October 13, 1995

South Coast Air Quality

Management District Board

CALL TO ORDER

1. The meeting was called to order at 3:40 p.m. by Dr. R. Nichols Hazelwood, Chairman.

ATTENDANCE

Members Present Members Absent

R. Nichols Hazelwood, Chairman Steven Colome

Jane Hall, Vice-Chair Russ Sherwin

Janet Arey Akula Venkatram

William Carter Amy Walton

John M. Peters

Carla Walecka

Arthur Winer

Others Present

Joe Cassmassi, Senior Meteorologist

Deborah Kurilchyk, Environmental Affairs, SCE

Mike Nazemi, Transportation Research Manager

Shankar Prasad, Heath Effects Officer

Jack D. Sahl, Manager, Health Research & Evaluation Division, SCE

Mel Zeldin, PM10 Planning Manager

Denise Whitcher, Advisory Council Secretary Alternate

PROCEEDINGS

1a. Chairman Hazelwood convened the meeting by noting that calls had been received from Board Chair Jon Mikels, Dr. Steven Colome, and Dr. Russ Sherwin advising that they would not be in attendance.

2. The minutes of the May 25, 1995 Advisory Council meeting were approved, as submitted.

3. Relative to the appointment of an Advisory Council member to the District's PM10 Task Force, Chairman Hazelwood recommended that Dr. Russ Sherwin be designated as the Advisory Council representative to the Task Force; the Advisory Council concurred. Chairman Hazelwood advised that he would contact Dr. Sherwin to determine his willingness to serve, and to advise of the next scheduled meeting of the Task Force.

4. The Regulation VII (Air Pollution Emergencies) presentation was deferred briefly, the next item considered by the Council being Dr. Jack Sahl's presentation on Southern California Edison's (SCE) perspective on EMF and electric vehicle issues. Chairman Hazelwood welcomed Dr. Sahl on behalf of the Advisory Council, and turned the floor over to him.

Dr. Sahl began his presentation by advising that he intended to provide both a perspective and some background information regarding the status of the EMF issue relative to the health question, electric utility facilities, and electric vehicle technology. Dr. Sahl reviewed the EMF spectrum demonstrating the frequency of the fields which revolve around how much energy is present in fields that is transferable to the human body. Dr. Sahl noted that the framing of the issue is important to the consideration of the specific frequency referenced.

Dr. Sahl continued that the Advisory Council would likely be concerned with two questions, i.e., is the issue of EMF being adequately addressed with the existing programs that are in place? and, are there things that can be done now to avoid the negative consequences of this issue, given the uncertainty involved? In examining electric vehicles as they relate to EMF, Dr. Sahl recommends dividing the issue into three parts as follows: (1) Exposure associated with the vehicle itself; (2) EMF exposure due to the charging of the vehicle; and, (3) as electric vehicles are charged, there is an increase in the overall consumption of electricity throughout the community and a correspond-ing increase in EMF exposure.

Dr. Sahl then commented that a good definition does not exist relative to what characteristics of exposure should be considered in defining exposure to EMF in terms of the ultimate health hazards. This lack of a definition of exposure makes it difficult to do a definitive epidemiologic study and raises questions about some of the other work in terms of the laboratory, according to Dr. Sahl. Dr. Sahl reported that his data collection on electric vehicles and EMF exposure focuses on a 60 hertz field.

Dr. Sahl went on to advise that the projected overall increase in electricity use attributed to electric vehicle usage is approximately 4% by 2011, with a corresponding increase in EMF of 4%; and, that the EMF exposure to the interior of car has a position-specific field, but is low on the front passenger seat. Upon a final review and discussion of the various research programs existing and the publications available on these issues, Dr. Sahl closed by commenting that, although there is a lot of research being conducted on EMF issues, SCE is uncertain as to whether or not there is a health hazard associated with fields; and, if there is a health hazard associated with fields, it hasn't been identified which characteristics of exposure should be of concern. Dr. Sahl then asked if the Council had any questions or areas requiring further discussion?

A brief discussion followed relative to a comparison of magnetic fields in conventional vehicles, and where greatest concern should be focused, e.g., in-vehicle exposure, charging, or transmission? Dr. Sahl indicated that a traditional exposure assessment is difficult because the definition of exposure is problematic. The Council agreed with Chairman Hazelwood's comment that, given the fact that reaching air quality attainment standards requires significant use of electric vehicles, it would be wise to closely monitor the health impact developments so that the Governing Board is not faced with a future health epidemic attributable to this issue. Further discussion followed relative to the viability of shielding with respect to EMF and electric vehicles; shielding research is currently in its preliminary stages, according to Dr. Sahl.

