BOARD MEETING DATE: October 1, 2010
AGENDA NO. 32
REPORT:
Technology Committee
SYNOPSIS:
The Technology Committee met on September 24, 2010. Major topics included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the October Board meeting. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on October 15, 2010 at 12 p.m. in CC-8.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Receive and file.
Josie Gonzales
Technology Committee Chair
Background
Attendance: Committee Chair Josie Gonzales and Committee Member Dennis Yates were in attendance at District headquarters. Committee Member Miguel Pulido participated by video-teleconference. Committee Members William Burke and Judith Mitchell were absent due to a conflict with their schedules.
OCTOBER BOARD AGENDA ITEMS
1. Execute Contract for Sources, Composition, Variability and Toxicological Characteristics of Ultrafine Particles in Southern California
The University of Southern California has submitted a proposal to study sources and toxicity of ultrafine particles in Southern California. This proposed study will be a complement to a study funded by the U.S. EPA characterizing coarse particles in Southern California. This action is to fund the study “Sources, Composition, Variability and Toxicological Characteristics of Ultrafine Particles in Southern California” in an amount not to exceed $470,969 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
Moved by Yates; seconded by Pulido; unanimously approved.
2. Execute Sole Source Contract and Modify Program Elements to Implement Phase II HEROS Program, Recognize Revenues and Adopt Resolution Accepting Terms and Conditions to Implement CARB Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program
There is a need to modify the original Phase II High Emitter Repair or Scrap (HEROS) Program as approved by the Board on October 2, 2009, based on discussions with CARB. This action is to rescind the prior contract awards and to execute a sole source contract with the Foundation for California Community Colleges in an amount not to exceed $1,258,410 from the AB 923 Fund to assist in implementation of the Phase II HEROS Program. This action is also to add an additional $440,000 from the AB 923 Fund for the scrapping element of the program. Under the CARB Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP), the AQMD has been requested to implement a vehicle replacement program. This action is to adopt a resolution to recognize up to $2,700,000 from CARB for the implementation of the vehicle replacement voucher component of the EFMP.
This item was withdrawn by staff.
3. Issue RFP for Demonstration of Natural Gas Stationary Fuel Cells at AQMD Headquarters
Fuel cells are energy efficient and clean sources of electrical power. Staff proposes to install stationary fuel cells at the AQMD headquarters as a demonstration project to accelerate commercialization, gain operational experience, and achieve public awareness of the efficiency and air quality benefits of this clean technology. This action is to issue an RFP soliciting bids to install a 250-300 kW fuel cell for the main AQMD facility and two 3-5 kW fuel cells at the child care center, cafeteria, or other appropriate site located at the AQMD headquarters. The exact cost, scope and manner of the services for installing the fuel cells will be determined as part of the competitive bidding process.
Mayor Yates asked about the payback period of the fuel cells. Staff responded that the cost for the fuel cells will be part of the proposal evaluation, so the payback will be included at the time of award recommendation to the Technology Committee.
Supervisor Gonzales asked about the sources of funding for the fuel cell projects.
Staff responded that funding will come from the applicants, the AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program, and the Self-Generation Incentive Program rebate.
Moved by Pulido; seconded by Yates; unanimously approved.
4. Execute Contracts for FY 2009-10 “Year 12” Carl Moyer Program and SOON Provision, Amend Carl Moyer Program Awards and Issue Program Announcement for SOON Provision
On May 7 and June 4, 2010, proposals were received in response to the Program Announcements that were issued for the “Year 12” Carl Moyer Program and the SOON Provision, respectively. These actions are to execute contracts under the Carl Moyer Program and the SOON Provision in an amount not to exceed $27,447,808 from the Carl Moyer Program, to amend Carl Moyer Program awards, and to issue a new Program Announcement to provide funding assistance for off-road equipment subject to the SOON Provision.
Supervisor Gonzales recused herself due to a campaign contribution from Burrtec Waste Industries. Less than a quorum was present; the Committee Members present expressed their concurrence that this item be recommended for approval by the Board.
