BOARD MEETING DATE: November 14, 1997 AGENDA NO. 18
PROPOSAL:
Public Affairs Report
SYNOPSIS:
This report highlights the September 1997 activities of the Public Affairs & Local Government Assistance Office which includes the Public Advisor (Small Business Assistance, Economic Development/ Business Retention, Outreach Activities), Local Government, Public Records and Media Communications. The latest edition of the AQMD Advisor is included with this report.
COMMITTEE:
Not Applicable.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive and file this report.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer
The following report reflects the activities of the Public Affairs and Local Government Assistance Office for the month of September. The report format includes four major areas: Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance (including Economic Development/ Business Retention), Local Government Activity and Communications. In addition beginning this month, a Status Report on the Environmental Justice Initiatives launched by the Governing Board in October of 1997 will be included with this report, summarizing the latest activities undertaken by staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES
On October 25, 1997, Chairman William Burke, Board Members Wayne Nastri and Richard Alarcon, Staff Members Barry Wallerstein, Elaine Chang, LaRonda Bowen and Lupe Valdez participated in the City of Los Angeles Second Environmental Justice Forum. Approximately 120 individuals participated including Council-members Mark Ridley-Thomas and Ruth Galanter. The AQMD and SCAG co-sponsored the event. The day culminated with the group establishing a series of suggestions that could evolve into an action plan for the City of Los Angeles. The group will reconvene in February to present a strategy to work on three to four top priorities.
COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS
The following describes community events and public meetings that provided AQMD customers with air quality information during September.
|
Date |
Location |
External/Description of Activity |
|
9/4 |
Seal Beach |
Spoke to Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce to confirm placement of 50 years of Progress display at their offices to promote Community Clean Air Kite Festival (Sept. 27-28). |
|
9/4 |
Santa Fe Springs |
Distributed District literature and information at Federal Reserve Bank’s Rideshare Fair. |
|
9/10 |
Santa Monica |
Provided outreach material for 1500 people at the Save the Whale fair. |
|
9/13-14 |
Santa Ana |
Staff participated in Mexican Independence Day Celebration attended by over 50,000 people. Provided fact sheet highlighting AQMD services available to Spanish-speaking public. |
|
9/14 |
Whittier |
Staff participated in Healthy Sunday event sponsored by Hispanic Outreach Task Force. |
|
9/17 |
Los Angeles County |
Spoke to representative from Rogers & Assoc. re outreach project with L.A. County Department of Public Works. Discussed possible partnering opportunity on proposed outreach plan to reach Spanish-speaking mechanics with storm water issue and Rule 1171 outreach. |
|
9/17 |
Compton |
Attended Compton Chamber of Commerce meeting and distributed information on upcoming District events. |
|
9/22 |
New Orleans, LA |
Staff participated in STAPPA/ALAPCO "Communicating Air Quality Issues" sponsored by Public Education Committee. |
|
9/25 |
Cal State Long Beach |
Attended 70th Anniversary Conference and Health Expo sponsored by So. Calif. Public Health Association. |
SPEAKERS BUREAU / VISITING DIGNITARIES / INFORMATION REQUESTS
The District hosts distinguished visitors from around the world, as well as members of the general public, who visit our headquarters to tour the award-winning facility and meet with staff on a wide range of air quality issues. The following describes the major activities handled during September.
|
Date |
Location |
External/Description of Activity |
|
9/5 |
Los Angeles |
Met with representative of SoCalGas to discuss environmental justice issues. |
|
9/17 |
AQMD |
Staff planned agenda for visiting Senior Environmental Physicist, Pacific Air and Environment, Brisbane, Australia. |
|
9/17 |
AQMD |
Staff coordinated visit from the Manager, Engineering & Environment, NRMA Ltd., Sydney, Australia. The visitor met with Transportation and Technology Advancement staff on indirect source control and vehicle emissions testing programs. |
|
9/18 |
Vancouver |
Advised Canadian company on combustion technology for low-NOx appliances. |
|
9/23 |
AQMD |
Public Advisor staff hosted the Chief Ministerial Counselor, Department of Integrated Pollution Control, Ministry of Environment and Regional Policy, Budapest, Hungary. Various air quality issues were discussed. |
|
9/24 |
Montana |
Out-of-state pollution prevention (P2) program required technical assistance for odor control from auto body paint operations. Discussed various options for control equipment. |
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
AQMD assists its regulated customers by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their development by providing one-to-one assistance, and by actively participating in efforts to attract and retain employers in the basin. Staff also works with other agencies and states to identify efficient, cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution and shares that information broadly.
