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REPORT:

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Technology Committee met on February 27, 1998. Major items discussed included feature presentations on the diesel fuel standards and further emissions reductions from diesel engines, CE-CERT’s NSF proposal, and Fischer Tropsch fuel. Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the March Board Meeting were reviewed. Updates and reports included Rule 1610 audit, a discussion on Rule 1150.1, an update on the TAO Clean Fuels Program reauthorization, and monthly reports on environmental justice initiatives 2, 7, 8, and 10. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided, together with an attendance roster. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on March 27, 1998 at 11:30 a.m. in CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Receive and file this report.

Wayne H. Nastri, Chairman
Technology Committee

Attendance: Present were Committee Chairman Wayne Nastri, Committee Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz, and Committee members Norma Glover, Jon Mikels and Roy Wilson. Committee Member Jon Mikels left after Committee Agenda item 4, and Committee Member Roy Wilson left after Committee Agenda item 6.

Technology Advancement Feature Presentations

Diesel Fuel Standards and Further Emissions Reductions from Diesel Engines- Tom Cackette, Deputy Executive Officer of ARB, presented an overview on the sources of diesel emissions in the Greater Los Angeles area and how these emissions can be further controlled, noting that diesel emissions in Greater Los Angeles originate primarily from industrial engines. However, heavy-duty (Class A) trucks are the next largest source of diesel emissions, and three-fourths of these heavy-duty trucks are registered in California. In-use emissions are being reduced through roadside inspections and mandatory self-inspections, and a new NOx test is being developed. Reformulated diesel fuels were introduced in 1993 and reduced NOx by 7% and PM by 25%. Effective 2004, a new national and state NOx standard will require a reduction from 4 to 2 grams, thus reducing NOx emissions by 50% and controlling 80% of all diesel emissions. Mr. Cackette emphasized that fuels and vehicles have to be considered--not exclusively fuels alone. He concluded by noting that it is difficult to expand the supply of alternative fueled heavy-duty vehicles when the market demand remains low.

Presentation on CE-CERT’s NSF Proposal - Joseph Norbeck, Director of the College of Engineering, Center for Research and Technology (CE-CERT) presented details on CE-CERT’s National Science Foundation proposal for establishment of a research center focusing on renewable transportation energy. The proposed center will establish a multiyear research program aimed at defining and managing the total energy cycle for transportation. It will approach transportation as an entire system, and identify the most promising concepts for satisfying the needs without sacrificing the environment. The Committee requested printed copies of the proposal for review.

Presentation on Fischer-Tropsch Fuel - George Sverdrup, Projects Manager of Battelle’s Health and Environment Group, presented an overview of Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) fuels, including a description of the F-T fuels, emissions characteristics, economics of production and use, current research activities, and outstanding issues to be addressed. This overview was provided as an informational basis for considering a proposed contract to assess emissions reduction potential of F-T fuels.

March Board Agenda Items

1. Execute Contracts with College of Engineering - Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) - In the FY 1997-98 Budget, $700,000 is identified for CE-CERT to conduct several technology advancement projects. Staff have now identified three specific projects to carry out this budget item: (1) Development of a ULEV Ethanol-Fueled Vehicle; (2) Effects of Alternative Diesel Fuel Formulation on Exhaust Emission Rates and Reactivity; and (3) Analysis of the Effectiveness of On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II). The first project is both technology development, such that it will hopefully result in a new method to address the cold-start issue and a new catalyst system, and educational since the team building the vehicle will be undergraduate students.

The Committee suggested that a policy be developed on funding student educational technology projects versus true R&D projects. The Committee requested that the second project be expanded to include alternative fuels (e.g., DME, Fischer-Tropsch, etc.) rather than only alternative diesel fuels. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and unanimously noted their approval of staff’s recommendation, as amended.

