BOARD MEETING DATE: February 12, 1999 AGENDA NO. 15




PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the December 1998 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 December. The report format includes five major areas: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings (including Speakers Bureau/Visiting Dignitaries), Business Assistance (including Economic Development/Business Retention), Intergovernmental Affairs (including Public Records) and Media Communications (including the Public Information and Communication Centers).

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

INITIATIVE ACTIVITY
1. Town Hall Meetings
  • December 3, 1998 - El Sereno Town Hall Meeting
  • January 21 – Montclair Town Hall Meeting
  • February - L.A. Harbor College (TBD)
  • March – South Bay (TBD)
2. Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics 1. MATES-II - Schedule Update:
  • Ten sites now operational (Burbank, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Fontana, Pico Rivera, Anaheim, Rubidoux, Huntington Park, Compton and Wilmington)

2. Microscale Study:

  • Hawthorne spring seasonal sampling completed.
  • Pacomia spring and summer sampling completed.
  • Sampling at Montclair, Torrance, Boyle Heights and Costa Mesa completed.
  • Sampling at Norwalk and Corona in process.
3. Community Response Teams (CRTs)
  • Suva School Update

    Efforts have continued to address contaminated areas on school property and at a chrome plating facility. Lead abatement was completed in late December at the school. AQMD had responsibility for overseeing the cleanup of the company’s roof. This cleanup has been completed. AQMD has placed a wind system at the school. This provides useful wind speed and direction data. AQMD had separate meetings with the plating facility and City of Bell Gardens officials in December. These meetings focused on potential opportunities for further emissions reductions and cleanup plans. The plating facility will prepare a full health risk assessment (HRA) under the statewide AB 2588 Air Toxics "Hot Spots" program. Before the HRA can be prepared, at least one new source test is needed to validate stack emissions. ARB has committed to performing analysis of hexavalent chrome for one month each quarter of 1998, with ARB analyzing samples through mid-November. The AQMD operates the samplers year-round at Suva School and does the analysis for the months ARB does not. In January, the ARB will again take over sample analysis. The AQMD is prepared to resume analysis for both February and March. AQMD staff has been notified that Chrome Crankshaft ceased operations 1/1/99.
  • Jefferson School Update

    Over the holidays, while students were not in attendance at the school, various soil vapor extraction wells were dug, sampled, and analyzed. Additional work was done on the wells to characterize soil permeability at different depths. This work was done by a contractor for LAUSD and reported to DTSC. That work was done to conclude Phase 1. The Phase 2 workplan was developed and approved by DTSC, with comments from a variety of agencies, including AQMD. A public participation plan was developed to ensure community involvement in the process. The community will be informed as to monitoring events and results. A portion of that plan includes splitting samples with a citizens’ group for analysis by a laboratory of their choice.
4. CEQA Commenting Commenting
  • Reporting period: September 2, 1998 - October 1, 1998

    - Total number of documents received for review: 41
    - Total no. of docs for which a review is being conducted: 45
    1998 Cum. total of documents commented on (Jan. - Dec). 227
  • Handbook Revision
  • Draft Handbook Revisions to Working Group for continued review.
  • Release draft handbook to public for review after Working Group review completed.
  • Next meeting of Working Group is January 28, 1999.
5. Environmental Justice Task Force
  • Task Force met December 10, 1998 in Diamond Bar.
  • Next Task Force meeting scheduled for February 11, 1999, in Diamond Bar.
6. City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum
  • Second Forum date to be determined by the City of Los Angeles.
7. Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives

Support Funding Incentives

  • The heavy-duty vehicle incentive program, known as the Carl Moyer Air Quality Incentive Program, is moving forward. The program funding of $25 million is in ARB’s budget.

    - AQMD staff is developing an implementation plan and proposal for the South Coast Air Basin. Proposals are due to the ARB in April 1999.

    - Staff level discussions continue regarding allocation of the Moyer Program funds among the state air districts.
  • The $109 million Heavy-Duty Diesel engine enforcement settlement between DOJ/EPA and seven engine manufacturers is expected to bring about $20 million directly to the ARB. Use of those funds is under consideration, with one option being adding those funds to the Moyer Program.
  • • Bills to reauthorize and extend the AQMD Clean Fuels Program were introduced in both the State Senate and Assembly in Dec. 1999. SB 98 was introduced by Senator Richard Alarcon and AB 38 was introduced by Assemblyman Carl Washington.
8. Field Inspection Technology Final report submitted to Board December 11, 1998.
9. Portable Equipment Permitting
  • Formal request made to CARB in February to adopt safeguards statewide.
  • • AQMD staff has developed implementation recommendations for Initiative #9:
    - Amend current permitting practices
    - Ensure that movement and operation do not adversely impact sensitive receptors
    - 30-day or less duration of operation
    - Allow various location permits only if emissions can be restricted by enforceable permit conditions
    - Develop a simplified permitting procedure
    - Require notification to District within 72 hours at one site
    - Allow up to 30-day extension if all criteria are met
    - Require fixed site permit after 60 days at location
    - Cease operation at end of shift or within 4 hours of public nuisance verification
    - Amend Rules 209, 301 and Reg. XIII to incorporate these recommendations
    - Maintain request to CARB to amend statewide program to be consistent with these recommendations
    - Public consultation on August 5, numerous comments received, staff evaluating comments
  • Staff is continuing to meet with industry and environmental community representatives.
1. Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402 Rule 1401 Amendments:
  • 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 impacts prevention into Rule 1401 - New Source Review of Toxic Air Contaminants.
  • Status of Efforts: January Board Meeting (Rule 1401)

