BOARD MEETING DATE: April 9, 1999 AGENDA NO. 17
PROPOSAL:
Public Affairs Report
SYNOPSIS:
This report highlights the February 1999 activities of the Public Affairs Office which includes the following activities: Environ-mental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Media Communications.
COMMITTEE:
Not Applicable
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive and file.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
The following report reflects the activities of the Public Affairs Office for the month of February. The report format includes five major areas: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings (including Speakers Bureau/Visiting Dignitaries), Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs (including Public Records) and Media Communications (including the Public Information and Communication Centers).
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE
| INITIATIVE | ACTIVITY | ||||||||
| 1. Town Hall Meetings |
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| 2. Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics | 1. MATES-II - Schedule Update:
2. Microscale Study:
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| 3. Community Response Teams (CRTs) |
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| 4. CEQA Commenting | Commenting
Handbook Revision
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| 1. Environmental Justice Task Force |
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| 2. City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum |
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| 2. Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives | Support Funding Incentives
Promote Technology Advancement
Coordinate with Transit Districts
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| 3. Field Inspection Technology |
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| 4. Portable Equipment Permitting |
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| 10. Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402 | Rule 1401 Amendments:
Rule 1402 Amendments:
|
COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS
The following describes community events and public meetings that provided AQMD customers with air quality information during February.
| Date | Location | Description of Activity |
| 2/2 | Los Angeles | Spoke with program manager from American Lung Association, Los Angeles, re: Pilot college research project with a focus on gasoline station compliance. American Lung Association, Los Angeles is interested in coordinating a project for college students focusing on neighborhood issues and advocacy. |
| 2/3 | Los Angeles | Hosted and served as facilitator for the United Eco Club meeting which involves students representing environmental clubs from more than a dozen high schools in the San Gabriel Valley. |
| 2/10 | Los Angeles | Representative from the National Forest Service wanted outreach materials for a conference on Air Quality and Sustainability which will be held at Joshua Tree National Park in March. Recommended they get a speaker from Mojave APCD. |
| 2/13 | Los Angeles | Presentation to the Greater L.A. Science Teachers Conference. Information was provided on school curriculum materials, such as Think Earth, which include air quality information. |
| 2/17 | Los Angeles | Attended Diamond Bar High School Pathways Academy Steering Committee meeting at DeVry Institute of Technology in Pomona. |
| 2/17 | Los Angeles | Discussed EPAs Project AIRE with American Lung Association, Los Angeles, for possible partnership on youth-based outreach effort. |
| 2/18-20 | Los Angeles | Staffed information booth at California Association of Bilingual Education Conference at Los Angeles Convention Center. Distributed information on Children's Air Quality Agenda. |
| 2/25 | Los Angeles | Attended Fresh Air R Us Conference planning committee meeting at Leuzinger High School. The conference, involving high school students from throughout Los Angeles County, will be held April 30 and May 1 at USC. |
| Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted | Participated/Attended |
| 3 / 1 | 6 / 5 |
| Public Workshops/Notices | Fee Review Requests |
| 0 / 0 | 6 |
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 facility and meet with staff on a wide range of air quality issues. The following describes the major activities during February.