2. Execute Contract to Assess Emissions Reduction Potential of Fischer-Tropsch Fuels - The majority of the heavy-duty trucks and buses in the Basin are powered by diesel engines which contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin’s emissions inventory. A new class of diesel fuels, generically called Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) fuels, has been identified as having potential to significantly reduce diesel emissions. The proposed project will have both a local and national focus. The South Coast Basin focus will assess the properties and production of F-T fuels, assess the current status and potential for these fuels in applications within the South Coast Basin, and provide recommendations for a demonstration and evaluation program within the AQMD. Cost to the AQMD for the proposed study shall not exceed $131,615, with DOE providing $20,000 toward the local focus effort. Although the AQMD’s monies will be paying for a paper study, this effort is only a small portion of a broader DOE national study that will include testing of F-T fuels in a diesel truck demonstration at the Orange County Sanitation Districts and the results will be shared with the AQMD.

The Committee requested that rather than a fixed-fee contract, the contract with Battelle be cost reimbursable with a not-to-exceed limit and interim deliverables and "go/no go" milestones. Staff will report further to the Committee as this project moves forward, and the Committee expressed interest in a presentation by DOE on their national study. The Committee reviewed the information presented and unanimously noted their approval of staff’s recommendation, as amended.

3. Execute Contract to Demonstrate Conversion of Existing Transit Bus to CNG Operation - Heavy-Duty vehicles contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin’s emissions inventory. The major heavy-duty engine manufacturers began pursuing alternative fuels in heavy-duty engines in the 1980s. The first commercialization of alternative fuel engines occurred in transit buses, utilizing Cummins and Detroit Diesel engines. Although transit districts in the Basin are specifying alternative fuels for new bus purchases, there are hundreds of older diesel buses continuing to operate. The proposed project will demonstrate the conversion of an existing transit bus operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority to CNG, utilizing a Deere Power Systems Group engine. The existing transit bus to be used is one of the alcohol buses not currently in service and is about six years old with low mileage. Once converted, the bus will be placed in regular service and the demonstration will include evaluation of the fuel system and impacts. Total cost of the project is approximately $367,000; cost to the AQMD shall not exceed $50,000. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and unanimously noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

4. Execute Contract to Cost-Share Development and Demonstration of Ultracapacitor System for Advanced Technology Transit Bus - The Advanced Technology Transit Bus (ATTB) is a federally funded program to develop and commercialize lightweight, fuel-efficient transit buses. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) has built six prototype ATTBs, most for local deployment. These ATTBs utilize an electric drivetrain powered by a CNG-fueled generator set, but lack capability for regenerative braking. Ultracapacitors are emerging, long-life electrical devices that store energy and deliver bursts of power. To maximize efficiency and minimize emissions, NGC proposes to select, procure and install an ultracapacitor system into one ATTB. Total project cost is estimated at $707,000. Cost sharing is anticipated form the Federal Transit Administration, ARB, and the city of Santa Monica. An AQMD cost share of $350,000 is recommended. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and unanimously noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

5. Execute Contracts to Cost-Share Three Mobile Source Research Projects with ARB - ARB is in the process of selecting contractors for three mobile source research projects: (1) Comparative Life-Cycle Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles Relative to Internal Combustion Engines; (2) Refinement of Fuel-Cycle Emissions Analyses; and (3) Demonstration of a Fast-Response On-Board NOx Sensor for Heavy-Duty Vehicles. ARB is seeking AQMD cost-sharing in the amount of $300,000 out of a total budget of $700,000 for these projects, broken down as follows: Project 1 - $100,000 of $200,000 budget; Project 2 - $75,000 out of $150,000 budget, and Project 3 - $125,000 out of $350,000 budget. These efforts will be carried out through three separate contracts with ARB. The first study will be contracted through a competitive process conducted by ARB and will include a range of batteries that will be represented in 2000. A member of the public noted that a complementary study on life-cycle conducted by DOE and Argonne Labs was nearing completion. The second study will be overseen by Cal Poly Pomona through an interagency agreement and will assist staff in the CEQA process. The third project is a hardware development project that will be contracted through a competitive process conducted by ARB. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and unanimously noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