    - Heard testimony regarding nickel compounds. Decision on nickel deferred to February for final report from industry.
    - 41 additional compounds identified by OEHHA were added.
  • • Air Toxics Working Group to meet on January 28 to discuss significance thresholds and cumulative impacts.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

The following describes community events and public meetings that provided AQMD customers with air quality information during December.

Date Location Description of Activity
12/9 Riverside Met with representatives from Riverside County Transportation Commission who agreed to provide Smogbuster materials as part of their "On the Road" outreach program to elementary schools. The program will visit 30 schools in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, reaching 4,500 4-6th graders with air quality information.
12/10 Los Angeles Finalized list of schools in Boyle Heights that will be receiving funds from a Mutual Settlement Agreement with Darling Industries. Schools will be forwarding invoices for related air quality improvements and projects to AQMD and law firm of Demetrio, Del Guercio et al.
12/16 Los Angeles Public Advisor staff met with teachers and air quality experts from the public, private and non-profit sectors at USC for a brainstorming session to organize an air quality conference for high school students. The event will involve breakout sessions in which students discuss policy solutions to hypothetical planning, transportation, enforcement and technology-related problems.
12/17 Los Angeles Public Advisor staff attended Diamond Bar High School Pathways Academy steering committee meeting to coordinate AQMD's role in providing mentoring, job shadowing and internships for students.
Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted Participated/Attended
2/1 2/2
Public Workshops/Notices Fee Review Requests/Customer Surveys
8/2

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 December.

Date Location Description of Activity
12/1 Headquarters Hosted a 13-member delegation of researchers and public officials from Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines on a study tour with the U.S./Asia Environmental Partnership. Met with Public Advisor staff for a general air quality overview and with Stationary Source Compliance and Technology Advancement staffs on control of emissions from refineries, power plants, cement plants and business retention issues.
12/8 Headquarters Hosted a nine-member delegation of government officials from Thailand, which met with Public Advisor staff for a general overview.
Speaking Requests Received Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
2 2
Delegations Hosted Tours of AQMD Headquarters
4 3

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
12/2 Los Angeles Electronics manufacturer: Conducted on-site visit to assist SSC engineer to determine if reactors were identical.
12/2 Los Angeles Metal fabricator: Advised company that they needed to comply with the Rule 1171 6/97 deadline, not the upcoming 1/1/99 deadline.
12/2 Orange Service station: Assisted owner in completing permit application and provided information on Rule 461 requirements (i.e., leak decay tests, training).
12/3 Orange Staff met with an aerospace company to discuss the notification and public meeting they must conduct to comply with the requirements of AB 2588, the Toxic Hot Spots law.
12/4 Los Angeles Body shop: Provided bilingual permit assistance to owner whose permit expired four years ago.
12/4 San Bernardino Body shop: Assisted with application forms and recordkeeping requirements for change of location.
12/4 Los Angeles Automotive paint jobber: Assisted company with rule interpretations of exemption requirements for Rules 1107, 1136, and 1145 (various coatings rules).
12/8-11 Districtwide Staff continued 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 between 1/1/98 and 7/1/98.
12/8 San Bernardino Auto body repair shop: Owner submitted an application for a spray booth permit. While the application was being processed, he was forced to relocate. Staff met with him and assisted with revision of the application for the new site.
12/9 Los Angeles Automotive transmission rebuilder: Company has converted to water-based cleaning equipment, as required by Rule 1171 – Solvent Cleaning Operations, but had questions regarding provisions for cleaning of electrical parts. Staff discussed rule definitions and applicability.
12/9 Los Angeles Auto body repair shop: Owner received Notice to Comply for failure to apply for a spray booth permit, but did not understand how to fill out forms. Staff visited the facility and assisted in completing the application.
12/9 Orange Specialized refrigeration equipment manufacturer: Company wanted assistance in relocating permits to a new facility next year. Staff visited site and provided guidance on submitting new applications.
12/9 Headquarters Spoke to a meeting of 40 vendors of water-based cleaning equipment to provide answers to their questions and to prepare them for a seminar/expo being held at the Disneyland Hotel Dec. 10.
12/10 Orange Participated in a water-based cleaning expo/seminar at the Disneyland Hotel to help explain the requirements of Rule 1171 to auto shop owners.
12/10 Riverside Powder coating job shop: Company starting up operation and plans to purchase used equipment. Staff discussed permitting requirements for powder coating spray booths and ovens.
12/10 Los Angeles Coating equipment permitting consultant: Company has client who wants to use VOC emissions limits as collateral for a bank loan. Staff discussed Emission Reduction Credits and suggested the company have an ERC broker evaluate the facility.
12/10-11 San Francisco Represented the AQMD at the statewide CAPCOA Public Outreach Committee meeting hosted by the EPA Region IX Office. Among the topics of discussion was the proposed changes in the Pollutant Standards Index used for reporting smog levels to the public.
12/17 Orange Metal products: Company manufactures lead castings for sport fishing. Requested assistance in permitting cartridge-type filtration system. Staff met with applicant onsite to explain application forms and applicable fees.
12/18 Los Angeles Wood products: Company is relocating five spray booths to an existing facility. Staff assisted applicant with BACT requirements and discussed alternate methods of compliance with ultra low-VOC coatings.
12/1-30 Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities of: Aliso Viejo, Azusa, Cerritos, Chino, Commerce, Corona, Costa Mesa, Culver City, Foothill Ranch, Gardena, Glendale, Highland, Huntington Beach, Inglewood, Lake Forest, La Palma, Los Angeles, Stanton, Torrance, Valencia, Yorba Linda.

