BOARD MEETING DATE: January 8, 1999 AGENDA NO. 17




PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the November 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. The latest edition of the AQMD Advisor is included with this report.

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 October. 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
  • Town Hall Meeting held on November 19, 1998 in El Segundo Upcoming Meetings:
  • December 3, 1998 - East Los Angeles (El Sereno)
    El Sereno Senior Citizen Center, 4818 Klamath Place, Los Angeles
  • January - Montclair
  • February Town Hall/Community Meeting at Harbor College
2. Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics 1. MATES-II - Schedule Update:
  • All 10 MATES-II Sites continuing to operate

2. Microscale Study:

  • Spring, summer, and fall seasonal sampling now completed at Hawthorne and Pacoima
  • Sampling at Montclair, Torrance, Costa Mesa, Boyle Heights and Corona
  • Sampling in progress at Norwalk
  • Next deployments in preparation phase (Anaheim and Van Nuys)
3. Community Response Teams (CRTs) Nothing new to report at this time.
4. CEQA Commenting Commenting
  • Reporting period: November 2 - November 30, 1998
    - Total number of documents received for review: 44
    - Total number of documents requesting AQMD comments: 0
    - Total no. of docs for which a review is being conducted: 28
    - Total number of documents to receive AQMD comments: 7
    - Total number of letters set out: 4

1998 Cum. total of documents commented on (Jan. - Nov.)…212

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 Meeting held December 10, 1998 in Diamond Bar. Next meeting scheduled for January 20, 1999.
1. City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum
  • Second Forum date to be determined by City of L. A.
1. Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives Promote Statewide Legislative Initiatives
  • 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.
  • Continue Statewide Coordination
    - The Implementation Team of the Ad Hoc Truck Working Group will meet December 2, 1998 in Sacramento to further discuss air district coordination in implementing the Carl Moyer incentive program, and how the program might be enhanced in the coming legislative session.
  • Coordinate with Transit Districts
    - AQMD staff have been meeting with Foothill Transit board members to brief them on alternative fuel bus availability and experiences by other transit authorities. The objective of these meetings is to encourage Foothill Transit to purchase and use cleaner alternative fuel buses in their next procurement. Unfortunately, Foothill Transit did not include an option for alternate fuel buses in their recently-released RFP for buses.
  • Coordination with MSRC and Local Government

The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Subcommittee of the MSRC/TAC has recommended a heavy-duty vehicle work program of approximately $10 million. The program will include funding for transit buses and on- and off-road vehicles. The transit program will include funding for purchase of buses, fueling facilities and training. The subcommittee is also requesting $50,000 to initiate an outreach effort for the program, and up to $500,000 for support before and during the vehicle purchase and implementation process. The program was approved at the December 10, 1998 MSRC meeting.
2. Field Inspection Technology Final report submitted to Board December 11, 1998.
3. Portable Equipment Permitting
  • 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;
  • Staff continues to evaluate comments made during public commenting period.
4. Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402 Rule 1401 amendments: Completed

Rule 1402 amendments:

  • Initiative: The Governing Board will re-open for public comment the toxics significance thresholds for cancer and non-cancer impacts contained in Rule 1402.
  • Status of Efforts: January 1999 Board Meeting
    - Consider adding compounds related to nickel plating
    - Additional carcinogens identified by OEHHA

