Report:

Interagency AQMP Implementation Committee

Synopsis:

The IAIC met November 21, 1996. A summary and attendance record of that meeting is set forth below. The IAIC has been incorporated into the newly-established Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Group which will establish its meeting schedule.

Recommended Action:

Receive and file this report.

Jon D. Mikels
Chairman, IAIC

The meeting was called to order at 1:12 pm by IAIC Chairman Jon Mikels.

Approval of September 26 and October 17, 1996, Minutes

On motion by Councilmember Judy Wright, and seconded by Councilmember Pat McGuigan, the September 26 and October 17, 1996, meeting minutes were approved, as submitted.

Report by TAC Chairman on TAC Meeting

TAC Chair Greg Adams, representing the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, reported that the TAC discussed the status of two items not included on the IAIC’s agenda: 1) the Intercredit Trading Program; and 2) Proposed Amendments to Rule 1122 (Solvent Degreasers).

Intercredit Trading Program - will provide an alternate method of complying with existing and future AQMD requirements by creating a structure of emissions credits that can be applied toward the emissions reductions required by a rule from which an entity is seeking relief. The Program consists primarily of two parts: 1) Rule 2501, the Air Quality Investment Program; and 2) future intercredit trading rules. At the TAC meeting staff provided a report on Rule 2501 and advised that a December 11 public workshop is scheduled to discuss the AQIP. The workshop will review two key issues relating to toxics and banking. In fact, staff is currently developing alternatives to the banking provisions. The TAC also reported that ARB is simultaneously implementing Assembly Member Marilyn Brewer’s AB 1777, the state equivalent to the Intercredit Trading Program. ARB released draft language in mid-September and is expected to release revised language in the near future, following which the ARB will consider adoption in February 1997. Finally, staff advised that EPA’s open market trading guidance document will be available in early 1997. Greg Adams provided an example of one innovative application which could result in emissions credits. Specifically, a representative from the Las Virgenes Water District proposed an innovative concept using sewage digest gas funneled into a fuel cell which emits virtually no emissions and from which the heat generated could warm and cool buildings.

Proposed Amendments to Rule 1122 (Solvent Degreaers) - the TAC discussed that this rule, when coupled with the recently-adopted Rule 1171 (Solvent Cleaning Operations) and Rule 1113 (Architectural Coatings), will result in greater emissions reductions than would have occurred if VOC RECLAIM had been adopted. Although staff estimates that Rule 1122 will reduce 36 tons per day of VOC emissions, the AQMD’s database only reflects 1.5 tons per day from permitted sources. RECOMMENDATION: the TAC recommended that the inventory in Rule 1122 be refined to determine exactly what sources should be targeted if the rule is to be defensible and achieve its emissions reductions. Rule 1122 is scheduled for public hearing in summer 1997.

Update on REACH Task Force

The IAIC was provided an update on the efforts of the REACH Task Force by SCAG co-chair, Judy Wright. Councilmember Wright reported that the Task Force has accepted recommendations similar to those contained in the 1997 AQMP. Within the next three years the Task Force plans to move forward with a hot-lane demonstration project, focusing on emissions reductions and feasibility. Several sites proposed by Caltrans are being considered at this time.

Report on Proposed Amendments to 403 (Fugitive Dust) and Rule 1186 (PM10 Emissions from Paved and Unpaved Roads and Livestock Operations)

The IAIC received a presentation by Dr. Julia Lester on proposed amendments to Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust) and Proposed Rule 1186 (PM10 Emissions from Paved and Unpaved Roads and Livestock Operations). The purpose of the amendment and new rule is to adopt and implement Best Available Control Measures for fugitive dust sources in the South Coast Air Basin. The IAIC was provided with an overview of the particulate matter problem for each region in the basin from both natural and manmade sources. Dr. Lester also explained how ammonia nitrate and sulfate, secondary particles, bond with particulates to form PM10.

Dr. Lester emphasized that unlike emissions from hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen which continue to decrease even without further controls, baseline emissions for particulate matter from fugitive dust continue to increase despite current controls. In part, this is caused by: 1) increased construction activity as a result of an improving economy; and 2) more entrained road dust on freeways as a result of higher projected VMT in the future. Thus, the BACM must not only reduce current levels but reduce that which will occur through regional growth. This projection is based on a series of studies that were carried out which included testing local emission factors.

In providing background on the region’s PM problem, Dr. Lester noted that the Basin, except Coachella Valley, is designated as a "serious non-attainment" area. Coachella Valley, however, has achieved the federal PM10 standard for the last three years, and the Governing Board will be considering a PM10 Maintenance Plan for that area at a December 6, 1996 public hearing in Palm Desert. The IAIC discussed how the Coachella Valley controlled fugitive dust and achieved the federal standard. For instance, in 1994 the nine cities in the Coachella Valley and Riverside County adopted the most comprehensive local dust control ordinances in the nation.

Next, Dr. Lester reviewed the federal mandates for reducing PM10 and the proposed rule requirements, including contingency measures, to meet the BACM targets listed in the 1997 AQMP. Because there has been considerable concern relative to the requirement in PR 1186 mandating PM10-efficient street sweepers for all future procurements by local governments after January 1999, an additional public workshop focusing on this issue has been scheduled inviting local governments, street sweeper operators, and street sweeper manufacturers and contractors to discuss and resolve any concerns with staff. Finally, Dr. Lester reviewed emission reductions and cost-effectiveness for both rules. She concluded by noting that a January 10, 1997 public hearing is scheduled for both PR 1186 and PAR 403.