| Date | Location | Description of Activity |
| 2/10 | Headquarters | A four-member delegation of air pollution control officials from the Andalusia region of Spain met with Science and Technology, Planning and Rules, and Public Advisor staff on ambient air monitoring and public dissemination of air quality readings. |
| 2/11 | Headquarters | Researcher from Tokyo National University and a consultant of Nissin Flour Milling Co. Ltd. (Japan) met with Engineering & Compliance staff on RECLAIM. |
| Speaking Requests Received | Presentations (by Public Advisor staff) |
| 5 | 4 |
| Delegations Hosted | Tours of AQMD Headquarters |
| 2 | 2 |
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
AQMD assists businesses by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their development by providing one-to-one assistance. 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 | Description of Activity |
| 2/2 | Los Angeles | Service station: Assisted owner referred by District Prosecutors Office with filling out application forms on-site. |
| 2/2 | Orange | Dry cleaner: Informed prospective buyer that equipment he wanted to purchase has valid permit at present location but cannot be relocated without triggering BACT requirements. |
| All Month | Districtwide | Continued Phase 3 of the courtesy call program for notifying companies whose permits have expired that they can still re-instate those permits. Staff is contacting companies whose permit expired in December 1998 and January 1999. |
| 2/3 | Orange | Dry cleaners: Informed owner of AQAF program and referred him to SBDC, who provides financial information and assistance. |
| 2/226 | Districtwide | Provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities/areas of: Buena Park, Cerritos, Corona, Costa Mesa, Hacienda Heights, Hemet, Huntington Beach, Industry, Irvine, Loma Linda, Los Angeles, Murietta, Redondo Beach, Santa Clarita, Stanton, Torrance, Tustin, and Woodland Hills. |
| 2/3 | Districtwide | Participated in the quarterly meeting of the CAPCOA Small Business Assistance Committee. Information was exchanged regarding similar programs being conducted by the EPA, the ARB, and many of the local air districts. |
| 2/4 | Los Angeles | Aerospace products manufacturer: Clarified that company was subject to Rule 1124, not Rule 1171, and provided rules and vendor lists. |
| 2/4 | Los Angeles | Service stations: While assisting client with air quality clearances, staff uncovered a permit that had been inactivated in error a few years ago and is working with Customer Service to resolve the issue. |
| 2/9 | Outside District | South Coast area business starting up operations in San Diego. Facilitated introduction to San Diego APCD, and understanding of how San Diego requirements differ from South Coasts. |
| 2/9 | Los Angeles | Presentation to the City of Commerce's Community Awareness & Emergency Response Group. A representative of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard was present. The topic of the discussion was permit streamlining and fee restructuring. |
| 2/9 | Los Angeles | Auto body shop: Applicant needed assistance in permitting a spray booth with an expired permit. Staff conducted on-site visit to assist in completing application package. |
| 2/10 | Orange | Presentation to the statewide annual meeting of the Certified Unified Program Authorities (CUPA). These agencies are responsible for conducting the hazardous waste and emergency response permitting and inspection programs. Explained AQMD Rule 1171-Solvent Cleaning, which requires water-based cleaning of automotive parts. Since CUPA inspectors frequently visit auto repair shops, they can help explain the requirement. |
| 2/11 | Los Angeles | Manufacturing: Assisted facility with NOx emission requirements on curing ovens they are proposing to install. In addition, provided company with application forms for a spray booth. |
| 2/11 | Riverside | Equipment manufacturer: Assisted company in reviewing their proposal to include their water-based solvent-cleaning machine in AQMDs suppliers list. |
| 2/16 | Los Angeles | Stone countertop manufacturer: Company received complaints about dust from grinding and polishing operations and wanted to know how to control it. Staff visited facility and discussed dust control equipment. |
| 2/16 | Riverside | Service station: Owner is selling business and wanted help with change of ownership application. Staff met with seller and buyer and advised on permit application requirements. |
| 2/17 | Los Angeles | Used office furniture sales: Company wanted information on what solvents are legal for cleaning fabrics on furniture. Staff suggested using water-based cleaners and gave supplier information. |
| 2/18 | Los Angeles | Automotive parts rebuilder: Company converted to water-based cleaning solutions, but is having serious problems with rusting and discoloration of parts. Staff visited shop to observe operation and suggested company apply for variance. Assisting in putting together variance petition. |
| 2/23 | Los Angeles | Medical device manufacturer: Requested assistance complying with Rule 1171. Currently uses solvent to clean devices and circuit boards. Advised company that their process is exempt from rule and, as such, they could switch to isopropyl alcohol. |
| 2/24 | Los Angeles | Met with officials of the L. A. Department of Public Works Environmental Programs Division to enlist their cooperation in notifying auto repair shops of the need to use water-based cleaning systems and the restriction on dumping waste cleaners down the sewer. |
| 2/25 | Orange | Manufacturer of heating elements: Met with the company on the wording in an issued Permit to Operate. Staffs findings indicate an error during the initial permit processing. Staff will work with the engineers to resolve the issue. |
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITY
Intergovernmental Affairs works with local government, state and federal officials in response to their air quality concerns and local issues. Additionally, staff administers the AB 2766 Subvention and MSRC Discretionary Fund Programs as well as managing the AQMD Public Records function.