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

Date Location Description of Activity
11/10 Riverside Spoke to a group of science students at the Temecula Valley High School Career Fair.
11/12 San Bernardino Spoke with teachers from neighboring school districts (Montclair/Ontario/Upland) inviting them to serve on a review panel for the High School Partnership Program.
11/12 Los Angeles Responded to an e-mail request for episode notification procedures from a group of parents in Houston, TX. They are interested in working with area schools to better inform students and parents when elevated ozone levels are predicted/attained. Responded to e-mail and will also mail background information on Reg. VII and sample smoggy-day policies.
11/16 L.A., Riverside Hosted the bi-weekly meeting of the United Eco Clubs of the San Gabriel Valley. This is a group of high school students representing ecology clubs from more than 10 schools.
11/17 Los Angeles Assisted resident with information on wood burning fireplace regulations/guidelines.
11/17 Los Angeles Think Earth Quarterly meeting. Reviewed and discussed the Middle School Air Quality Curriculum.
11/17 Los Angeles Gave a presentation on smog and health to 40 Spanish-speaking Headstart teachers participating in a certificate program sponsored by the Mexican American Opportunities Foundation, a community-based service organization.
11/18 Inland Empire Attended meeting of the American Lung Assoc. of Inland Counties. Will work with group to co-sponsor health-based outreach program in Spring ’99 for area residents.
11/19 Los Angeles Received a request from St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach for distribution of AQMD outreach materials as part of the "Families in Good Health" program. Will send initial outreach packet for an event on Dec. 12, and will forward additional materials on a quarterly basis.
11/19 Los Angeles Attended community meeting at St. Francis de Sales School in Sherman Oaks to discuss permit application for soil vapor extraction system.
11/21 Orange Staffed a booth at the Orange County Science Teachers Association Conference.
Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted Participated/Attended
1/1 3/3
Public Workshops/Notices Fee Review Requests/Customer Surveys
3/11 4/0

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 November.

Date Location Description of Activity
11-17 AQMD Headquarters Arranged for a series of meetings over six days for Kwang Suk Park, Deputy Director of Air Quality Policy for the Korean Ministry of Environment, who met with staff on ambient air monitoring, outreach, compliance, planning, rule development and technology issues.
11-20 AQMD Headquarters Set up visit of William A. Turmeau, Chairman of the Scottish EPA, who met with staff on planning, compliance and technology issues. Also met with ARB board members and auto industry executives during a break at the AQMD Fuel Cell Reformer Conference in the auditorium foyer.
11-24 AQMD Headquarters Coordinated the visit of Kasemsri Homchean, Director of the Environmental Safety and Control Division of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, who met with Stationary Source Compliance staff on RECLAIM.
Speaking Requests Received Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
5 4
Delegations Hosted Tours of AQMD Headquarters
3 0

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
11/3-25 Districtwide Continued Phase 2 of the courtesy call program for notifying companies whose permits have expired that they can still re-instate those permits. Staff contacted businesses whose permit expired between 1/1/98 and 7/1/98.