|
Date |
Location |
External/Description of Activity |
|
9/1-30 |
Downey, L.A. City Hall, Baldwin Hills, Santa Ana, Ontario, Van Nuys |
Staffed the local permit assistance center in these areas. |
|
9/2 |
Gardena |
Bilingual assistance provided to company who received NOV. Staff assisted in completing permit applications in order to bring the company into compliance. |
|
9/2 |
Los Angeles |
Company received NOV for using non-compliant coatings and feels VOC readings by AQMD lab were in error and they were operating in compliance with R1107. Staff will review and work with SSC to resolve the problem. |
|
9/3 |
South El Monte |
Visited coatings manufacturer to assure they are current on AQMD actions related to Material Safety Data Sheets and powder coating. |
|
9/3 |
Fontana |
Fabricating plant - Project required negative declaration that will require large amounts of offsets; discussed CEQA issues. This project is a major investment and job creator. |
|
9/3 |
Chino |
Met with company looking to relocate and to discuss compliance issues. |
|
9/4 |
West Los Angeles |
Assisted restaurant with completing permit application and determining fees. |
|
9/4 |
Santa Fe Springs |
Furniture manufacturer needed advice regarding rules, permits, consultants relating to expansion. |
|
9/4 |
Anaheim |
Manufacturer of construction products needed technical information on low-VOC adhesives, permit applications, BACT and various other issues. |
|
9/4 |
World Electric Car/CARB & Trade and Commerce |
Coordinating effort to obtain contract between Trade & Commerce, CARB and AQMD for facilitating manufacturing of EV’s in California. |
|
9/9 |
San Gabriel |
Outreach material provided to the San Gabriel Cities Valley Consortium for distribution to the 25 largest employers in the San Gabriel Valley. |
|
9/9 |
Diamond Bar |
Met with Gas Company to evaluate technology necessary for compliance with Rule 1146.2. |
|
9/9 |
Los Angeles |
Living complex - Performed inspection on boiler under 2 MBTU. Permit not required. |
|
9/10 |
Districtwide |
Preparation work was completed on next loan guaranty package for foam manufacturing company. |
|
9/10 |
Montebello |
Advised company on expansion plans and how to meet BACT and other requirements. |
|
9/10 |
Anaheim |
Transportation equipment company - Manufacturer plans to move to Los Angeles County. Staff presented options for decreasing emissions while expanding production. |
|
9/11 |
Anaheim |
Discussed BACT and NSR issues with company modifying equipment. |
|
9/11 |
Brea |
Transportation equipment manufacturer-assisted with permit applications and technology evaluation. |
|
9/15 |
Santa Fe Springs |
Provided technical assistance to city for company relocating from Arizona with 200 employees. |
|
9/16 |
Irwindale |
Sponsored High Technology Cleaning Conference, 150 attendees. |
|
9/16 |
L.A. County |
Outreach to Community Development Commission Recycling Market Development Zone on Business Assistance program. |
|
9/16 |
Districtwide |
Discussed proposal with Pacific Technology Alliance for facilitating discussions with both Japanese and American businesses. |
|
9/16 |
Van Nuys |
Manufacturer of motion picture film cleaning machines - Met with company to discuss permitting issues relating to perchloroethylene and IPA solvent machines. |
|
9/17-18 |
Ontario Permit Assistance Center/Coachella Valley |