| Date | Location | Description of Activity |
| 2/1 | Riverside | Attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with COG Executive Committee members and staff. |
| 2/2 | Orange | Attended and participated in the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with TAC members and staff. |
| 2/2 | Los Angeles | Contacted Supervisors office concerning sources of funding for the conversion of diesel school buses to alternate fuels. |
| 2/2 | Los Angeles | Attended Gateway Cities COG meeting to discuss potential future funding for COGs to assist with AB 2766 technical assistance. |
| 2/3 | San Bernardino | Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with mayors and council members from Upland, Chino, Loma Linda, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Redlands, and with SANBAG staff. |
| 2/3 | Los Angeles | Met with staff from SCAG to discuss AB 2766 issues. |
| 2/4 | Districtwide | Attended the SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council Meetings. In attendance were council members from Temecula, Hemet, Brea, Fontana, Palm Desert, and Buena Park and with SCAG staff. |
| 2/4 | Los Angeles | Met with staff from Arroyo-Verdugo COG to discuss potential future funding for COGs to assist with AB 2766 technical assistance. |
| 2/4 | Los Angeles | Met with Mayor and Assistant City Manager of South El Monte concerning MATES Program and AB 2766 funding issues. |
| 2/4 | Los Angeles | Contacted City of Huntington Park concerning update on Aggregate Recycling issue. |
| 2/4 | Los Angeles | Participated in League of California Cities meeting in Commerce. |
| 2/5 | Los Angeles | Spoke with staff of City of Commerce regarding problems in Commerce city schools similar to those experienced at Suva School. |
| 2/5 | Los Angeles | Contacted resident from the community of San Pedro to discuss future meeting with AQMD staff and some residents from San Pedro who have specific air quality concerns. |
| 2/9 | Orange | Attended the Westminster City Council Meeting. |
| 2/9 | Los Angeles | Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Meeting in Duarte. |
| 2/9 | Los Angeles | Received call from staff member from the City of La Mirada regarding a complaint made by residents. Staff member asked if AQMD contracted with company called "All Cities Research" to perform an air quality study in the La Mirada area. Checked with AQMD staff and reported back to city staff member that AQMD is not conducting any air quality studies in the La Mirada area. |
| 2/10 | Riverside | Attended the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Board Meeting. In attendance were Commission members from Temecula, Hemet, Palm Desert, Lake Elsinore, Riverside, Corona, La Quinta, and Palm Springs and with RCTC, Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), and Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) staff. |
| 2/10 | Los Angeles | Received call from staff member from the City of South Gate regarding numerous complaints made by residents about person claiming to represent AQMD going from door-to-door conducting a survey related to air quality, health, and toxics. Checked with AQMD staff to determine whether any research or air quality study was being performed in this area. Reported back to the city staff member that AQMD is not conducting any air quality studies in the South Gate/Hollydale area. |
| 2/10 | Los Angeles | Briefed Councilmember from the City of South El Monte on prior meeting held with Mayor and City Councilmember to discuss MATES, environmental justice and AB 2766 issues. |
| 2/11 | Orange | Attended the Orange County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. In attendance were division members from Brea, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Yorba Linda, San Clemente, Placentia, Orange, Fountain Valley, and Buena Park. |
| 2/11 | Los Angeles | Spoke with staff from Los Angeles City Councilmember Svorinichs office regarding air quality complaints made by San Pedro residents. |
| 2/11 | Los Angeles | Spoke with staff from Assemblymember Hertzbergs office concerning residential complaints about odors from local manufacturing company. |
| 2/12 | Los Angeles | Spoke with Executive Director for South Bay Cities COG. Asked to be added to the agenda for the next meeting of the South Bay Cities COG to discuss upcoming Town Hall Meeting in South Bay. |
| 2/16 | Orange | Attended the Laguna Niguel City Council Meeting. |
