BOARD MEETING DATE: March 12, 1999 AGENDA NO. 22




PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the January 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. 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 January. 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
  • El Sereno Town Hall Meeting December 3, 1998
  • Montclair Town Hall Meeting January 21, 1999
  • L.A. Harbor College scheduled for March 3, 1999 in the Music Recital Hall on campus.
  • March – South Bay LAX Expansion Meeting (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)
  • Laboratory analysis completed through November.
  • Emission inventory in process.

2. Microscale Study:

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

    Lead and chrome 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. On January 10, 1999 Chrome Crankshaft shut down all of their plating operations. Company officials indicated they will no longer do plating at the facility. An inspection by AQMD staff verified the shutdown.
  • Jefferson School Update

    Over the holidays, while students were not in attendance at the school, various wells were dug, sampled, and analyzed. Additional work was done on the soil vapor extraction 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 by the contractor 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 certified laboratory of their choice.
4. CEQA Commenting Commenting
  • Reporting period: January 1, 1999 - January 29, 1999

    -     Number of requests to AQMD for document review: 0
    - Number of documents received for review this period: 41
    - Number of documents to receive AQMD comments: 13
    - Number of comment letters sent out this reporting period: 5

Handbook Revision

  • Draft Handbook Undergoing Revisions by Working Group.
  • Next meeting of Working Group is February 25, 1999.
5. Environmental Justice Task Force
  • Task Force met December 10, 1998, and on 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Alarcón and AB 38 was introduced by Assemblyman Carl Washington. Hearings are expected in March.
8. Field Inspection Technology
  • Completed final report submitted to Board December 11, 1998.
9. Portable Equipment Permitting
  • Formal request made to CARB in February 98 to adopt safeguards statewide.
  • Sunset on Rule 2100 took effect on July 1, 1998
  • CARB amended statewide portable equipment program December 11, 1998.
  • AQMD staff has developed implementation recommendations for Initiative #9 for engines operating in basin:

    - 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
  • Recommendations slated for March 1999 Board Meeting.
10. Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402 Rule 1401 Amendments:
  • Initiative: The Governing Board meeting in January added approximately 40 carcinogens to the list, including sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. The Board will also consider changes in the effective dates for some compounds for which final risk values are pending. Addition to nickel compounds still pending.

Rule 1402 Amendments:

  • Air Toxics Working Group met on January 28 and discussed cumulative impacts. General principles have been developed for cumulative impacts and future meetings will include proposals from staff and working group members.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

Date Location Description of Activity
1/7 Los Angeles Executive Director of Asthma & Allergy Foundation wanted more information on the Children’s Air Quality Agenda. Reviewed proposed initiatives.
1/13 Los Angeles Spoke with Communities for a Better Environment regarding resident complaint on a gas station permit.
1/21 San Bernardino Staffed Town Hall Meeting in Montclair.
1/26 Los Angeles Attended coordinating committee meeting of Fresh Air R Us Conference, to be held April 30 and May 1 at the Davidson Conference Center at USC.
1/25 Orange Executive Director of American Lung Association of Orange County called regarding an outreach program on asthma and lung health that ALAOC is offering Headstart teachers. Discussed possible AQMD participation in presenting an air quality overview as a training component for daycare workers and parents enrolled in the program.
1/25 Riverside Riverside Press-Enterprise’s Marketing Department called requesting more information on the Children’s Air Quality Agenda and possible sponsorship opportunities. Will follow-up with information on Inland Empire conferences.
1/27 Los Angeles Program Manager from the American Lung Association of Los Angeles County called to discuss student outreach programs, including Clean Air Patch program and Children’s Air Quality Agenda.
1/27 Los Angeles Made a presentation to 50 Spanish-speaking Headstart teachers participating in a certification training program, sponsored by Plaza de la Raza Headstart in the City of Commerce.
Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted Participated/Attended
3 / 1 3 / 3
Public Workshops/Notices Fee Review Requests
3 / 4 3

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 January.