5. Recognize Funds from San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to Promote Development of Natural Gas-Fired, Fan-Type Central Furnaces with Reduced NOx Emissions
In November 2009, the Board approved amendment of Rule 1111, which regulates natural gas-fired, fan-type central furnaces, to lower the NOx emission limit from 40 to 14 nanograms per joule of useful heat with phased effective dates beginning October 2014. In amending the rule, the Board also dedicated $1,000,000 to assist industry in developing furnaces that can meet the new NOx limit. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is also engaged in rulemaking to lower NOx emissions from this type of furnace and has offered to contribute $50,000 to the AQMD’s furnace development program to expedite commercial availability of furnaces with reduced NOx emissions and so that its rulemaking can benefit from information as it becomes available.
Moved by Yates; seconded by Pulido; unanimously approved.
6. Execute Contract for Hydrogen Fueling Station and Amend Contracts for Maintenance and Fueling Services for Five Cities Program Vehicles and Stations
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) was awarded funding by CARB and MSRC under two different funding solicitations to demonstrate a hydrogen fueling station. UCLA has also requested funding from AQMD to offset capital costs for this station as well as the electrolyzer previously removed from the City of Burbank. In addition, staff is recommending an extension to the Five Cities Program at least through 2012 to further utilize the new and existing hydrogen stations. This extension will require additional funding for Quantum Technologies to conduct vehicle maintenance, tracking and emissions testing, and for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APCI) for station maintenance, equipment leases and/or replacement and operating costs. This action is to execute a contract with UCLA in an amount not to exceed $400,000, and amend contracts with Quantum Technologies and APCI in amounts not to exceed $85,000 and $175,000, respectively, from the Clean Fuels Fund.
Moved by Yates; seconded by Pulido; unanimously approved.
7. Execute Contract to Develop and Demonstrate Electric Drive Conversion for Fleet Vehicles
Medium-duty fleet vehicles represent a targeted inventory for emission reductions within our region. AC Propulsion proposes to work in partnership with the AQMD and Comcast to convert three Ford E250 service vans to electric vehicles. These converted electric service vans will be deployed in Comcast’s normal fleet to evaluate their utility, emissions and fossil fuel reduction potential when used as a service vehicle. The successful demonstration of this conversion system could lead to the additional electrification of service vehicles within Comcast’s fleet, as well as similar applications. This action is to execute a contract with AC Propulsion in an amount not to exceed $300,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund. The total cost of this program is $755,767.
Moved by Yates; seconded by Pulido; unanimously approved.
8. Execute Contracts and Transfer Funds for Voucher Incentive Program
In July 2010, the Board recognized $1,471,433 from CARB to continue implementation of the Carl Moyer On-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicle Voucher Incentive Program. As required, the AQMD identified an equal amount of local match comprised of $690,895 from SB 1107 Multidistrict returned funds and up to $780,538 from the AB 923, Carl Moyer Program Fund. This action is to execute eight new contracts consisting of three new dealerships and five new retrofit installers. The final action is to grant the Executive Officer authority to redistribute the funds among the dealerships and retrofit installers based on demand.
Moved by Yates; seconded by Pulido; unanimously approved.
9. Execute Contract to Demonstrate Natural Gas-Powered Refuse Truck
AQMD Rule 1193 requires public and private solid waste collection fleets having exclusive contracts with public entities and with greater than 15 trucks to purchase or replace with alternative-fuel vehicles. Waste Management Collection & Recycling, Inc. is proposing a project to repower a diesel-fueled refuse truck with a natural gas engine. This proposed project could be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new alternative-fuel vehicles and would help with the implementation of Rule 1193 and the accelerated turnover of diesel-fueled refuse trucks. This action is to execute a contract with Waste Management to repower a diesel-fueled refuse truck with a natural gas engine and demonstrate its performance in an amount not to exceed $75,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund. Total project cost is estimated to be $300,876.
Moved by Pulido; seconded by Yates; unanimously approved.
Mayor Pulido excused himself from the meeting at 12:46 p.m.
INFORMATIONAL ITEM ONLY
10. Clean Fuels Program Draft Plan Update
In March 2007, the Board requested that staff bring the Clean Fuels Program Plan Update before the Board as a separate item to solicit more direct input before requesting final approval each year in early spring. This action is to receive and file the calendar year 2011 Clean Fuels Program Draft Plan Update with major emphasis on electric and hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, clean engine technologies and systems, support for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and refueling infrastructure deployments, including upgrades and expansions to refurbish or increase capacity of older stations.
Public Comment Period – There was no public comment.
Other Business – There was no other business.
The next meeting will be October 15.
Attachment (DOC, 30k)
A - Attendance