reduction) Review Committee
NESHAPS = National Emission Standards for Hazardous Pollutants
NOx = Oxides of Nitrogen
NSPS = New Source Performance Standards
NSR = New Source Review
PM10 = Particulate Matters 10 microns
RECLAIM = REgional CLean Air Incentives
Market
RFP = Request for Proposals
RFQ = Request for Quotations
SCAG = Southern California Association of Governments
SEDAB = Southeast Desert Air Basin
SIP = State Implementation Plan
SOx = Oxides of Sulfur
TCM = Transportation Control Measure
VMT = Vehicle Miles Traveled
VOC = Volatile Organic Compound
ZEV = Zero Emission Vehicle