BOARD MEETING DATE: March 5, 2010
AGENDA NO. 6

PROPOSAL:

Issue RFP to Conduct Conceptual Feasibility Studies for Reduction of Near Roadway Pollutant Exposures 

SYNOPSIS:

Numerous air monitoring and health studies continue to document elevated pollution levels and health risks in areas immediately adjacent to busy roadways and freeways. In addition to reducing on-road tailpipe emissions, other mitigation measures may be effective in reducing the pollution exposure of those living, working or playing in these affected areas. Potential technologies include sound walls, tree-lines, sunken or raised roadways, flow diversion, active roadside filtration, or enhanced filtration systems in buildings. This action is to release an RFP for conceptual research studies to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of these and other technologies with the total awarded amount not to exceed $250,000.  

COMMITTEE:

Technology, February 19, 2010, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the release of RFP #P2010-18 for an amount not to exceed $250,000 from the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund (Fund 36) for conceptual research studies to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of near-roadway pollution mitigation technologies.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Numerous air monitoring studies near freeways have demonstrated significantly elevated pollutants in immediately adjacent areas. Population exposure to diesel particulate matter and ultrafine particles can be 2-10 times higher near freeways and busy roadways. Recent health studies have shown that living or going to school next to these busy roads leads to an increased risk of adverse health effects.

The primary and most obvious approach to reducing these elevated exposures and health impacts is to reduce tailpipe emissions from on-road vehicles. However, other technologies and mitigation measures have the potential to also reduce exposure to roadway pollution. Sound walls and vegetation barriers have been shown to have some effect on lowering pollutant levels immediately downwind of freeways. Elevated or sunken roadways also have effects on downwind pollution levels. Enhanced filtration systems have been shown to reduce ultrafine and black carbon particle levels indoors. There may be other solutions which act to remove or deflect pollutants after they are emitted, but before they are inhaled by affected populations. However, much more work needs to be done to explore, assess, and develop solutions of this type.

Request for Proposals

RFP #P2010-18 will solicit bids to conduct conceptual research studies on the feasibility, design, cost, and benefits of one or more solutions to reduce near-roadway exposure to pollutants. Both active and passive designs can be assessed and compared. Passive designs might include construction of sound walls, tree-lines, sunken roadways, or raised roadways that act to reduce near-roadway exposure to emission from on-road vehicles. Active designs might include roadside filtration, absorption, or scrubbing devices, installing enhanced filtration systems within roadside residences and schools, or air active flow diversion solutions. Pollutants of interest include ultrafine particles, PM2.5, PM10, Diesel PM, air toxics, and NOx.

Proposals will describe in detail conceptual feasibility studies that include background research, proposed designs, calculated/modeled effectiveness, and cost/benefit analyses relative to more standard solutions (such as tailpipe controls). It is expected that several proposals will be selected. The total amount awarded to all successful bids will not exceed $250,000. Funding for this program will be provided by the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund (Fund 36). 

Bid Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated by a panel consisting of AQMD staff members and selected outside experts with the appropriate expertise. The panel will make recommendations, and the final selection of projects will be subject to approval by the Technology Committee and the Board.

Outreach

In accordance with AQMD’s Procurement Policy and Procedure, a public notice advertising the RFP/RFQ and inviting bids will be published in the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, the San Bernardino Sun, and Riverside County Press

Enterprise newspapers to leverage the most cost-effective method of outreach to the entire South Coast Basin. 

Additionally, potential bidders may be notified utilizing AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors. Notice of the RFP/RFQ will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations, and placed on the Internet at AQMD’s website (http://www.aqmd.gov where it can be viewed by making menu selections “Inside AQMD”/“Employment and Business Opportunities”/“Business Opportunities” or by going directly to http://www.aqmd.gov/rfp/index.html). Information is also available on AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.

Benefits to AQMD

This program will help to advance a primary goal of the AQMD to protect the health of residents of Southern California by reducing exposure to harmful air pollution. These potential new approaches to exposure reduction may act to supplement more traditional tailpipe emissions reduction strategies to reduce pollutant levels near roadways. By making funds available on a competitive basis and allowing for multiple projects, this RFP will provide AQMD with the information to consider a wide range of potential technologies.

Resource Impacts

The total amount of AQMD funding for the program will not exceed $250,000. Sufficient funds are available in the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund (Fund 36). 

Attachment (DOC, 712k)

RFP #P2010-18 Conceptual Research Studies to Assess the Feasibility and Cost-Effectiveness of Near-Roadway Pollution Mitigation Technologies