CALL TO ORDER

1. The meeting was called to order at 3:52 p.m. by Dr. R. Nichols Hazelwood, Chairman.

ATTENDANCE

Others Present

John Billheimer, representing self
Bill Fray, Director/Applied Science & Technology
Henry Hogo, Manager/Air Quality Evaluation & Modeling
Dr. James M. Lents, Executive Officer
Dr. Chung Liu, Asst. DEO/Technology Advancement
Drue A. Ramirez, Advisory Council Secretary
Barry Wallerstein, DEO/Planning, Transportation & Info. Mgmt.

PROCEEDINGS

2. The minutes of the April 25, 1996, Advisory Council meeting were approved, as submitted.

The Committee ask that the secretary begin preparing a follow-up memo for staff’s reference within two days following future Advisory Council meetings to ensure that action items are handled timely.

3. Dr. Hazelwood explained that Arthur Winer and others had expressed concern about the location site changes/reductions of AQMD monitoring stations which they had briefly read about in the Governing Board’s minutes. Consequently, at the last meeting they had asked staff to discuss the issues surrounding the changes at the next meeting. One concern was that the stations selected for shutdown would result in the loss of valuable information regarding compliance or lack of same.

Bill Fray, AQMD Director of Applied Science & Technology, reported that the reasons for the streamlined air monitoring network plan are threefold: 1) economic in terms of resources; 2) the premise that the AQMD will be in attainment with all pollutants except Ozone by 2008; and 3) modernization of equipment using $1.3 million budgeted for this purpose. If these assumptions are proven inaccurate, however, the network plan is sufficiently flexible to allow adjustments. For instance, chart recorders will be replaced and networks installed at the monitoring stations for both voice and data communications, in part to allow for remote accessibility of information. In addition, there will be one central maintenance area for repairs and calibration that cannot be performed onsite. In addition, before the sites are closed, the AQMD will have purchased portable air monitoring stations which can be set up within 24 hours to perform special monitoring. This builds in flexibility so monitoring can be performed at any location at any time. Analysis will also be available on a second-by-second basis. These changes will be accompanied by improved operating procedures and additional training, among other things. However, some minimal manual sampling will still be needed. To address this need, staff is being retrained to become multi-task specialists. Mr. Fray reviewed the projected closure schedule through 2008, and concluded by adding that both EPA and ARB staff have reviewed and support the streamlined network plan.

[A copy of Mr. Fray's slides and the press release on the streamlining plan are provided as "Exhibits A and B," respectively, as part of these minutes.]

Chairman Jon Mikels inquired why the program includes several Riverside County stations for closure whereas in San Bernardino County only the Ontario station is projected for closure in 2008. Bill Fray replied that the intent is to place stations in representative areas with similar conditions. For instance, the sites in San Bernardino must remain for either topographical, geographical or climatological reasons. In addition, because of the air flows which converge in this area, the air quality in Temecula, and to some extent in Elsinore, Hemet and Perris, is approaching attainment of state standards. However, the Perris station will remain to monitor the surrounding areas to ensure that air quality does not worsen.

Dr. Bill Carter inquired whether there will be sufficient information for modeling purposes once the stations are closed. Dr. Chung Liu replied that since more intensive data is required for modeling, the AQMD will continue to perform special monitoring. Mr. Fray added that the San Diego APCD plans to open a new monitoring station in Escondido since the Temecula station is scheduled for closure in 1996. He also pointed out that an important part of the streamlined network is the three portable monitoring stations which can be set up within 24 hours. Dr. Carter inquired if in addition to ARB and EPA, the AQMD sought feedback from any independent experts on the projected network plan. Mr. Fray replied no. Dr. Liu commented that there is a tradeoff incorporated into the plan. In the past there has been considerable monitoring of ozone, but from air quality research and planning, AQMD staff realizes that a different set of data is needed at this time. Consequently, there will be more in-depth, specialized monitoring, such as hydrocarbon speciation and PM_2.5, for instance.

Chairman Hazelwood thanked staff for their time and indicated that there appears to be a better comfort level with the projected network plan. The Council’s initial concerns had evolved around modeling needs and whether there would be sufficient monitoring coverage around the Basin.