Date Location Description of Activity
1/7 Headquarters Prof. Ik Jin Kim, a researcher with the Institute for Processing and Application of Inorganic Materials at Hanseo University (Korea), met with staff on recycling and landfill requirements.
1/21 Headquarters A four-member delegation from the State Commission on Ecology of Jalisco, Mexico, met with Public Affairs staff to arrange a follow-up visit by technical staff on ambient air monitoring and forecasting.
1/28 Headquarters A 16-member delegation of local and regional environmental officials and policy analysts from Russia met with Stationary Source Compliance staff on RECLAIM.
Speaking Requests Received Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
3 3
Delegations Hosted Tours of AQMD Headquarters
3 1

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
1/6 Orange  
1/7 Los Angeles Special trade contractor: Staff assisted company that received a Notice of Violation for Rule 1166 – Decontamination of Soil. Company representatives felt the violation offense was unclear. Staff contacted the inspector and steps were taken to clarify the matter for the company.
1/14 Districtwide Discussed with interested small business representatives the formation of a Small Business Alliance.
1/19 Los Angeles Staff participated in a planning retreat of the Think Earth consortium, which is the main organization through which the AQMD produces educational curricula for elementary and middle schools.
1/19 Los Angeles Restaurants: Several permit assistance requests from applicants that are opening restaurants which will operate a charbroiler. Staff informed companies of new requirement for charbroiler registration, discussed information and provided forms.
1/21 Los Angeles Service station: Staff assisted company that purchased an existing gas station and needed guidance in permitting equipment.
1/26 Los Angeles Furniture manufacturer: Company considering installation of new coating machine. Staff provided application and fee information.
1/27 San Bernardino Home furnishings manufacturer: Assisted company interested in installing additional coating equipment and needed information on submitting permit applications.
1/27 Los Angeles Automotive electrical parts rebuilder: Company purchased water-based cleaning machines, but found some parts resistant to cleaning. Staff advised electrical parts can be cleaned with solvent and suggested several possible remedies to try without reverting to all solvent cleaning.
1/27 Los Angeles Met with representatives of the Sanitation Districts, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and city industrial waste agencies to discuss progress on the water-based cleaning rules (Rule 1171 and 1122), and their impact on wastewater treatment plants.
1/8-29 Districtwide Provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities of: Brea, Corona, Cudahy, Grand Terrace, Hemet, Huntington Beach, Industry, Irwindale, Los Alamitos, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Dominguez, Rialto, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, Stanton, and Yorba Linda.
1/8-29 Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino Building and Safety Department Program: Distributing newly-designed permit checklists and outreach material, Small Business staff has visited 101 of 169 Building and Safety departments.