Dr. Sahl closed by stating that the importance of the electric vehicle as it relates to air pollution should be the primary focus, and that he would discourage the Council from focusing solely on a public health perspective or diverting into related issues that haven't reached similar levels of importance. Chairman Hazelwood noted the Council's appreciation to Dr. Sahl for his interesting presentation

5. The agenda item on Regulation VII -- Air Pollution Emergencies -- followed, with a presentation by Joe Cassmassi. Mr. Cassmassi began by acknowledging Dr. Russ Sherwin for his efforts towards modifying Regulation VII, which will be heard by the Governing Board on September 8. This Regulation will define the air pollution episode criteria, as well as the actions to be taken when different types of episodes have been reached. These actions consist of contingency measures to curtail emissions and reduce vehicle miles driven, with the goal of preventing or reducing the severity of air pollution episodes.

Mr. Cassmassi advised that Regulation VII is being amended now because air quality has steadily improved. This Regulation will serve to streamline rule language, update the episode criteria, eliminate outdated and redundant rule applications, and improve outreach to schools. Mr. Cassmassi thereafter reviewed data with respect to annual Basin maximum ozone measurements, and reviewed the proposed amendments relating to administrative changes, predicted Stage 2 or Stage 3 requirements, reporting requirements, and impacts on schools.

Mr. Cassmassi emphasized that, as a result of the efforts of the American Lung Association, amended Regulation VII will attempt to improve the school portion of the plan by including public and private schools, setting forth recommended outdoor activity curtailment guidance, encouraging uniform episode response, and predicting episode attainment. Accordingly, Mr. Cassmassi advised that the District will be trying to get a stronger message out to the schools.

Mr. Cassmassi went on to review key dates regarding the rule amendment calendar and discussed various school-issues comments and general comments received during the public-information meeting and workshop process. General comments were received relative to the inclusion of pre-school and daycare facilities, clarification of natural gas curtailment issues, emergency suspension of rules, Rule 1501 comparisons, communication issues, and clarification of exemptions. Relative to comments received on school issues, Mr. Cassmassi reported they dealt with the original detail of the curtailment actions proposed, specifically that they weren't stringent enough. In addition, workshop comments on school issues included inquiries with respect to the definition of schools, the need for an enhanced outreach program to increase the responsiveness of the schools, the burden of communications, the need for notification at the federal standard, the possible establishment of a PM10 health advisory episode, and the modified focus of PSI to focus action towards the lower end of the scale.

According to Mr. Cassmassi, proposed rule language as a result of these workshops includes the following: Including child daycare facilities under the Regulation VII curtailment actions; expanding exemptions to only electric-power generating systems to the force majeure natural gas curtailment; including utility vehicles of essential public services; clarification that primary means of notification will be the news media; and, enhancement and addition of phone lines to the interactive voice recording system for notification. Mr. Cassmassi also reviewed rule language affecting facility requirements with respect to Regulation VII. The effective date of this proposed rule is

January 1, 1996.

The primary focus of the health issue with respect amended Regulation VII, according to Mr. Cassmassi, was to strengthen the outdoor activity curtailment actions, e.g., including child daycare facilities and making health advisory language more direct relative to outdoor activities/exercise, as well as adding cautionary health statements for healthy individuals. Moreover, during periods of unhealthful air quality, District staff will be notifying schools that susceptible individuals should minimize their outdoor activity, and healthy individuals who feel negative effects of air pollution should minimize outdoor activity. Mr. Cassmassi then referenced the District's limited authority relative to recommending outdoor activity curtailment actions.

Regarding ozone health advisory episodes, Mr. Cassmassi reported that the District now advises that students be directed to discontinue prolonged, vigorous outdoor exercise lasting longer than one hour, whereas in the past the recommendation was only to avoid same; the same holds true for susceptible individuals, as well. These statements become more stringent as Stage 1 and Stage 2 levels are approached, stating an advisement to avoid all outdoor activities for even healthy individuals.

In further refining proposed Regulation VII amendments, Mr. Cassmassi briefly discussed possible Executive Officer exemption submittals; possible revision to the PM10 health advisory issue and planned discussions with CARB relative to EPA's revisitation of PM standards; the use of the District's model in Coachella Valley for health advisories; and, an investigation into alternative communications systems to enhance outreach to schools and child daycare facilities, providing them with prototype outdoor activity curtailment plans. Mr. Cassmassi closed his presentation by asking for questions from the Council.

Discussion followed with regard to the issue of voluntary compliance and mechanisms for enforcement. Mr. Cassmassi reported that the District does not have a mandate to enforce curtailment actions among individual schools; however, the local PTAs may have greater enforcement capabilities than the District. Therefore, the District is trying to enlist their support, as well as that of the school nurses' organizations.

Mr. Cassmassi agreed with Dr. Winer's statements that anecdotal evidence indicates non-compliance at certain school districts, and that there is no way to monitor or improve the situation, apart from voluntary activities. Mel Zeldin then commented that the District has gone as far as it can with the rule language, within its statutory limits. Mr. Zeldin added that the success of the program will be in the outreach program and in the involvement of PTAs which will push the schools to adhere to the District's recommendations.