AQMD Palm Desert staff liaison will staff exhibit for Ontario PAC. This environmental conference includes government and industry representatives. |
|
9/18 |
Brea |
Truck utility service body manufacturer-company is concerned about increasing production and exceeding their facility VOC limits. Met again with company and paint manufacturer representative to review emissions data and calculations. Provided suggestions on how to greatly simplify daily recordkeeping and VOC abatement systems for spray booth. |
|
9/18 |
Santa Ana |
Company required technical assistance for converting from CFC cleaner to low-VOC cleaner. |
|
9/19 |
Los Angeles |
Provided a translation of Rule 212 Notice for DWP facility. |
|
9/23 |
Ontario |
Food Manufacturer - Discussed permit requirements with company that is consolidating several area locations and relocating to Chino. |
|
9/23 |
Burbank |
Coating application equipment manufacturer recently developed a VOC abatement system that is particularly effective for use on spray booths. There is a need for this type of technology at industrial facilities with high VOC emissions in the Basin, especially in metal and wood coating operations. The company’s concerns were discussed regarding permit application fees levied on this type of control equipment. Staff is assisting company in obtaining information on companies in the Basin with excessive VOC emissions. |
|
9/23 |
Ontario Permit Assistance Center |
Conducted technical consultation at manufacturing facility. |
|
9/23 |
Woodland Hills |
Provided technical assistance and advised company on combustion technology for low-NOx appliances relating to Rule 1146.2. |
|
9/23 |
Ontario |
Assisted furniture manufacturer with permitting problems relating to BACT/NSR issues. |
|
9/23 |
Santa Ana |
Attended Red Team meeting with adhesive manufacturer who wants to expand operations locally but can potentially relocate out of state. |
|
9/24 |
Irvine |
Discussed possible joint venture with Small Business Development Center in seeking venture or capital for startup businesses. |
|
9/24 |
Anaheim |
Advised pollution control company seeking funding for expansion. |
|
9/25 |
South El Monte |
Helped iron foundry with permitting issue on purchase of equipment. |
|
9/25 |
Gas Company Energy Resource Center |
SBA staff gave a presentation to business clients of the Gas Company who deal with the AQMD. The workshop entitled, "How to Deal With an AQMD Inspection," provided the opportunity to emphasize the options available to businesses by using the services of the SBA office and the Technical Consultation Service (TCS) program. It was explained how the TCS service worked and how it could be used to give a compliance assessment of their operation without fear of an enforcement action. The Gas Company presentation emphasized all aspects of inspection procedures so the businesses were all properly advised. |
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITY
Intergovernmental Affairs works interactively with local government, state and federal officials in response to their air quality concerns and local issues. Major activities include understanding local governments’ needs and sensitivities, educating and helping them address various air quality issues that are encountered in their communities. Additionally, staff administers the AB 2766 Subvention and Discretionary Fund Programs.
