Proposal:
Status Report Regarding Implementation of the "Business Clean Air Partnership"
Synopsis:
This report transmits the status of implementing the 12-point "Business Clean Air Partnership," specifically, Point 10, a report on the "No-Penalty Amnesty Period for Unpermitted Businesses to Obtain Permits." This report represents the final report on implementation of the "Business Clean Air Partnership," as the remaining 11 Points have been successfully implemented.
Committee:
Administrative, March 22, 1996, Received and Filed.
Recommended Action:
Receive and file this report.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
LVB:RK:llm
Background
On September 8, 1995, the Governing Board adopted Rule 310 - Amnesty for Unpermitted Equipment, implementing Point 10 of the Business Clean Air Partnership. The goal was to "seek a level playing field for all businesses by establishing a 6-month, no-penalty amnesty period for unpermitted businesses during which they could obtain permits." The amnesty period was from October, 1995 through March, 1996. During this period, facilities that voluntarily applied for permits for existing equipment were not subject to late fees or civil or criminal penalties for not having the required permits. At its October meeting, the Board amended Rule 310 to allow facilities with reported emissions of 10 tons per year or more to submit applications under the Amnesty program for schedule A and B equipment.
Program Results
This program has been a success. By February 29, 1996, over 600 applications for permits had been submitted under the Amnesty Program. This exceeded staff expectations of 300 applications when the program was adopted. Based on the first five months of experience, it is likely that at least 750 applications will have been submitted during the Amnesty period.
Staff conducted an aggressive advertising and direct mail campaign to notify the regulated community of the Amnesty Program. By far the most successful outreach was the direct mail. A total of 60 tailored notices were mailed to slightly over 100,000 facilities. The mailing generated close to 2,500 calls resulting in 950 application packages being mailed out.
Of the facilities who have submitted applications so far, 58% were from companies that had never previously obtained a permit from the AQMD. Approximately 95% of the applications received were from facilities emitting less than 10 tons. The applications received represent a wide range of equipment types. The following list summarizes the type of applications:
CFC Recycling Units 228
Internal Combustion Engines 119
Spray Booths 66
Negative Air Machines (Asbestos) 25
Storage Tanks 22
Charbroilers 19
Printing Presses 17
Plating/Surface Preparation Tanks 16
Furnaces 16
Drying Ovens 14
Other 73
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Total 615*
At the conclusion of the first five months of amnesty, an analysis of permit activity showed a substantial increase in both total and new facilities. The key indicators for the period were:
Total New
Facilities* Facilities* Applications*
Oct '94 - Feb '95 83 36 123
Oct '95 - Feb '96 (amnesty) 399 219 615
Increase this year versus last year 316 183 492
*At the Board meeting these figures will be updated.