11/3-25 Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Provided air quality clearance letters for the cities of: Anaheim, Carson, Costa Mesa, El Segundo, Fountain Valley, Glendale, Hemet, Huntington Beach, Huntington Park, Irvine, Lake Forest, La Puente, Lomita, Los Angeles, Mira Loma, Newport Beach, Northridge, Ontario, Pico Rivera, Rancho Santa Marguerita, Redondo Beach, Riverside, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, Temecula, Torrance, Tustin, and Yorba Linda.
11/5 Los Angeles Furniture manufacturer: Helped company determine that the spray gun they wanted to buy was not compliant.
11/5 Orange Equipment rental yard: Helped company apply for a statewide permit for an internal combustion engine that never had a permit with AQMD.
11/5 San Bernardino Furniture manufacturer: Conducted an on-site consultation to explain why an NOV was issued when the lab analysis shows a violation, but the Material Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer said the coating is compliant.
11/6 Los Angeles Restaurant: Corrected misinformation about permit exemptions for two charbroilers, assisted with the application process and faxed a clearance letter.
11/10 Los Angeles Chrome plating facility: Company has set up equipment and wants to obtain a Permit to Operate. Staff visited shop and assisted in filling out an application for the plating line. Explained that the mist control device will be needed for chrome tank and a source test will be required. Provided information on where to locate control device manufacturers and source testers.
11/10 Riverside Powder coating facility: New facility. Staff discussed permitting of powder coating booth and curing oven. Advised that secondary filtration will be required for booth to obtain maximum usage limit.
11/10 Los Angeles Industrial cleaning job shop: Company specializes in cleaning metal parts and is having difficulty finding suitable water-based cleaners. Staff suggested company contact Institute for Research and Technical Assistance.
11/12 Los Angeles Auto body shop: Individual plans to purchase an auto body repair business and wants to know if the facility has a current AQMD permit for their spray booth. Staff advised that the shop does not have a permit but that we will give assistance in obtaining one.
11/12 Statewide Spoke to a CAPCOA committee of rule makers from districts throughout the state regarding the AQMD’s outreach program to promote compliance with the AQMD’s solvent rules requiring use of water-based cleaners (Rules 1171 & 1122).
11/13 Los Angeles Service station: Owner received NOV for having dispensers which were different from those described on their permit. Staff investigated and discovered the owner had submitted their last permit application using information from a previous application. Assisted owner in submitting new application.
11/13 Los Angeles Service station: Company failed vapor recovery system test and needed to file a variance petition. Staff assisted in filling out petition forms.
11/17 Districtwide Distributed a special notice to more than 19,000 auto repair shops reminding them of the Jan. 1, 1999 deadline to switch to water-based cleaners and inviting them to a Dec. 10, 1998 Seminar and Expo on water-based cleaning.
11/17 Los Angeles Restaurant: Applicant is opening a fast-food business that will be operating a charbroiler and requested permit assistance. Staff advised facility that their charbroiler is certified equipment that can be issued an over-the-counter permit.
11/18 & 19 Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Spoke at a dinner meeting of the Automotive Dismantlers Association of Southern California. The topic was the water-based cleaning requirement of Rule 1171.
11/24 Orange Mechanical equipment repair facility: Company has tried water–based cleaners for their operation, but are having problems. Staff discussed rule and possible alternatives.
11/24 Los Angeles Woodworking plant: Company needed to know if dust collection system required permit. Staff determined it is exempt.