|
Date |
Location |
External/Description of Activity |
|
9/2 |
Orange |
Staff monitored Orange County Board of Supervisors where electric vehicle infrastructure was being discussed. No action was taken on any air quality issues. |
|
9/3 |
San Bernardino |
Staff attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board of Directors Meeting where they coordinated a presentation by AQMD Planning and Applied Science and Technology staff. The board members present were interested in the information which was presented and asked several pertinent questions. SANBAG staff were complimentary in their assessment of the timeliness and content of the presentations. |
|
9/3 |
Riverside |
At the request of the city manager, staff attended the City of Canyon Lake City Council Meeting in support of the council’s re-consideration of the city’s proposed contract with the MSRC for the installation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station as part of the MSRC’s "Quick Charge EV Infrastructure Program." The city council reversed their previous action, this time approving the project. |
|
9/3 |
Los Angeles |
Met with City of Sierra Madre staff to discuss AB 2766 Subvention Fund options. |
|
9/4 |
All Counties |
Staff attended the SCAG Regional Council Meeting. Staff met with members of the MSRC-TAC in discussion of future activities of the MSRC and representation of Southern California Rideshare at the MSRC-TAC meetings. Staff also met with the chairman of SCAG’s Regional Advisory Council (RAC) regarding research the chairman is doing regarding statewide air districts. |
|
9/5 |
Los Angeles |
Coordinated mailing with Compton Chamber of Commerce in their support of the 3rd International Trade Conference. |
|
9/5 |
Districtwide |
Participated in Clean Cities Leadership Meeting involving cities in the basin. |
|
9/9 |
Orange |
Coordinated briefing for the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee regarding new Federal Standards on Ozone and PM2.5. Staff met with OCCOG staff regarding timeliness of the material and the effectiveness of the presentation. Staff also made a presentation regarding the policies and process employed by the AQMD to issue smog forecasts and health advisories. |
|
9/9 |
Orange |
Coordinated briefing for the Orange County Council of Governments Executive Management Committee regarding new Federal Standards on Ozone and PM2.5. |
|
9/10 |
San Bernardino |
Staff attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Administrative Committee Meeting. Discussed letters recently received by Governing Board Chair Burke from two State Assembly Members regarding the AB 2766 Discretionary Fund Work Program that the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) is developing. |
|
9/10 |
San Bernardino |
Staff met with City Manager in the City of Upland regarding the city’s AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program. Also discussed were other matters of local and regional interest; i.e., recent changes at the AQMD and electric utility restructuring. |
|
9/11 |
Orange |
Participated in League of California Cities’ Orange County Division Meeting. The evening’s program was presented by Ron Bates, President of the League of California Cities and Mayor Pro Tem, City of Los Alamitos. The Division’s Annual Election of Officers were also held. The officers for the next year are: President Bev Perry - City of Brea 1st Vice President Steve Apodaca - City of San Clemente 2nd Vice President Jan Debay - City of Newport Beach State Director Pat McGuigan - City of Santa Ana |
|
9/13 |
San Bernardino |
Met with San Bernardino City Council member to discuss possible use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds for hiring school crossing guards. |
|
9/15 |
San Bernardino |
Gave presentation to San Bernardino City Council members on the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program. |
|
9/16 |
Orange |
At the request of the Mayor of the City of Anaheim, staff attended a special Council Workshop and the subsequent City Council Meeting to respond to questions and concerns regarding the city’s participation in the MSRC’s "EV Quick Charge" charging infrastructure program. |
|
9/17 |
All Counties |
Staff made a presentation regarding "Available Funding for Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles" as part of a panel at the Foothill Transit Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor Fleet Briefing conference. The conference was attended by approximately 120 people, including several local elected officials. |
|
9/17 |
Los Angeles |
Attended the Compton Chamber of Commerce and distributed information on upcoming District events. |
|
9/17 |
Los Angeles |
Received call from Finance Department at City of Irwindale requesting clarification on certification of propane conversion kits. |
|
9/18 |
Orange |
Coordinated briefing for the Orange County Council of Governments Board of Directors Meeting (OCCOG) regarding new Federal Standards on Ozone and PM2.5. |
|