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
12/2 Los Angeles Attended Gateway Cities Planning Directors Meeting in Lakewood.
12/3 Los Angeles Attended L.A. Division/League of California Cities General Membership Meeting in Commerce.
12/3 Sacramento Spoke with Air Resources Board staff regarding eligible use of AB 2766 monies to fund construction of a transit center in Cerritos and to fund creation of web site for City of Walnut.
12/3 Los Angeles Met with Councilmember from City of Bradbury to discuss status of MSRC funded project.
12/3 Los Angeles Met with Councilmember from City of South El Monte. Discussed AQMD’s local government assistance program.
12/7 Riverside Attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed AQMD matters with mayors and city council members from Hemet, Banning, and San Jacinto, and with WRCOG staff. Gave presentation on AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program
12/8 Orange Attended the Stanton City Council Meeting. Discussed AQMD matters with city council members.
12/8 Los Angeles Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Planning Directors Meeting
12/9 San Bernardino Attended the SANBAG Administrative Committee Meeting. Discussed AQMD matters with mayors and city council members from Upland, Fontana, and Loma Linda and with SANBAG staff.
12/9 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino "Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting."
12/10 Districtwide Attended the SCAG Implementation & Policy Committees and Regional Council Meetings. Discussed AQMD matters with mayors and city council members from Brea, Los Alamitos, Monrovia, Palm Desert, Rancho Cucamonga, Highland, Los Angeles, and Buena Park, and with staff from SCAG, SANBAG, WRCOG, and OCCOG.
12/10 Los Angeles Attended Public Hearing regarding CENCO (formerly known as Powerine Refinery).
12/10 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from the City of Norwalk regarding public nuisance complaint lodged by a constituent.
12/10 San Bernardino Spoke with staff from City of Rialto concerning use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds.
12/15 Riverside Represented the AQMD and MSRC at the City of Palm Springs EV Program Dedication. Discussed alternative fuels programs with the mayor and staff members.
12/15 Orange Attended and participated in the Orange County Public Affairs Association Holiday Mixer. Discussed AQMD activities with mayors and council members from Lake Forest, Brea, Anaheim, and Santa Ana, and with Orange County Supervisor.
12/15 Los Angeles Met with representatives from Emcon (Burbank) and District staff to discuss Public Records request.
12/15 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from the City of Irwindale regarding their interest in electric vehicle loan program.
12/15 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from the City of Cerritos about local transit hub upgrades.
12/16 San Bernardino Attended the SANBAG Plans & Programs Committee. Discussed AQMD matters with mayors and city council members from Upland and Chino and with SANBAG staff.
12/16 San Bernardino Attended the Rancho Cucamonga City Council Meeting. Discussed AQMD matters with the mayor and city council members.
12/16 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from Cities of Pasadena and Gardena regarding their interest in electric vehicle loan program.
12/16 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from City of Los Angeles about AB 2766 Annual Report.
12/16 Orange Spoke with staff from Cities of Mission Viejo and Garden Grove about AB 2766 Annual Report
12/16 Los Angeles Met with a consultant and an attorney, both representing the City of Bell Gardens; District staff, and staff from the City of Bell Gardens and Cal EPA to discuss issue involving Chrome Crankshaft and Suva School.
12/16 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from the Cities of Santa Fe Springs and Norwalk regarding odors from Golden West Refinery.
12/16 Los Angeles Contacted staff from City of Huntington Park to obtain status report on Aggregate Recycling.
12/17 Orange Spoke with staff from City of Huntington Beach about using Subvention Funds for improvements to neighborhood parks.