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
11/3 Orange Attended the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Meeting. Discussed air quality matters, including "clean fuels reauthorization," the status of the 2000 AQMP update process, and the EPA lawsuit and federal judge’s decision regarding the 1994 and 1997 AQMPs.
11/3 Los Angeles Met with representatives of Foothill Transit and SCAQMD’s TAO to discuss RFP for diesel buses.
11/4 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed air quality matters, including "clean fuels reauthorization" and the EPA lawsuit, with the various elected officials present, including the mayors and council members from Montclair, Ontario, Chino, Upland, Fontana, Rialto, and Redlands.
11/4 Riverside Attended Council Meetings for the Cities of Indio and Coachella. Provided an update on recent AQMD matters.
11/5 Districtwide Attended the SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council Meetings. Discussed the impending announcement that the AQMD had filed a lawsuit against the EPA with the SCAG Executive Director and Legal Counsel.
11/5 Orange Attended the Orange County Public Affairs Association Luncheon Meeting.
11/5 Los Angeles Attended League of California Cities Meeting in City of Commerce.
11/10 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from the City of Palos Verdes Estates regarding draft guidelines for the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program.
11/10 San Bernardino Spoke with staff from the City of Rialto regarding proposal to fund various projects with AB 2766 Subvention Funds. Requested assistance with quantifying emissions for various projects.
11/10 Sacramento Spoke with ARB staff regarding information on the eligible use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds for bicycle programs.
11/10 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from South Bay Cities Council of Governments regarding request for speaker on the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program for COG meeting and steering committee meeting.
11/12 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino City/County Conference – Lake Arrowhead. Discussed air quality, as well as local government matters with elected officials and staff members present from the Cities of Ontario, Montclair, Upland, Fontana, Big Bear Lake, Grand Terrace, Highland, Yucaipa, Redlands, Chino, San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, and Rancho Cucamonga, as well as San Bernardino County, SANBAG.
11/12 Sacramento Spoke with ARB staff who requested our support for their EV Loan Program for local governments.
11/16 San Bernardino Met with Montclair City Manager. Discussed alternative fuel vehicle programs and funding opportunities.
11/16-17 Orange, San Bernardino Attended Council Meetings for the Cities of Costa Mesa, Rialto and Fontana. Provided an update on recent AQMD matters to the city council members.
11/17 Districtwide Met with AB 2766 Local Government Task Force Subcommittee members to discuss content of the "Good Projects" Conference and the RFP for technical assistance.
11/18 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans and Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed MSRC matters with mayor of Rialto and SANBAG staff.
11/19 San Bernardino Attended the Baldy View Public Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting.
11/19 Riverside Attended the Northwest Riverside Clean Cities Alternative Fuels Vehicles Summit. Provided staff support at the information resource center.
11/19 San Bernardino Attended the Inland Empire Division – League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed AQMD matters with the Executive Director of the League of California Cities, and with mayors and council members present.
11/19 Torrance Attended South Bay Cities Council of Governments Meeting in Torrance. Requested assistance from COG to work with AQMD in assessing the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program. COG agreed to pursue this and has requested another meeting in December to discuss more specific details.
11/19 Riverside Met with Executive Director from Western Riverside Council of Governments to discuss attending COG’s Governing Board meeting on December 7 and to plan presentation on AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program.
11/19 Los Angeles Met with staff from Gardena City Manager’s office to give information on the electric vehicle loan program and to provide assistance on completing annual reports.
11/20 Los Angeles Attended Foothill Transit Board of Directors meeting to discuss the proposed Request for Proposal of transit buses.
11/20 Los Angeles Met with the Executive Director of the South Bay Economic Development Partnership to discuss their proposal to assess air quality in the South Bay region.
11/21 Riverside Attended the Metrolink "Southside Rail Platform" Dedication Ceremony and Transportation Fair in Riverside.
11/24 Riverside Spoke with staff representing Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) to discuss COG acting in advisory role to member cities on AB 2766 Subvention Fund issues. Also discussed proposed presentation to WRCOG Executive Committee on AB 2766 Subvention Fund issues.
11/24 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from the City of Cerritos about providing letter of support on the use of AB 2766 Subvention Funds for the purchase of alternative fueled vehicles.
11/24 San Bernardino Spoke with staff from the City of Rialto regarding their request to obtain approval to use AB 2766 Subvention Funds to hire a security guard for their Metrolink Depot. Request was forwarded to ARB and Legal to obtain official ruling.
11/24 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from the City of El Segundo about whether AB 2766 Subvention Funds can be used to pay dues to the COGs.
11/25 Los Angeles Met with staff from South Bay Cities Council of Government and from the City of Torrance to discuss COG acting in advisory role to member cities on AB 2766 Subvention Fund issues.