| 2/16 | Los Angeles | Met with San Pedro resident and Districts Environmental Justice Coordinator to discuss air quality complaint. |
| 2/17 | San Bernardino | Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization with SANBAGs Legislative Director. |
| 2/17 | Riverside | Met with a council member from the City of Hemet regarding possible alternative fuels programs, road dust control programs, and waste recycling programs being discussed in the city. |
| 2/17 | District-wide | Contacted each AB 2766 Local Government Task Force member to discuss issues relating to AB 2766 outreach. |
| 2/18 | Orange | Attended the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization with OCCOG Board Members representing the cities of Buena Park, Huntington Beach, Brea, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, and Lake Forest and with OCCOG staff. |
| 2/18 | Los Angeles | Met with AQMD Inspector, a field representative from Assembly member Hertzbergs office, and business owners at their North Hollywood facility to discuss odor complaints from local residents and how the company plans to correct the problem. |
| 2/18 | Los Angeles | Attended the public hearing on Clean Steel/Alpert and Alpert Iron and Metal company at Carson City Hall. |
| 2/18 | Riverside | Spoke with staff from CVAG about AB 2766 outreach issues. |
| 2/18 | Orange | Spoke with staff from Orange County League of Cities about AB 2766 outreach issues. |
| 2/18 | District-wide | Met with Sacramento lobbyist to strategize outreach to local governments for SB 98/AB 38. |
| 2/19-21 | Districtwide | Attended Independent Cities Association Annual Conference. Met with local electeds to garner support for SB 98/AB 38. |
| 2/22 | Riverside | Attended the CVAG Executive Committee Meeting. Staff made a presentation to the Executive Committee regarding SB 98/AB 38 the AQMDs clean fuels reauthorization legislation. The Committee approved a position supporting the bills and will communicate their support via letters to the legislature. |
| 2/23 | Orange | Attended the Dana Point City Council Meeting. |
| 2/23 | Los Angeles | Attended South El Monte City Council Meeting. Presentation on Environmental Justice Initiatives and a status report on the monitoring station were given. Gave a presentation requesting letter of support for SB 98 (Alarcon) and AB 38 (Washington). |
| 2/23 | Los Angeles | Requested and obtained letter of support for SB 98 and AB 38. |
| 2/23 | Los Angeles | Attended La Puente City Council meeting. Requested letter of support for SB 98 and AB 38. |
| 2/23-25 | Los Angeles | Contacted City Manager for each city in Los Angeles County requesting resolution or letter of support for SB 98 and AB 38. Followed up with phone calls to each city. |
| 2/25 | San Bernardino | Attended the Baldy View Public Private Coalition "CLOUT" Meeting. Discussed SB 98/AB 38 the AQMDs clean fuels reauthorization legislation with mayors, council members and city managers from Claremont, Upland, La Verne, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, and Diamond Bar. |
| 2/25 | Districtwide | Attended the Sub-Regional Coordinators Meeting. Discussed AB 2766 Subvention Fund "Outreach" proposal with the Councils of Governments executive directors who were in attendance. |
| 2/25 | San Bernardino | Attended the Inland Empire Division - League of California Cities Task Force Meeting. Discussed SB 98/AB 38 the AQMDs clean fuels reauthorization legislation with mayors, council members, city managers and staff from Rancho Cucamonga, Montclair, San Bernardino, Ontario, Colton, Loma Linda, Chino, and Redlands. |
| 2/25 | Los Angeles | Attended meeting in City of Commerce Council Chambers where presentation was given to the Commerce Community Services Commission on "How the AQMD Protects the General Public and Monitors the Local Air." |
| 2/25 | Los Angeles | Attended South Bay City COG meeting. Requested their participation in upcoming town hall meeting regarding LAX expansion. |
| 2/25 | Los Angeles | Contacted staff from Los Angeles City Councilmember Cindy Miscikowskis office regarding odor complaint made by a constituent. |
Public Records
The Public Records Unit received and processed the following number of requests during the month of February.
| Requests Carried Over | No. of Requests Received | No. of Requests Closed |
| 388 | 284 | 228 |
MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications Unit is responsible for informing and educating the public through the media and through the Districts Public Information and Communication Centers.