6. Issue RFP to Develop and Demonstrate Technologies for Cleanup of Landfill Gas (LFG); Conversion of LFG, Methanol or Natural Gas to Hydrogen; and Installation of a Hydrogen Refueling Network - Recently, major automakers - including Ford, Daimler Benz - have announced their intention to develop fuel cell vehicles in fairly large numbers before the end of the next decade. Hydrogen has been identified as among the leading fuels to power these vehicles. The intent of the proposed RFP, #9798-35, is to develop and demonstrate technologies to build a potential hydrogen production and refueling network. Total AQMD funding for this RFP will be a maximum of $600,000 for technologies for the cleanup of LFG, for hydrogen reforming and purification, and for hydrogen refueling stations.

The Committee asked that staff provide comparative costs between the direct purchase of hydrogen and hydrogen generated from landfills. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and unanimously noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

Updates and Reports

Rule 1610 - Audit - Wayne Nastri reported that he met with staff and there are clearly issues that need to be further addressed. Currently, they are in the information gathering stage. Mr. Nastri recommended that a peer review group be formed to evaluate the information, and he asked staff to provide a list of experts in the field. He also asked staff to provide a list of all the cars scrapped to date and a list of companies certified for scrapping.

Rule 1150.1 - Discussion - Carol Coy, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer Stationary Source Compliance reported that staff met with representatives from the two companies that testified at the public hearing concerning financial liability and regulatory responsibility. Their concerns revolve around not being held liable for things they cannot control. Staff needs to define owner and operator responsibilities to address this concern and is working with the two companies to develop language. Once language has been developed, it will be coordinated with all agencies involved in the landfill group, including municipalities. Rule 1150.1 will be included on the April Governing Board calendar since ARB is awaiting our action before they move forward with their landfill regulation.

TAO Clean Fuels Program Reauthorization - Lupe Valdez, DEO of Public Affairs and Local Government Assistance, reported that the AQMD now has a bill and author--AB 2194 (Washington)--and provided a copy of the bill as currently proposed. The Committee asked for a list of the contacts used in the last reauthorization effort and requested that an aggressive campaign be launched toward individuals who can provide support for the bill.

Monthly Report on Environmental Justice Initiatives

Initiative #2 - Elaine Chang, Director of Planning and Policy, Transportation and Information Management, presented a status report on Environmental Justice Initiative #2, Ambient Toxic Monitoring. A monthly status report was handed out and is attached as Attachment B

Initiative #7 - Andy Abele, Manager Clean Fuels Program of Technology Advancement, presented a status report on Environmental Justice Initiative #7, Cleanup Incentives for Diesel. A monthly status report was handed out and is attached hereto as Attachment C.

Initiative #8 - Carol Coy, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer Stationary Source Compliance, presented a status report on Environmental Justice Initiative #8, Advanced Field Inspection Technology. A monthly status report was handed out and is attached hereto as Attachment D.

Initiative #10 - Jill Whynot, Planning and Rules Manager, Stationary Source Compliance, presented a status report on Environmental Justice Initiative #10, Rules 1401 and 1402. A monthly status report was handed out and is attached hereto as Attachment E. Wayne Nastri expressed concern that the threshold range may cause compliancy uncertainty. Norma Glover asked staff to prepare a report on the potential implications of a CEQA analysis. The Committee also asked for a list of the working group members.

Other Business - There was no other business introduced.

Public Comment Period - John Billheimer, a member of the public, expressed concern about the difficulty in obtaining information on what various AQMD-funded studies have accomplished. He suggested that contracts let by TAO require two additional copies of final reports, one for the AQMD Library’s archive and one for loan-out. At this time these final reports have to be requested through Public Records.

