BOARD MEETING DATE: November 5, 2010
AGENDA NO. 8
PROPOSAL:
Execute Contracts to Conduct Conceptual Feasibility Studies for Reduction of Near Roadway Pollutant Exposures
SYNOPSIS:
Numerous air monitoring and health studies 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. On March 5, 2010, an RFP was released for conceptual research studies to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of roadside pollution mitigation measures, and six proposals were received. Based on the results of the technical evaluation process, this action is to execute three contracts in a total amount not to exceed $250,000 to study the reduction of pollutant exposures using near roadway mitigation measures.
COMMITTEE:
Technology, October 15, 2010, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Chairman to execute the following contracts to study near roadway pollutant exposure mitigation measures:
University of California, Riverside in an amount not to exceed $113,268;
Sierra Research, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $84,900; and
The Planning Center in an amount not to exceed $51,832
for a total not to exceed $250,000 from the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund (Fund 36).
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
On March 5, 2010, the Board authorized the release of RFP #P2010-18 soliciting 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 were to be assessed and compared. Passive designs 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 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.
Bidders were asked to 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 was anticipated that several proposals would be selected, with the total amount awarded to all successful bids not exceeding $250,000 from the Rule 1309.1 Priority Reserve Fund (Fund 36).
Evaluation of Proposals
Six proposals were received by the RFP deadline of April 9, 2010. Proposals were evaluated for their technical merit by a panel consisting of two AQMD Air Quality Specialists, one from Science & Technology Advancement and one from Planning & Rules; a Division Chief from the California Air Resources Board, and a Senior Transportation Engineer from the California Department of Transportation. The panel makeup relative to ethnicity and gender is as follows: two Asian, one Hispanic and one Caucasian; four males. The evaluation process was conducted according to the criteria described in the RFP. Scoring was based on the bidder’s qualifications, technical approach, and management plan. A minimum of 56 technical points was required for a proposal to qualify for funding. The proposal evaluation results are given in Attachment A.
Of the six proposals received, two did not meet the minimum technical score according to the panel’s evaluation. These two were not given scores for cost-effectiveness as they were disqualified from consideration based on their technical merits.
The study proposed by Sierra Research will identify multiple roadside barrier designs, model the effects with dispersion models, and then perform a multiday field monitoring study at a roadside location. The study proposed by Professor Princevac at UC Riverside will employ advanced fluid mechanics modeling to multiple roadside barrier configurations in conjunction with laboratory-scale models of the barriers. The study proposed by the Planning Center will use dispersion modeling to evaluate the impact of sound walls, vegetation lines, and other mitigation measures on the pollution levels of multiple pollutants indoors and outdoors downwind of freeways and perform a cost-benefit analysis compared to tail-pipe controls. The study proposed by Professor Venkatram at UC Riverside will develop a semi-empirical dispersion model to evaluate the effectiveness of roadside barriers and validate the model with wind tunnel experiments. Given the overlap between the two UC Riverside proposals and the fact that both investigators are in the same department at UC Riverside, the investigators were asked whether they could collaborate under one contract at a cost less than the sum of the two proposals. Both UC Riverside investigators have agreed to this approach.
The majority of the work in the proposed studies involves the evaluation of passive measures such as roadside barriers or roadway configurations. Staff will continue to evaluate the feasibility of active filtration approaches to reduce near roadway exposures, and may propose future RFPs for research and design of active pollution removal methods.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that AQMD fund all proposed projects that met the minimum technical score in a total amount not to exceed $250,000. With the combination of the two UC Riverside proposals, staff proposes awarding a total of three contracts: University of California, Riverside in an amount not to exceed $113,268; Sierra Research, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $84,900; and The Planning Center in an amount not to exceed $51,832.
Benefits to AQMD
These research contracts will advance the AQMD’s mission of reducing the exposure of southern Californians to harmful air pollution. An evaluation of roadside mitigation measures will provide a basis for AQMD to inform and make recommendations to the public and transportation design agencies on the effectiveness and feasibility of such measures.
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, 33k)
Attachment A – Proposal Evaluation Results for RFP #P2010-18