Press Relations Highlights
| Date | Media | Description of Activity |
| 1/4 | Newspaper | Commented on EPAs proposed disapproval of 1997 AQMP to Los Angeles Times. |
| 2/2 | Magazine | Provided information to Emmy magazine on air quality regulations affecting film industry. |
| 2/2 | Newspaper | Provided information to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on pager program. |
| 2/2 | Newsletter | Provided information to Mobile Source Report on EPA consultative process and MOU on ground service equipment. |
| 2/3 | TV | Provided information to KESQ-TV on controlled burns in the Coachella Valley. |
| 2/4 | All Media | Distributed media advisories, news releases and provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, and interview with KFWB radio AM 980 on solar roof shingle project in Compton. |
| 2/4 | Newspaper | Provided information to Torrance Daily Breeze on proposed amendments to Rule 1401 nickel compounds. |
| 2/4 | Newspaper | Provided information on District CEQA commenting process and on South Bay Fog to the Manhattan Beach Reporter. |
| 2/5 | Radio | Updated News Radio on Pager Pilot Program. |
| 2/5 | Newspaper | Provided information to Seattle Times on Rule 2202. |
| 2/5 | Newsletters | Provided responses to ARBs settlement of Coalition lawsuit to McGraw-Hill Publications and Clean Air Report. |
| 2/5 & 2/9 | Magazine, Newspaper, News Magazine | Provided information to Tribune USA, Get Up & Go, and The Roofing Specifier on solar roof tiles. |
| 2/9 | Newspaper | Provided information to San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Davis Wire, MATES II. |
| 2/9-11 | Newspaper | Provided information and interviews to Modesto Bee on Darling International. |
| 2/9 | Newsletter | Provided information to Paint and Coatings Magazine on Rule 1113. |
| 2/9 | Newspaper | Provided information to San Bernardino Sun regarding Devore fire air monitoring. |
| 2/10 | Television | Provided information on the Jefferson Middle Schools vapor recovery system to Fox 11 News. |
| 2/10 | Newspaper | Provided information to Random Lengths regarding LAXT progress deadline. |
| 2/11 | Newspaper | Provided air quality information and information regarding Rule 1401 proposed amendment to the Riverside Press-Enterprise. |
| 2/11 | Newspaper | Provided information on February Board meeting agenda items to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. |
| 2/12 | All | Distributed February Board meeting summary. |
| 2/12 | Newspaper | Provided background briefing & building tour to new environmental reporter from San Bernardino Sun. |
| 2/12 | Newspapers | Provided follow-up information to the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Orange County Register and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin about amending Rule 1401. |
| 2/12 | Newspaper | Provided information to the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Desert Sun about dust incident in Beaumont. |
| 2/16-17 | Newspaper | Provided information, arranged and participated in interview on National Fuel Cell Center. |
| 2/16 | Newspaper | Provided information to LA Times on solar roof shingles. |
| 2/16-18 | Newspapers | Provided information to Dallas Morning News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Whittier Daily News and Pasadena Star-News on Rule 2202 and compressed workweeks. |
| 2/18 | Newspaper | Provided information to the Press-Enterprise on enforcement action regarding Beaumont dust storm. |
| 2/18 | Newspaper | Provided information to the San Bernardino Sun on air quality. |
| 2/18 | TV | Provided information to TV producer on SOx emissions in LA Basin. |
| 2/18 | News Service | Provided information to Copley News Service regarding new ARB Chairman. |
| 2/19 | Newspaper | Provided information to the Riverside Press-Enterprise on air quality. |
| 2/19 | Newspaper | Provided information to the Log newspaper on amendments to Rule 1106.1. |
| 2/23 | Newspaper | Provided information on status of LAXT to Random Lengths News. |
| 2/24 | Radio | Provided information to Swedish National Radio concerning ridesharing. |
| 2/24 | Magazine | Provided information concerning health effects of air pollution and air pollution monitoring and trends to Fitness Magazine. |
| 2/24 | Newspaper | Provided information to San Bernardino Sun on MTBE. |
| 2/24-25 | Newspaper | Provided information to Los Angeles Times on former Lockheed B-1 site in Burbank, LAXT, and Rule 1158 amendments. |
| 2/25 | Radio | Met with representative of KNX Radio concerning possible health-oriented radio commercials this smog season. |
Public Information Center Statistics
The Public Information Center handles the Districts visitors and handles general information phone calls.
| Visitor Transactions | Info Packages Mailed | Calls Received by PIC Staff | Calls to Auto-mated System | Total Phone Calls Received |
| 933 | 213 | 820 | 4,700 | 5,520 |
Communication Center Statistics
The Communication Center handles all District main line, CUT-SMOG line and Spanish line calls.
| Main Line
Calls |
CUT-SMOG
Line |
After Hours
Calls* |
Spanish Line
Calls |
Total Phone
Calls |
| 6,431 | 4,532 | 1,748 | 78 | 14,412 |
*Saturday, Sunday and after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
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