ACTION: The Advisory Council directed District staff to determine the proper (mandated) enforcement agency for enforcing district advisories of outdoor activity curtailment action episodes and for violation of school plans specifying curtailment actions.

Mr. Cassmassi closed by commenting that the success of this program will be in its outreach efforts -- to schools, child daycare facilities, and after-school sports programs -- through the mass media by having newspapers and radio stations commit to alerting people to call in to the District for episode notification.

6. The next agenda item, Subcommittee Report on "The AQMD Beyond 2000" White Paper, was discussed in the absence of Subcommittee Chair, Dr. Amy Walton. The Council considered whether an August 24 meeting should be convened or whether it would be more appropriate to have the White Paper Subcommittee meet independently of the Council for further work.

ACTION: District staff to contact Dr. Walton and the Subcommittee members to determine their preference and schedule the meeting(s) accordingly. [Pursuant to the wishes of Dr. Walton and the Subcommittee members, a special meeting of the Subcommittee will be held on Thursday, September 14, at 2:00 p.m.; the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Advisory Council will be held on Thursday, September 28, at 3:30 p.m.]

7. Committee Reports:

For the Atmospheric Sciences Committee, Dr. Carter advised that he missed the recent VOC RECLAIM Advisory Committee meetings; however, he provided the Council with a brief report on the estimation of allocations in comparison with emissions, resulting in a possible 42% increase and a ten-year period wherein no emissions reductions would be made. Refinements and adjustments will be made in the program as a result. Dr. Carter further reported on the VOC RECLAIM Advisory Committee's work on toxics and seasonal approaches to emissions control.

Finally, Dr. Carter advised that, with respect to past opposition to consideration of reactivity factors in consumer sources/stationary sources, CARB has made an about-face on this issue and will hold a series of workshops on reactivity-based regulation of VOC consumer products.

No report was given by the Health/Risk Assessment Committee.

For the Regional Planning and Economics Committee, Carla Walecka briefly reported on the work of the Market Incentives Task Force which has been meeting to discuss the structure of the project, the selection of consultants, and what the participants hope to get out of the process. Ms. Walecka then commented on the disappointing amount of discussion on the mechanisms, tools, or strategies that will be used determine a pricing mechanism or market-incentive based measure that could take the place of indirect source rules for the region.

Ms. Walecka further reported that three consultants have been engaged for three separate, but inter-related projects to: (1) perform technical background work and analysis, (2) test how the broader public responds to the various proposals after they've been developed, and (3) convene focus groups to determine how pricing measures could be made more acceptable. Scope of work and budget schedules are currently under negotiation with SCAG, according to Ms. Walecka.

In closing, Ms. Walecka advised that congestion pricing is one alternative that definitely will be considered, inasmuch as grant money was received for this purpose. In addition, it is likely that VMT fees, particularly an emissions-based VMT fee, will be investigated. Ms. Walecka closed by noting the cumbersome nature of the process.

8. Other Business:

Chairman Hazelwood noted the re-appointment of the entire Advisory Council membership for additional two-year terms.

Chairman Hazelwood further commented that the MSRC-TAC would like to have an Advisory Council representative serve on the TAC to assist in the AB2766 RFP funding evaluation process. Dr. Winer commented that the Advisory Council could assist the TAC in peer review and merit ranking of the proposals, as well as in determining whether they effectively translate into reduced emissions. Upon discussion of this matter among the Advisory Council members, it was noted the MSRC-TAC membership consisted principally of transportation control-measure experts and/or planners. There-fore, the Advisory Council determined that, should the staff liaison to the MSRC-TAC and/or its Chair and Vice-Chair require additional technical peer review, the Advisory Council would certainly be willing to provide assistance. Chairman Hazelwood commented that the Council simply needs to be advised of what sort of technical skills are required in the evaluation of the various proposals received, e.g., whether they require assistance with atmospheric sciences, health/risk assessment, or economic and social issues.

ACTION: District staff will inquire the same of Larry Rhinehart, the MSRC-TAC staff liaison, and request that he discuss this matter with the MSRC-TAC Chair and Vice-Chair, whereupon Mr. Rhinehart will contact Chairman Hazelwood for further possible action on the part of the Advisory Council.

Dr. Carter noted that, with respect to CARB's referenced series of workshops on reactivity-based regulation of VOC consumer products, he was surprised to see a lack of District representation and/or attendance at the same. Along with staff of CARB and EPA, the attendees consisted primarily of industry representatives.

ACTION: District staff to advise Dr. Carter of the District's involvement relative to CARB's workshops on reactivity-based regulation of VOC consumer products.

9. There were no public comments.

10. There being no further business, the Advisory Council meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

[Prepared by Denise R. Whitcher]