Attachments

Attachment A - Attendance

Attachment B - Environmental Initiative # 2 Status Report

Attachment C - Environmental Initiative # 7 Status Report

Attachment D - Environmental Initiative # 8 Status Report

Attachment E - Environmental Initiative #10 Status Report

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Carolyn Syms Luna	AQMD Board Assistant
Daniela Fernandez	AQMD Board Assistant
Jennifer Korn	AQMD Board Assistant
Ruthanne Taylor Berger	AQMD Board Assistant
Peter Whittingham	Assistant to Supervisor Antonovich
Barry Wallerstein, Acting Executive Officer	AQMD
Lupe Valdez, DEO Public Affairs & Local Government Assistance	AQMD
Carol Coy, ADEO Major Sources	AQMD
Chung Liu, ADEO Technology Advancement	AQMD
Elaine Chang, Director Planning, Transportation and Information Management	AQMD
Connie Day, Planning, Transportation and Information Management	AQMD
Bill Wong, District Counsel’s Office	AQMD
Frances Keeler, District Counsel’s Office	AQMD
Jill Whynot, Stationary Source Compliance	AQMD
Anupom Ganguli, Stationary Source Compliance	AQMD
Dan Russell, Stationary Source Compliance	AQMD
William Thompson, Stationary Source Compliance	AQMD
Sam Atwood, Public Affairs	AQMD
Alfonso Baez, Public Affairs	AQMD
Woody Hastings, Public Affairs	AQMD
Rudy Eden, Technical Support Services	AQMD
Andy Abele, Technology Advancement	AQMD
Mike Nazemi, Technology Advancement	AQMD
Shankar Prassad, Technology Advancement	AQMD
Jon Leonard, Technology Advancement	AQMD
Fred Minassian, Technology Advancement	AQMD
Chris Abe, Technology Advancement
Cindy Sullivan, Technology Advancement	AQMD
Ranji George, Technology Advancement	AQMD
Drue Ramirez, Technology Advancement	AQMD
Andrew Washington	Ogden Energy
Tudor Williams	Cambrian Energy Development
Bob Graham	Northrup Grumman
David Nichol	Northrup Grumman
Aivars Berzins	Northrup Grumman
Koji Kanemoto	NGV Ecotrans
Julian Blomley	BIEC
Lee Wallace	PE/SoCal Gas
George Sverdrup	Battelle
David Brandmeyer	Battelle
Mitch Boretz	UCR, CE-CERT
Gary Pope	USA PRO
Bob Zweig	Clean Air Now
Jocelyn Thompson	McClintock
John Billheimer	Small Business Coalition

AQMD Staff, with peer review feedback, will design and conduct a program of ambient monitoring for toxic hot spots. Expanded, accurate, reliable, suitable data on exposure levels will enable us to begin to apply that knowledge to effective problem-solving.

January/Early February Actions:

1. Board actions:

2. MATES-II:

3. Microscale Study:

• Process/criteria to select platform locations discussed by ATSTRG.

• Development of potential list of communities initiated.

• Microscale inventory process to be included. AQMD staff observed LAUSD microscale inventory process.

4. ATSTRG Actions:

5. Coordination:

Upcoming Items:

• Recommendation of consultant to conduct inventory project at March Board meeting

• Completion of draft Monitoring and Laboratory Protocol Document

• Receipt and check-out of special monitoring equipment

• Completion of site locations for Wilmington, Huntington Park, and Compton.

• Completion of proposed list of Microscale Study communities

• Next ATSTRG meeting mid-March

The Governing Board will pursue a set of Initiatives at the local, state, and federal level to incentivize the early clean-up or removal of diesel engines in the Basin. Research indicates that low-income communities and communities of color experience disproportionate air quality impacts associated with diesel engine use.

Support funding incentives

• Participated via conference calls and review of materials in drafting of amendments to AB 1368 (Villaraigosa) and language for a new Brulte bill. These bills will be co-joined.

• Provided Alan Lind, AQMD legislative consultant, with the current version of the Villaraigosa bill and have added him to the distribution list for draft language and meeting announcements.

Promote Technology Advancement

• In discussions with DOE/NREL to cost-share demonstration of pre-commercial natural gas heavy-duty engines. Criteria includes certification at ARB low-emission levels, increased horsepower over current commercial products, and commitment to commercialize in 3 years or less.

Coordinate with Transit Districts

• AQMD Acting Exectuive Officer Dr. Barry Wallerstein testified in support of OCTA’s proposed purchase of LNG-fueled transit buses, a proposal that was approved by the OCTA Board.