9/18 |
San Bernardino |
Attended and participated in League of California Cities’ Inland Empire Division Meeting. The Division’s Annual Election of Officers was also held. The officers for the next year are: President Paul Biane - City of Rancho Cucamonga Vice President Lee Ann Garcia - City of Grand Terrace |
|
9/18 |
San Bernardino |
Staff attended a "Legislative Summit" sponsored by the West End Business Association featuring a panel discussion involving Assembly Member Bill Leonard (R-Rancho Cucamonga), Assembly Member Fred Aguiar (R-Chino), and Assembly Member Joe Baca (D-Rialto). |
|
9/23 |
San Bernardino |
Staff met with Field Representative for Supervisor Dennis Hansberger. Topics of discussion included recent changes at the AQMD, the MSRC’s "EV Quick Charge" Program, Chairman Burke’s Environmental Justice Initiatives, and electric utility restructuring. |
|
9/23 |
Los Angeles |
Staff met with City of Santa Fe Springs staff regarding AQIP grant. |
|
9/24 |
Los Angeles |
Presentation on the new Federal EPA Standards to the South Bay Council of Governments in Torrance. |
|
9/24 |
San Bernardino |
Staff met with City Manager for the City of Montclair regarding the city’s interest in alternative fueling infrastructure. Also discussed were recent changes at the AQMD and electric utility restructuring. |
|
9/25 |
Los Angeles |
Met with Congress Member Howard Berman’s staff regarding potential for electric vehicle manufacture in the San Fernando Valley. |
|
9/25 |
San Bernardino |
Staff attended the Baldy View Public Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting. Staff met with CLOUT Chairman Eileen Ansari, Council Member - Diamond Bar regarding Chairman Ansari’s request for a legislative report from the AQMD at future CLOUT meetings. |
|
9/25 |
Los Angeles |
Presentation made by staff on the new Federal EPA Standards to the South Bay Council of Governments. |
|
9/26 |
Los Angeles |
Meeting with City of Santa Clarita staff to discuss current District programs. |
|
9/27 |
Los Angeles |
Participated in 58th District Legislative Forum and Open House in Santa Fe Springs. |
|
9/29 |
All Counties |
Staff participated in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Clean Cities Advisory Council Meeting. A review of recent activities, the Council’s mission and strategic plan, and planning for future activities were discussed. |
|
9/29 |
San Bernardino |
Staff met with City Manager for the City of Upland regarding the city’s interest in alternative fuel vehicles and fueling infrastructure programs. Also discussed were other matters of local and regional interest including recent changes at the AQMD. |
MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications Unit is responsible for informing and educating the public through the media and through the District’s Public Information Center
|
Date |
Media |
External/Description of Activity |
|
9/2/97 |
Districtwide |
September Advisor posted on Web page |
|
9/3/97 |
Districtwide Press |
Press release issued on new EPA standards workshops |
|
9/3/97 |
Briefing |
Background briefing for LA Times reporter Frank Clifford |
|
9/3/97 |
Briefing |
Background briefing for Riverside Press-Enterprise reporter Jack McCarthy |
|
9/4/97 |
Districtwide Press |
Press release issued on impending end of smog season |
|
9/11/97 |
Exhibit |
AWMA Dinner - 50th Year Anniversary |
|
9/12/97 |
Districtwide Print and Broadcast & Internet |
Press release issued on Chairman’s Environmental Justice Initiatives |
|
9/16/97 |
Districtwide Print and Broadcast |
Press release issued on opening of Clean Air Solutions Center |
|
9/17/97 |
Chamber Publications |
Ad placed for LA Area Chamber of Commerce Directory |
|
9/18/97 |
Districtwide Print and Broadcast |
Press release issued on NRDC lawsuit against AQMD |
|
9/19/97 |
Newspapers, Radio, TV Coverage |
Gas station audit report to Stationary Source Committee |
|
9/24/97 |
Newspapers, Radio, TV |
Press release issued on Title III conference |
|
9/25/97 |
Los Angeles |
Ad submitted for publication in the LA Area Chamber Directory |
|
9/25/97 |
East Los Angeles Area Newspapers |
Ad placed to publicize Boyle Heights community meeting in East Los Angeles area. |
|
9/30/97 |
Districtwide & National Trade Publications |
Press release on Wet-Cleaning Study drafted for review |
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER STATISTICS
The Public Information Center handles the District’s daily visitors and handles general information phone calls. This monthly report provides a total tally of visitor transactions and phone calls.
|
Visitor Transactions |
Total Phone Calls |
|
910 |
11,896 |
|
Information Packages Mailed |
Live Calls by PIC Staff |
|
318 |
961 |
PUBLIC RECORDS
The Public Records Unit is responsible for reporting on requests that are received and those which are completed. There are also requests that are carried over from month to month.
|
Requests Carried Over |
No. of Requests Received |
No. of Requests Closed |
|
337 |
393 |
424 |
/ / /