Report:

Technology Committee

Synopsis:

The Technology Committee met July 25, 1997. Major items discussed included preparations for a conference to address health standards and the diesel issue; the health impacts of the diesel issue; and a review of Technology Advancement items scheduled for the August Board Meeting. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided, together with an attendance roster. The next Technology Committee meeting is August 15, 1997 at 11:30 a.m.

Recommended Action:

Receive and file this report.

Leonard Paulitz, Chairman
Technology Committee

Attendance: Present was Committee Chairman Leonard Paulitz.

Update on the Proposed New Federal Ozone and Particulate Standards

Elaine Chang, Director of Planning and Policy in Planning, Transportation and Information Management, presented this update to members of the Mobile Source Committee. Since Technology Committee members also attended this meeting, no presentation was given at Technology Committee.

Preparation for Conference to Address Health Standards and Diesel Issue

Mike Nazemi, Manager of Transportation Research in Technology Advancement discussed the issue of diesel toxicity and dieselization of the automotive industry. He told the committee that the policy makers should become aware of the dieselization trend and the possible air quality and health effect consequences. It is in light of these developments that the AQMD is proposing to hold a Diesel Health Effect/Control Technology Conference November 20 and 21, 1997. The first day of this conference will be devoted to presentations and discussions on the health effects of diesel, while the second day will be devoted to discussions of advancements in diesel engines, fuels and after-combustion treatments. This two-day conference will be held at the AQMD. Attendees will be asked to pay a nominal fee ($50) to cover the cost of refreshments and copies of the proceedings.

Update of Health Impacts of Diesel Issue

Shankar Prasad of Technology Advancement presented an overview of Cal/EPA’s process involved in the proposed identification of diesel exhaust as a toxic air contaminant (TAC). Staff stated that despite ongoing debate regarding the magnitude of risk, there is consensus that diesel exhaust is a potential carcinogen. It is also a major contributor to ambient PM levels, which are well known to cause premature mortality and mobidity on a daily basis. Whether it is designated as a TAC or not, reducing emissions from diesel exhaust will significantly improve the health of all Californians.

Committee Topics

1. Execute Contract to Cost-Share Development and Demonstration of a Fuel Cell Turbocharger to Enhance Performance - Fuel cells are extremely low-emitting electrochemical engines that are an important technological element of the AQMP. Fuel cells for vehicle applications operate more efficiently at higher inlet air pressures, but the current lack of low-cost, high-efficiency air compression is an impediment to wide-scale commercialization. In response to competitive solicitations from ARB and AQMD, Meruit, Inc. has proposed development, testing, and demonstration of a prototype gas bearing turbocompressor that will be designed specifically for fuel cell air compression. The total cost of the project is approximately $300,000, of which $68,000 has been requested from AQMD. ARB will provide equivalent funding, receive AQMD funds as the pass-through agency, and contract with Meruit, Inc., for the project. Since less than three committee members were present, pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee provides this communication but no recommendation.

2. Execute Contract to Develop Low-VOC Solvents - Solvent cleaning and degreasing operations contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin’s VOC emissions. Technological advancements are needed to reduce these emissions and to meet the goals of the 1997 AQMP. Based on results of a competitive solicitation, the Institute for Research and Technical Assistance scored highest and should be selected to develop and demonstrate zero- or low-VOC products for solvent cleaning and degreasing operations. Total project cost is $131,900. Since less than three committee members were present, pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee provides this communication but no recommendation.

Other Business - Cindy Hasenjager of the California Renewable Fuels Council spoke to the Committee on the issue of MTA’s proposal to convert their ethanol buses to diesel, as well as their proposal to revise their Alternative Fuels Initiative. She asked for AQMD’s continued support of the Alternative Fuels Initiative. Both Lupe Valdez, DEO Public Affairs and Local Government Assistance, and Dr. Chung Liu, ADEO of Technology Advancement, briefed the Committee on AQMD’s continuing communication with MTA on this issue.

Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.

/ / /

Attachment A - Attendance

Daniela Fernandez AQMD Board Asst
Laura Ortega AQMD Board Asst
Carolyn Syms Luna AQMD Board Asst
Edric Guise AQMD Board Asst
Barry Wallerstein, DEO Planning, Transportation & Info Mgmt AQMD
Lupe Valdez, DEO Public Affairs & Local Government Assistance AQMD
Chung S. Liu, ADEO Technology Advancement AQMD
Andy Abele, Technology Advancement AQMD
Mike Nazemi, Technology Advancement AQMD
Shankar Prasad, Technology Advancement AQMD
Jon Leonard, Technology Advancement AQMD
Cindy Sullivan, Technology Advancement AQMD
Fred Minassian, Technology Advancement AQMD
Mike Bogdanoff, Technology Advancement AQMD
Ranji George, Technology Advancement AQMD
Dory Kilgour, Technology Advancement AQMD
Bill Wong, District Counsel’s Office AQMD
Nancy Covey, Finance AQMD
Sam Atwood, Public Affairs AQMD
Michael McCoy WRCOG
Marcus Larson United Negro College Fund