Proposal:
Annual Report on the Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Risk Assessment Program
Synopsis:
Air districts are responsible for implementing requirements of the Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Information and Assessment Act of 1987 (AB2588). One requirement of the program is an annual report. This report highlights activities and progress through 1995 and provides a summary of anticipated activities during 1996. A significant number of Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) are under final review. Forty-two HRAs have been approved and one in five have required facilities to provide public notice.
Committee:
Stationary Source Committee, January 19, 1996, Approved. Committee members directed staff to look into ways of enhancing attendance at public meetings.
Recommended Action:
Receive and file this report.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
PL:JPB:BWS:DV:WB:clb
Attachment:
Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Program 1995 Annual Report
Background
Pursuant to the California Air Toxic "Hot Spots" Information and Assessment Act of 1987 (the Act, AB2588), the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) determines which facilities must prepare HRAs and whether HRAs are adequate. One additional requirement of the Act is for local air districts to provide the public with an annual summary of the risk assessment component of the program.
The attached report provides a summary of the AB2588 risk assessment program during 1995 and provides recommendations to continue with staff efforts to streamline implementation and complete this component of the program over the next two years.
By the time of the next annual report, the majority of the initial 334 HRAs are expected to be completed. In addition, up to 200 Phase II and III HRAs will be in preparation.
The original procedures and policies for public notifications were approved by the Governing Board on September 25, 1992. One Board motion amended the staff proposal to require a public meeting following the mail out of all notifications. To date, seven facilities have held public meetings following issuance of notices. These meetings have been very poorly attended. Because of this and direction from the Board's Stationary Source Committee, AQMD staff is looking into ways to enhance outreach for the meetings.