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
358 301 280

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications Unit is responsible for informing and educating the public through the media and through the District’s Public Information and Communication Centers.

Press Relations Highlights

Date Media Description of Activity
12/1 Newspaper Provided information to Dallas Morning news on smog pager program.
12/1 Newspaper Provided information on AQMD’s role and air quality trends to Our Times.
12/1 Newspaper Provided information to Whittier Daily News on CENCO permit reactivation.
12/1 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on TCI settlement.
12/2 Magazine Provided information to L.A. Convention Bureau magazine on air quality trends.
12/3 Newspaper Provided information to Orlando Sentinel on old-vehicle scrapping programs.
12/3 Newspaper Provided information and interview w/AQMD staff to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on CEQA comments on Kaiser Commerce Center.
12/4 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on AQMD comments on Kaiser EIR.
12/8 Internet Provided information on clean fuels program to Business Week Online.
12/8 Newsletter Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on funding for PM2.5 monitoring.
12/8 Newspaper Provided information on December Board meeting to the Los Angeles Times.
12/9 Newsletter Provided information on RECLAIM program to Inside Washington Publishers.
12/9 Newspaper Provided air quality information to the Orange County Register.
12/10 Newspaper Provided status of Rule 1158, LAXT to the Los Angeles Times.
12/10 Newspaper/
Newsletter 		Provided information on December Board meeting to the Riverside Press-Enterprise and BNA Publications.
12/10 News Service Provided air quality information to the Associated Press.
12/10 Newspaper Provided emissions data to the Los Angeles Times.
12/11 Newspaper Provided information on status of LAXT project to Random Lengths.
12/11 All Media Finalized and distributed December Board summary report.
12/11 All Media Wrote and distributed press release on Chairman’s proposed Children’s Agenda.
12/11 Newspapers/
Newsletters 		Provided information to BNA Publications, San Bernardino Sun, Los Angeles Times, and Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding Board actions.
12/11 Video Provided information and interview to video production company for St. Joseph Hospital’s video on air quality.
12/15 Newspaper Provided information to Torrance Daily Breeze, Los Angeles Daily News on effect of Santa Ana winds on air pollution.
12/15 Newspaper Provided information on Board committee meeting agendas to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
12/15 Newspaper Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on Children’s Air Quality Agenda, amendments to Rule 1610.
12/15 Newspaper Provided information on Rule 2202 programs to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
12/15 Radio Provided information on amendments to Rule 1186 to Inland Empire News Radio.
12/16 Newspaper Provided information on structure of the Governing Board to the Los Angeles Times.
12/16 Newspaper Provided air quality data and forecast to the Los Angeles Daily News.
12/16 Television Provided information on AQMD video footage to University Access.
12/16 Newspaper Provided information on AQMD programs to clean up diesel vehicles to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
12/17 Newspaper Provided information on new appointee to AQMD’s Board to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
12/18 Newspaper Provided information on new Board member to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune
12/22 Newspaper Provided information regarding a green waste fire to the Los Angeles Times.
12/22 Newspaper Provided information on smog levels to the Contra Costa Times regarding smog levels in 1998.
12/23 Internet Provided information to On-line Health Magazine regarding pager smog alert project.
12/23 Newspaper Provided information to the Los Angeles Times regarding AQMD inspection of fire scene near downtown Los Angeles.
12/23 Newspaper Provided information on air quality to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
12/29 Internet Provided information on smog alert pager system to On-line Health Magazine.
12/30 Newspaper Provided information regarding air quality to the Los Angeles Daily News.
12/30 Newspaper Set up photo opportunity for the Business Press.
12/30–31 Newspaper Responded to the Los Angeles times regarding EPA disapproval of the 1997 AQMP.

Public Information Center Statistics

The Public Information Center handles the District’s 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
894 244 738 6,862 7,600

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
7,371 6,295 2,528 68 18,925

*Saturday, Sunday and after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Press Relations Statistics

The Press Relations staff handles media calls to the District and media monitoring.

Press Interviews/Assistance Total Clippings/Transcripts Mailings by News Bureau
50 236 560

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This page updated: September 02, 2004
URL: http://www.aqmd.gov/hb/1999/990215a.html