Proposal:

Recognize the Successful Efforts and Conclusion of the Coachella Valley PM10 Working Group and Accept the Final Semi-Annual Reports

Synopsis:

As part of Resolution 90-49, the Board established the Coachella Valley (CV) PM10 Technical Working Group (TWG) to assist in implementation of the 1990 CV State Implementation Plan. As noted in the recently adopted CV PM10 Attainment Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan, the CV has attained the PM10 standards (1993-1995). Staff recommends that the Board recognize the successful efforts and conclusion of the TWG, accept the two semi-annual reports (#11 and #12), and further direct staff to continue to provide technical assistance to the CV Association of Governments in their efforts in support of the CV Maintenance Plan.

Committee:

Not Applicable

Recommended Action:

1. Receive and file the final TWG reports.

2. Conclude TWG activities, and direct the Executive Officer to continue to provide assistance on technical issues and public outreach to the CV Association of Governments in their efforts to support of the CV Maintenance Plan.

3. Recognize and commend member cities, agencies, and organizations of the TWG for their outstanding efforts and achievements.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

As part of Resolution 90-49 adopting the 1990 State Implementation Plan for PM10 in the Coachella Valley (90-CVSIP), the Board established a Technical Working Group (TWG), comprised of AQMD staff members and designated Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) representatives, to resolve implementation issues. One of the requirements of the TWG is to prepare semi-annual reports for AQMD's Governing Board and CVAG's Executive Committee. Attached are the final TWG reports (#11 and #12) that cover the period January 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996.

Key accomplishments during 1996 include the following: 1) preparation and adoption of the CV Maintenance Plan, 2) CVAG acceptance of a technical report analyzing chemical dust suppressant use on unpaved bus stops, 3) CVAG acceptance of a City of Indio report that evaluated the effectiveness of vegetative wind breaks in blowsand control, and 4) allocation of Phase 3 Congestion Management and Air Quality - Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act funds to SunLine Transit Agency to purchase ten PM10-efficient street sweepers.

Proposal

Due to the outstanding efforts of CVAG, its member jurisdictions, the building industry, and others in implementing what is believed to be the most comprehensive PM10 reduction programs in the Nation, the Coachella Valley has not violated either the 24-hour or annual average PM10 National Ambient Air Quality Standards during the period 1993-1995 [ Excludes certain natural events as permitted under the U.S. EPA Natural Events Policy] . Under the federal Clean Air Act, an area can petition to be redesignated to attainment if, among other requirements, the area has no violations during a consecutive three year period. In response to the improvements in the Valley's air quality, the AQMD prepared and submitted the CV Maintenance Plan.

As required by the U.S. EPA Natural Events Policy, a Natural Events Action Plan (NEAP) is necessary to exclude air quality data collected during certain natural events (such as dust from natural blowsand areas during high wind conditions). The intent of the NEAP is to protect public health through public education and notification of unhealthful air quality. U.S. EPA guidance further states that the NEAP must identify programs to: 1) establish air quality notification and education programs, 2) identify, study and implement practical mitigation measures, and 3) conduct periodic reevaluations of the conditions affecting air quality and current air quality data. The CV Maintenance Plan contains a NEAP that includes commitments consistent with U.S. EPA guidance.

The improvements in the Valley's air quality have shifted the TWG's focus from control measure implementation to that of public outreach and maintenance of existing PM10 control programs. Accordingly, CVAG staff has requested a recognition of the TWG achievements and the cancellation of future TWG activities and responsibilities. CVAG has also requested continued AQMD assistance with future public outreach and technical air quality issues. These recommendations are consistent with the AQMD commitments contained in the NEAP.

Attachments

A. Coachella Valley PM10 TWG Member Organizations
B. Semi-Annual Report #11
C. Semi-Annual Report #12

ATTACHMENT A

Coachella Valley PM10 Technical Working Group Member Organizations:

Building Industry Association
City of Cathedral City
City of Coachella
City of Desert Hot Springs
City of Indian Wells
City of Indio
City of La Quinta
City of Palm Desert
City of Palm Springs
City of Rancho Mirage
Coachella Valley Association of Governments
County of Riverside
Emily D.P. Nelson, D.Env. Consulting South Coast Air Quality Management District

Attachments B & C

DUE TO THE BULK OF ATTACHMENTS B & C, THEY ARE PROVIDED TO THE BOARD MEMBERS ONLY. A COPY OF THESE TWO ATTACHMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT THE DISTRICT’S LIBRARY