BOARD MEETING DATE: December 10, 1999 AGENDA NO. 7
PROPOSAL:
Recognize and Appropriate Revenue from the California Air Pollution Control Officers’ Association for Purchase of Equipment
SYNOPSIS:
On December 5, 1997 the California Air Pollution Control Officers’ Association (CAPCOA) received funding from EPA Region IX for local air districts to purchase certain equipment. AQMD received approval of $5,000 from CAPCOA to purchase a hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) data receiver and recorder for the enhancement and implementation of Environmental Justice Initiatives Nos. 8 and 9. This equipment will be used by inspectors to precisely map the relative positions of sensitive receptors and sources, such as agricultural burning and portable engines. This action is to recognize the receipt of funds from CAPCOA, and appropriate $5,000 to the Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources FY 1999-00 Fixed Asset Major Object.
COMMITTEE:
Administrative Committee, November 19, 1999, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
- Recognize $5,000 in revenue from CAPCOA.
- Appropriate $5,000 from the Undesignated Fund Balance to the Fixed Asset Major Object Fund of Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources, upon receipt of the funds from CAPCOA for the purchase of a GPS data receiver and recorder.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
In 1997, CAPCOA received $37,266 from EPA Region IX. The funds were designated for local air districts for the purchase of certain equipment. By March 1, 1999, only half of the funds had been disseminated. Recently, AQMD staff in Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources (PRA) were informed that a portion of the remaining funds could be awarded to AQMD for planning purposes as described below.
Staff is currently in the process of setting in place and utilizing state-of-the-art Geographic Information System (GIS) software to assist in the mapping of stationary and portable sources of air contaminants and sensitive source receptors in the South Coast Air Basin. This funding will assist in the purchase of hardware, specifically a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) data receiver and recorder that will be used to record source locations relative to known sensitive receptors.
Use of Funding
This equipment will enhance the effectiveness of GIS as a mapping tool for areawide sources. By extrapolation of the data received to other known source emitters, the potential exists to determine cumulative emissions. PRA would then be able to suggest possible alternative control measures for the source in order to avoid potential adverse local impacts to sensitive receptors. This unit will also assist in obtaining a more accurate emissions inventory under the AQMD’s open burn program by precisely mapping burn areas, thereby providing information for more precise local and areawide emissions estimates.
This advanced technology will enhance and support the implementation of Environmental Justice Initiatives Nos. 8 and 9. Initiative No. 8 - Field Inspection Technology states that "The AQMD staff will formulate a plan to use modern advances in technology for enhanced field inspection purposes to better detect pollution problems identified by the public and investigate ways to enhance AQMD's field presence." Initiative No. 9 - Portable Equipment Permitting states "The Governing Board will consider amendments to the current permitting practices for portable equipment to further ensure that the movement and subsequent operation of such equipment does not cause localized adverse air quality impacts, especially as relates to sensitive receptors such as schools. This Initiative will be pursued in a manner which complements the existing statewide registration program."
Proposal
Staff proposes that the Board recognize from CAPCOA and appropriate to the FY 1999-00 Budget, an additional $5,000 for use by the Area Sources team in PRA, as described below:
$5,000 - Purchase of a GPS data receiver and recorder
Fiscal Impacts
Since the transfer of funds from CAPCOA constitutes a budget supplement within the definition of Health and Safety Code Section 40720 (j), public notice of this proposed supplement was published in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Los Angeles Daily Journal, Riverside Press Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, and the Santa Ana Register.
No additional staff is required to implement the tasks associated with the purchase of this equipment.
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