PROPOSAL:

Amend Contract to Evaluate Factors Affecting Diesel Exhaust Toxicity

SYNOPSIS:

The AQMD is currently cost-sharing this project with the ARB to evaluate factors affecting diesel exhaust toxicity. The study is being conducted by CE-CERT at the MTA's testing facility. The original project cost was $450,000, with the ARB contributing $400,000 and AQMD contributing $50,000. This augmentation is for additional testing and costs incurred due to difficulties and delays at the MTA's testing facility. Total amendment cost is $102,000. AQMD's co-funding shall not exceed $10,000, with the remaining $92,000 being co-funded by the ARB.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, June 27, 1997, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Executive Officer to execute a contract amendment with the ARB in an amount not to exceed $10,000 to evaluate factors that affect diesel exhaust toxicity.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture consisting of hundreds of compounds. It has been designated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a probable human carcinogen, and is undergoing evaluation as a potential toxic air contaminant under the ARB's air toxics program. As part of this evaluation, the AQMD joined the ARB in co-funding a study called "Evaluation of Factors that Affect Diesel Exhaust Toxicity." The study is being conducted by CE-CERT at the MTA's emissions testing facility. AQMD's co-funding for this current $450,000 study is $50,000. After certification of MTA's engine dynamometer, a Cummins, L10, heavy-duty diesel engine has been tested with three different diesel fuels, and chemical speciations of the diesel exhaust have been conducted. The ARB is now proposing an augmentation to this study in the amount of $102,000. Cost-sharing in the amount of $10,000 by the AQMD is requested.

Proposal

The augmentation is needed to expand the scope of work recommended by the Technical Advisory Committee which consists of representatives from engine manufacturers and the oil industry, and to cover costs incurred due to delays at the MTA's emission testing facility. The additions in the scope of work include nitrosamine and dioxine monitoring, and speciation of particulate matter. The delays at the MTA facility were caused by difficulties with the certification process of the engine dynamometer. This led to repeated delays in testing, resulting in costs such as repeated preparation of samples with limited lifetimes.

The proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan, approved by the Board on October 11, 1996 as Project T6-1, "Advanced Transportation Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration." The major benefit of this project is to determine the types and levels of toxic compounds present in diesel exhaust, and to help define future strategies and advanced technology options to reduce emissions of toxic compounds from mobile sources.

Sole Source Justification

Section II, Step 3(C) of the Consultant Selection Policy identifies four provisions under which the Governing Board may award a sole-source contract: (1) cost to prepare documents exceeds the cost for consultants; (2) delay would result in the endangerment of public health; (3) services are only available from the sole source; (4) other circumstances exist identifying the sole source as in the best interest of the AQMD. This request for sole source award is being made under provision (4).

ARB is the primary contractor and is responsible for overall management of this project. Along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ARB has regulatory authority to establish and implement emission standards for on-road heavy-duty diesel engines. In this capacity, the ARB has worked closely with the EPA and heavy-duty engine manufacturers and is well acquainted with the industry and issues related to regulatory development.

As a lead agency for developing both on- and off-road equipment and engine regulations, the ARB is extremely well positioned to oversee an evaluation of mobile source emissions including factors that affect diesel toxicity. This ability is critical to the successful completion of this project. In addition, the ARB has had extensive experience in managing and administering projects involving heavy-duty on-road engines and equipment.

The ARB with the cost sharing of the AQMD, obtained the services of CE-CERT to start this project in January, 1995. All the testings have been conducted at MTA's facility which includes a heavy-duty engine dynamometer. This unique alliance of governmental agencies and academia provides the necessary capabilities to fulfill all the objectives of this project.

Resource Impacts

Total cost for the proposed amendment is $102,000. AQMD's co-funding shall not exceed $10,000, with the remaining $92,000 being co-funded by the ARB. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1997-98 budget to fund this project.

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