• Attended LACMTA Operations Committee and Board meetings regarding consideration of proposed options to address the alcohol bus fleet. Dr. Chung Liu provided testimony at the most recent Operations Committee meeting urging the LACMTA to stay the course with clean alternative fuels, however, the Committee approved the LACMTA staff recommendation to convert its alcohol buses to diesel.

• Continued discussions with LACMTA staff regarding proposed projects to re-engine one alcohol bus with a John Deere CNG engine and to provide technical support for alcohol engines.

Continue statewide coordination

• Attended status meeting of ARB-air district corridor group to discuss: (1) combining three separate working groups into one group; (2) status of individual district alternative fuel heavy-duty engine funding programs; and (3) funding from ARB for advanced diesel technologies.

Conduct Public Education and Outreach

• As part of Clean Cities outreach program; held a workshop in Anaheim focused on electric and fuel cell technologies, particularly for transit applications. Attendance was approximately 100 persons.

• Met with American Foods (Lucky’s) to discuss their interest and potential commitment to purchase LNG engines/vehicles.

Initiative: The AQMD staff will formulate a plan to use modern advances in technology for enhanced field inspection purposes to better detect pollution problems identified by the public and investigate ways to enhance AQMD’s field presence.

January/February Progress:

• Refine Testing and Analysis Technologies

- The Board-approved workplan continued to be implemented. Internal evaluation of laboratory technologies is in progress.

• Improve In-Field Enforcement Capability

- The Board-approved workplan to investigate the technical feasibility and cost of using detection and monitoring instrumentation for routine inspections continued to be implemented.

• State-of-the-Science Contract Study to Identify Advanced Inspection, Testing, and Analytical Technology

- The proposed RFP was completed.

- The proposed RFP was presented to the Governing Board on February 13, 1998 and approved for release on February 17, 1998.

• Establish a Peer Review Group

- Three experts on lab techniques were selected as peer review panel members. Discussion with several inspection equipment experts are underway.

February/March Goals:

• Refine Testing and Analysis Technologies and

• Improve In-Field Enforcement Capability

- Workplans will continue to be implemented according to the Board-approved proposals.

- Internal evaluation of laboratory technologies will be completed.

- Statistics on the nature of past complaints currently under review by AST and SSC staff will be completed and documented for presentation to the contractor selected in the RFP process.

• State-of-the-Science Contract Study to Identify Advanced Inspection, Testing, and Analytical Technology

- The RFP submittal period will close on March 20. RFP responses will be evaluated during the week of March 23 to 27.

• Establish a Peer Review Group

- The initial peer review panel meeting date will be established and the initial meeting held.

Presented at February 27, 1998 Technology Committee and February 20, 1998 Stationary Source Committee.

Initiative: The Governing Board will re-open for public comment the toxics significant thresholds for cancer and non-cancer impacts contained in Rule 1402 - Control of Toxic Air Contaminants from Existing Sources, and consideration of adding additional compounds and non-carcinogenic impact prevention into Rule 1401 - New Source Review of Carcinogenic Air Contaminants.

Status of Efforts:

CEQA Notice of Preparation

• Mailed January 30, 1998

• 45-day public review

• Comments by March 3

1401/1402 Rule Development Working Group

• First meeting Wednesday, March 4, 1998

• Important input for rule development process

• Analyzing impacts key part of efforts

Rule Development Approach

• 2 rule development efforts

- 1401 - June 1998

add compounds

add non-cancer impacts

proposal will add AB2588 list

only compounds with risk values to be included in calculations (very similar to existing Rule 1402 list)


- 1402 - late 1998
add compounds, if necessary, to make rule consistent with Rule 1401
consider adjusting risk thresholds

• Have met with other agencies on risk assessment methodologies

• Staff completing draft rule and preliminary staff report for PAR 1401

• Draft rule and report available by mid March

• Public workshops tentatively scheduled for early April

Presented at February 27, 1998 Technology Committee

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