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
420 348 410

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
11/3 Newspaper Provided information on regulations for autobody paint shops to the Los Angeles Times.
11/3 Newspaper Provided information regarding permit application for gasoline pump installation to the Pacific Palisades Post.
11/4 Newspaper Provided information on AQMD’s auto scrapping program to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
11/4 All Provided information on potential sites for field trips to the Society of Environmental Journalists for the group’s 1999 annual convention in Los Angeles.
11/4 Newspaper Provided information regarding LAXT to Random Lengths News.
11/5 Magazine Provided information on regulation of waste-to-energy facilities to Waste News.
11/5 Print Media, Newspaper Distributed media advisory on lawsuit filed against EPA, and provided additional information to Inland Daily Bulletin.
11/5 Newspaper Provided information and interview to the Los Angeles times on a proposed soil cleanup project by Mobil in Sherman Oaks.
11/6 Newspaper Provided general information on AQMD and pollution in the region to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
11/6 Magazine Provided information on regulations covering printing to Print & Graphics magazine.
11/6 Newsletter Provided information on AQMD’s lawsuit against EPA to BNA Publications.
11/10 Newsletter Provided photos to the NRDC national newsletter.
11/10 & 11/12 Newspaper Provided data on emission sources to USA Today.
11/10 Newspaper Provided information on November Board meeting agenda items to the Los Angeles Times.
11/10 Newspaper Provided status of Union Pacific case to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
11/12 Radio Provided in-studio interview on current status of the region’s air pollution control program to KZLA Radio (93.9 FM).
11/12 Magazine Provided information on AQMD’s lawsuit against EPA to Metro News.
11/12 Newsletter Provided information on AQMD regulations to Environmental Building News.
11/12 Newspaper Provided information to San Bernardino Sun on Governing Board meeting.
11/12 Newsletter Provided information to Mobile Source report on new EPA standards.
11/12 Radio Provided interview with Inland News on analysis of 1998 smog season.
11/12 Newsletter Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on Rule 1610 proposed amendment.
11/12 Newspaper Provided information to LA Times on CUT SMOG, vehicle scrapping programs.
11/13 Newspaper Provided information to San Bernardino Sun, Riverside Press-Enterprise and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on EO appointment, smog pager service.
11/13 Magazine Provided information on air quality to a writer for the LA Convention Center’s magazine/newsletter.
11/13 All Media Distributed November Board Summary to all major media in the area.
11/13 Newspaper Provided information on VOC emissions to USA Today.
11/17 Newspaper Arranged interview with EO for LA Business Journal.
11/17 Newspaper Arranged interview with Barry Wallerstein for the Business Press.
11/17 All Media Distributed press release on pager smog alert system test to all area media.
11/17 Newspaper Provided information to Daily Bruin on Clean Air Awards.
11/17 TV Provided information and interviews to KNBC (Ch. 4), KNX (1040 AM), and the Los Angeles Times on smog pager program.
11/17 Magazine Provided information to Auto Rental News Magazine on EV rental program
11/17 Radio Arranged December interview on AQMD’s Town Hall meetings, EJ Initiatives and 1-800-CUT-SMOG. Station: KOST.
11/18 Newsletter Arranged interview with Clean Air Report on Title III.
11/18 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on smoke complaint.
11/18 Newspaper Provided information and interviews to the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Press-Enterprise, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and KFI (640 AM) on the smog pager program.
11/19 Radio Provided interview to Metro Networks News, KCSN-FM, 98/99 News on smog pager program.
11/19 Newspaper Provided information to San Bernardino Sun on number of AQMD inspectors.
11/19 Newspaper Provided information to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on Rule 1186 proposed amendment.
11/19 Newspaper Provided information and interviews to the Los Angeles Times regarding proposed Bob Wondries auto body shop.
11/20 Newspapers Provided information and interviews to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Riverside Press-Enterprise and San Bernardino Sun regarding court’s denial of a preliminary injunction in the Union Pacific litigation.
11/20 Radio Provided information on the pager pilot program to Inland Empire Radio News.
11/20 News Service Provided information on the pager pilot program to Reuter’s Health.
11/20 Newspaper Provided information concerning the upcoming Board meeting agenda to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
11/20 Newspaper Provided information on regulations for autobody shops to the Los Angeles Times.
11/24 Magazine Provided information to the Paint & Coatings Journal on upcoming amendments to the architectural coatings rule.
11/24 Magazine Provided information and interview to Wireless Week regarding the pilot pager smog alert program.
11/24 Newspaper Provided information on emissions inventory to USA Today.
11/24 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on air quality complaints in Mira Loma.
11/25 Magazine Provided information to the Multinational Monitor on the Commerce Refuse Energy Authority plant’s compliance record.
11/25 Magazine Provided information on permitting requirements for UV-curable printing to Spencer-Cygnus Publications.
11/25 Newsletter Provided information to Clean Air Compliance Review on source testing of SCONOx.
11/25 Newspaper Provided information to Palm Springs Desert Sun on hazy air quality in Coachella Valley.
11/30 Newsletter Provided information to Inside Paging regarding AQMD pager smog alert program.

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 Staff Calls to Auto-mated System Total Phone Calls Received
695 384 571 6,294 6,830

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
5,686 4,789 1,765 87 13,867

*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
56 179 429

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This page updated: September 01, 2004
URL: http://www.aqmd.gov/hb/1999/990117a.html