In reply to comments by Dr. Russ Sherwin, Chairman Hazelwood clarified that monitoring is carried out to meet EPA requirements and is designed as a compliance tool rather than as a day-to-day health tool. Such health data is compiled from special studies, such as the study on indoor vs. outdoor air pollution, and these studies provide another piece of the puzzle about the relationships between health and levels of pollutants.

4. For the status report on the Draft 1997 AQMP, Henry Hogo, AQMD Manager/Air Quality Evaluation & Modeling, reported that the 1994 Ozone only SIP is the basis for the 1997 AQMP, which demonstrates attainment of both the federal PM₁₀ and Ozone standards by 2006 and 2010, respectively. He also reviewed the objectives of the PM₁₀ Technical Enhancement Program (PTEP) which focused on three areas, including emissions inventory, monitoring and enhanced PM₁₀ air quality modeling. The PTEP provided the design value of 69 ug/m³ for annual PM₁₀ as well as resulted in considerable PM_2.5 data which EPA asked for to evaluate its PM_2.5 standard. In fact, for the 24-hour value PM₁₀ is about 180 or 38% above the standard and PM_2.5 is about 98.

Mr. Hogo also reviewed the emission inventory studies, the primary focus of which concentrated on the diary industry and ammonia emissions in the Chino area. This data greatly assisted staff in projecting nitrite and sulfate concentrations.

For modeling enhancement, the PTEP studied five areas of modeling development and/or application, including a three-dimensional episodic model which will be used again in the future for PM_2.5. Dr. Carter asked if modeling performance has improved. Mr. Hogo replied yes because data collection has improved considerably as a result of the enhanced monitoring, including daily speciation data in the last half of 1995 for sulfate, nitrite, organics, chloride ammonias, and elemental carbons, among other pollutants. However, the model still tends to underpredict for organics and overpredict for elemental carbons. Chairman Hazelwood inquired whether the model has a chemistry mechanism to take into account the formation of both organics and inorganics. Mr. Hogo replied yes; the model also includes a photochemical mechanism to predict Ozone and aerosols at the same time.

The two-dimensional source apportionment model is the model Glen Cass has been working on over several years to track different sources by size distribution. For instance, it can predict aerosol growth from the source to the receptor. This model will assist in evaluating different types of control strategies and the impacts of different sources. However, this model has been delayed for use in evaluating alternative control strategies. The particle and cell (PIC) model from CalTech has been used to predict PM dispersion, mostly nitrites and sulfates. However, since Glen Cass suggested that it needed improvement, the PTEP included enhancements for that model as well. The findings were that the Urban Airshed Model rather than the PIC model should be used while replacing the UAM’s chemistry with the empirical chemistry in the PIC model. This modified model provides up-to-date simplified or linear chemistry for nitrites and sulfates.

Next, Henry Hogo reviewed the 1993 baseline and 2010 without additional control strategies for VOC, CO, PM₁₀, SO_x and NO_x. It is predicted that from 1993 to 2010 primary emissions will increase from area sources and entrained road dust if additional controls are not applied. Chairman Hazelwood asked if the emissions inventory is based on EMFAC7G. Mr. Hogo replied yes. Mr. Hogo also reviewed what control strategies will be included in the 1997 AQMP, what will be new in the plan, and which strategies were removed and why since the 1994 AQMP.

Mr. Hogo described the approach taken to demonstrate attainment for PM₁₀, using the modified UAM and speciated rollback, and the results of both modeling methods for PM₁₀ as well as ozone using only the UAM. Chairman Hazelwood inquired if the annual average for PM₁₀ is based on a geometric or arithmetic mean. Mr. Hogo stated that the federal mean is arithmetic while the state uses the geometric mean, and the 24-hour average is the peak.

In addition, Mr. Hogo reviewed the carrying capacities in tons per day for the primary pollutants and why those carrying capacities were increased. As a result of the PTEP, carrying capacities for PM₁₀ were increased based on new design value, lower primary emissions, lower ammonia emissions, new speciated data, and the new federal "natural events" policy. For ozone, there was more accurate data for modeling input and the 1985 modeling day was eliminated since it is a rare meteorological event. Chairman Hazelwood asked what is meant by direct emissions of PM₁₀. Mr. Hogo replied that direct emissions of PM₁₀ primarily refer to fugitive dust and elemental carbons. Russ Sherwin asked what is meant by entrained road dust rather than fugitive dust. Mr. Hogo stated that entrained road dust is dust kicked up when a vehicle travels over a surface street, whereas dust coming from construction activities is considered different. However, it’s all fugitive dust.