The IAIC also discussed the possibility of cities working together to comply with PM10 measures, and the question of whether AB 2766 funds can be used for PM10 projects (e.g., paving roads, purchasing street sweepers, dust suppression) was raised. Councilmember Judy Wright commented that funding from other sources is necessary considering that garbage and clean cities programs are funded through city fees and the recently enacted AB 218 requires cities to obtain public authorization for fee increases. ACTION: AQMD Public Advisor La Ronda Bowen agreed to find out whether AB 2766 funds may be used to comply with PM10 measures. RECOMMENDATION: Ron Hoffman, an IAIC-TAC member representing Los Angeles County/Department of Regional Planning, suggested that the issue of livable/clean cities communities be placed on a future IAIC (or other applicable committee) agenda. This issue was incorporated as a resolution to the 1997 AQMP which called for the formation of a working group to see what reductions are possible through voluntary land-use techniques. Councilmember Judy Wright commented that if local governments enforce land-use patterns such that they help comply rather than exacerbate the air quality problem, they should be given credit for such.

Report on Local Government Outreach Activities

A representative from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments reported that a November 20 AB 2766 workshop was hosted by the COG in the City of Duarte. At this workshop various issues were raised concerning problems cities have encountered when using AB 2766 funds. These include inconsistency among cities in the administration of AB 2766 programs, problems with the auditing process, and difficulties in identifying funds allocated but not encumbered. The San Gabriel Valley COG intends to develop a strategic expenditure plan for projects that could cross different jurisdictional lines and create a synergy between cities for spending AB 2766 funds. La Ronda Bowen said that Public Advisor staff is working with ARB to improve the current reporting format cities use for AB 2766 funds.

Monthly Progress Report on Public Advisor Office Activities

The agenda package included the Public Advisor's Monthly Activity Report ending October 1996 as well as the latest report on visiting dignitaries. La Ronda Bowen reported that the Small Business Assistance Office continues to work with permit assistance centers. In addition, Ms. Bowen announced that the AQMD Clean Technology Center is expected to open in early 1997.

Update on AB 2766 Discretionary Fund Process

The Committee was provided the latest written report prepared for the Governing Board on the AB 2766 Discretionary Fund Process.

Other Business

Greg Adams, TAC Chairman, reported on a recent meeting of the Home Rule Working Group, CAPCOA, and ARB Executive Officer Mike Kenny to discuss developing a programmatic approach to implementing the NESHAPS standards so that state and federal programs are compatible. ARB wants to show that existing state programs can be deemed equivalent in emissions reductions to federal NESHAPS, but EPA Region IX is reluctant to take supportive action. Mr. Kenny is requesting that Home Rule Working Group and CAPCOA members support a Statement of Principles to be submitted to EPA Region IX at a meeting in Los Angeles on December 6. RECOMMENDATION: The IAIC recommended that Chairman Mikels, on behalf of the IAIC, sign the joint letter being sent to Felicia Marcus supporting equivalency between the federal and state programs. This joint letter is attached for information.

Also under Other Business, Greg Adams reported that the TAC also discussed the dissolution of the IAIC and its TAC. The TAC believes it is inappropriate for the IAIC and its TAC to be rolled into the proposed Local Government and Small Business Assistance Advisory Group. The TAC believes it is inappropriate for policymakers to discuss all the technical issues; rather they should concentrate on the overall policy issues. RECOMMENDATION: The TAC believes that some form of a technical group should remain while including small business representatives. Finally, the TAC believes that more discussion on the specifics should occur before a policy decision is made on committee reorganizations. Chairman Mikels explained that this would be the last meeting of the IAIC as currently constituted. He also reported that formation of the Local Government and Small Business Assistance Advisory Group resulted from recent state legislation to improve local government outreach. Although the legislation did not pass, the Board is committed to addressing the issues raised in the legislation. This issue will be discussed by the Administrative Committee in November and the full Governing Board on December 13, 1996.

There being no public comment, the IAIC meeting adjourned at 3:02 p.m.

Attachment

INTERAGENCY AQMP IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE

ATTENDANCE RECORD

Thursday, November 21, 1996

IAIC MEMBERS:

(Chair) Board Member Jon Mikels, South Coast AQMD
Greg Adams, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Al Lopez, Southern California Rideshare
Council Member Pat McGuigan, Orange County League of Cities
Mayor Ronald Roberts, Western Riverside Council of Governments
Council Member Thomas Wilson, Orange County Transportation Authority
Council Member Judy Wright, Los Angeles County League of Cities

AQMD STAFF:

La Ronda Bowen, Public Advisor; Oscar Abarca, Intergovernmental Affairs Director/Los Angeles
Claudia Keith, Sr. Public Information Specialist; Tina Cherry (Alternate), IAIC Administrative Liaison
Dr. Julia Lester, Program Supervisor/PM10; Laki Tisopulos, Transportation Programs Manager
Mel Zeldin, Director of Planning & Policy

PUBLIC:

Eddie Duque, San Gabriel Valley COG; Julie Fitch, Southern California Association of Governments
L. Kevin Hadden, Orange County Sanitation Districts;
Ron Hoffman, Los Angeles County/Dept. of Regional Planning
Richard King, City of Commerce; Orick H. Robinson, Chino Basin Municipal Water District
David Shepherd, Orange County Transportation Authority