Relative to the increases in carrying capacity, Mr. Hogo explained that once the 1997 Southern California Ozone Study (SCOS) is completed, there will be intensive field data available to set up new episodes which the AQMD believes will form the basis in developing future AQMPs.

In conclusion, Mr. Hogo reviewed the primary emissions projected through 2010 based on existing rules only and under the 1997 AQMP and provided insight into what the future would be like if new PM and ozone standards are promulgated by EPA.

[A copy of Mr. Hogo's slide presentation is provided as "Exhibit C" as part of these minutes.]

The Council briefly discussed The Los Angeles Times article dated July 25 regarding Mary Nichols' comments relative to the 1997 AQMP and the new Ozone and PM standards being proposed by EPA. The Council further discussed monitoring relative to 1-hour, 8-hour, 24-hour, and annual standards, emphasizing that 8-hour monitoring is more reflective of true measurements.

ACTION: Chairman Hazelwood asked that staff work with the Atmospheric Sciences Committee for a review of modeling assumptions so that the Committee can provide its comments before the AQMP is submitted to the Governing Board for approval. He would especially appreciate feedback from Drs. Venkatram and Winer on the modeling assumptions. He asked that Dr. Carter arrange a meeting between staff and the AS Committee once the Council has received the Draft 1997 AQMP scheduled for release August 2.

ACTION: Chairman Hazelwood also asked the Council secretary to fax a note to the full Council advising them of the pending release of the AQMP, whether they wish a copy, and if so, in what version (e.g., printed copy, CD-ROM, or floppy.) The note should also mention that the AQMP can be downloaded from the Internet.

5. The Report on the Oxygenated Fuels Study by NAS/NRC was taken out of order before Items #2-4 at staff’s request. Chairman Hazelwood reported that the National Research Council disagrees with the White House’s findings. In fact, it concludes that the fuel additive methyl tertiary-butyl either (MTBE) is unlikely to pose a substantial risk to humans. As for the recent articles relative to finding MTBE traces in ground water, the NRC comments that this should be no surprise since it is a water soluble oxygenated organic compound, but the traces found should present no significant negative health effects. He reminded the Council that California removed MTBE from its list of carcinogens ten years ago, and negative physiological effects of MTBE only show up in colder climates. [A copy of the "In the News"report on NRC's findings is provided as "Exhibit D" as part of these minutes.]

The Council also discussed whether the properties of MTBE and dimethyl either were similar since dimethyl either has been proposed as a replacement to diesel without the emissions while retaining the fuel, engine and power efficiency of diesel.

6. Committee Reports: Due to the late hour, coupled with the absence of Dr. Colome and Ms. Walecka, the Council postponed committee reports.

7. Under "Other Business," Board Chairman Jon Mikels announced that ARB Chairman John Dunlap recently announced his appointment of the new ARB Executive Officer, Michael Kenny, who was formerly ARB’s general counsel.

ACTION: Chairman Hazelwood indicated that he, Jon Mikels and Chung Liu should schedule a one-hour meeting to further discuss Board assignments to the Council. Chairman Hazelwood indicated that he would contact Dr. Liu to make such arrangements.

8. Under the public comment period, John Billheimer, representing self, asked that the Council explore photochemical reactivity since he believes that no other Board advisory committee has such issues within its charter. He provided Chairman Hazelwood his written comments on this issue relative to the upcoming adoption of proposed amendments to Rule 1171. He also advised that at the Governing Board’s September meeting, he plans to request that the Board postpone adoption of Rule 1171 amendments for one year to allow for further study of photochemical reactivity. Dr. Hazelwood recommended that Mr. Billheimer present his recommendations to staff, with the suggestion that the issue could be referred to the Advisory Council for further consideration since some members have already been researching the issue of reactivity.

9. There being no further business, the Advisory Council meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

Attachments (4)