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
1/4 Riverside Attended the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed AQMD matters with mayors and city council members from Hemet, Corona and Murietta and WRCOG staff.
1/5 Orange Attended the Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization, the recent EPA decision regarding the 1997 AQMP, and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program.
1/5 Orange Attended the Fountain Valley City Council Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization and the recent EPA decision regarding the 1997 AQMP with city council members.
1/6 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization, the recent EPA decision regarding the 1997 AQMP, and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with mayors and city council members from Ontario, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and Montclair.
1/7 Districtwide Attended the SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council Meetings. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization, the recent EPA decision regarding the 1997 AQMP, and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with mayors and city council members.
1/8 Riverside Assisted staff from City of Yucaipa with AB 2766 Subvention Fund Annual Report.
1/8 Orange Assisted staff from City of Mission Viejo with AB 2766 Subvention Fund Annual Report.
1/12 Orange Attended the Orange County Council of Governments – Executive Management Committee (OCCOG-EMC) Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization bills and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program.
1/12 Los Angeles Discussed with Executive Director for Gateway Cities COG’s participation in AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach.
1/12-14 Sacramento Participated in California Contract Cities Association 32nd Annual Sacramento Legislative Orientation.
1/13 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Administrative Committee Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization bills and CARB’s EV Loan Program with SANBAG staff.
1/14 Orange Orange County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed air quality matters, including "clean fuels reauthorization," the recent EPA decision regarding the 1997 AQMP, and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with mayors,. council members, and staff from Huntington Beach, Westminster, Anaheim, Los Alamitos, Placentia, and San Clemente.
1/14 Los Angeles Met with staff from the Cities of Los Angeles and Covina regarding AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program and ARB Annual Report Questionnaire.
1/14 Los Angeles Contacted staff from the City of El Monte in response to question regarding AFV buydown.
1/19 Orange Attended the Santa Ana City Council Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization, the recent EPA decision regarding the 1997 AQMP, and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with the mayor and city manager.
1/20 San Bernardino Attended the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with the mayor of Fontana.
1/20 Riverside Attended the Northwest Riverside Clean Cities Coalition Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization with members of the committee.
1/21 Orange Attended the Orange County Council of Governments Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program.
1/21 San Bernardino Attended the Inland Empire Division – League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization and the recent EPA decision regarding the 1997 AQMP with local elected officials.
1/21 Los Angeles Spoke with the Mayor from the City of South El Monte regarding an inquiry on status of installation of air monitoring stations.
1/21 Los Angeles Spoke with field representative from Los Angeles City Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski’s office regarding an ongoing public nuisance complaint against an automobile dealership for open spray painting and sanding without using emissions control equipment.
1/22 Los Angeles Spoke with the Executive Officer of Southern California Rideshare regarding AB 2766 issues.
1/26 San Bernardino Attended the Highland City Council Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program with the mayor, council members and city manager.
1/27 San Bernardino Attended Supervisor Fred Aguiar’s District Office Open House. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization with the Supervisor and his staff members.
1/27 Los Angeles Contacted Mayor and City Manager of the City of South El Monte regarding a complaint lodged by a constituent.
1/27 Los Angeles Met with Executive Director of Gateway Cities Council of Governments to discuss partnership with COG on AB 2766 outreach efforts.
1/27 Los Angeles Met with Consultant to South Bay Cities Council of Governments to discuss partnership with COG on AB 2766 outreach efforts.
1/27 Los Angeles Spoke with staff from City of Los Angeles regarding revisions to AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program Resource Guide Book.
1/27 Los Angeles Spoke with field representative from Assemblymember Hertzberg’s office regarding a constituent’s complaint.
1/28 San Bernardino Attended the Baldy View Public Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting.
1/28 San Bernardino Attended the Grand Terrace City Council Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization and the proposed COG involvement in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Program.
1/28 Los Angeles Attended Gateway Cities Planning Committee Meeting in Bell Gardens.
1/29 Orange Attended the Orange County Business Council (OCBC) Legislative Advocacy Workshop.
1/29 Districtwide Attended the Southern California Transportation Legislative Roundtable Meeting. Discussed clean fuels reauthorization with the transportation commission legislative staff members in attendance.

Public Records

The Public Records Unit received and processed the following number of requests during the month of January.

Requests Carried Over No. of Requests Received No. of Requests Closed
379 345 336

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
1/4 Newspaper Commented on EPA disapproval of 1997 AQMP to Los Angeles Times.
1/5 Newspaper Provided information to Dallas Morning News regarding pager program.
1/5 Newsletters Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA and BNA Publications regarding EPA rejection of 1997 AQMP.
1/5 Newsletter Reviewed draft copy for Crossroads newsletter on Rule 1501/2202.
1/6 Television Provided information on EVs and arranged phone interview for KABC-TV Channel 7.
1/6 Television Provided information on Children’s Agenda to CNN.
1/6 Magazine Provided information regarding AQMP to PTI Magazine.
1/6 Newspaper Provided information concerning the status of Rule 1158 to the Los Angeles Times.
1/7 Newspaper Provided information to Business Press on appointment of Executive Officer.
1/7 Radio Provided information on the Children’s Agenda to News Radio.
1/7 Newsletters, Newspapers, Radio Provided information on Board meeting agenda to News Radio, Riverside Press-Enterprise, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and BNA Publications.
1/8 Newspaper Provided information on waste to energy incinerators to the Pasadena Star-News.
1/8 Newspaper Provided information to the Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Bernardino County Sun and Orange County Register concerning the Children’s Agenda.
1/8 Television Provided information and interview of Chairman Burke to CNN on Children’s Agenda.
1/8 All Media Distributed summary of January 8 Board meeting.
1/12 & 14 Newsletters Provided information on the Children’s Initiative to Clean Air Report and Environmental Health newsletters.
1/12 Newspaper Met with new environmental reporter for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
1/13 Newsletter Provided information on MSRC school bus program to Hart Energy Publications.
1/13 Television Provided information concerning landfill fire in Devore to KCAL-TV Channel 9.
1/13 Newspaper Provided information on upcoming AQMD activities to the Los Angeles Times.
1/13 Radio Provided interview to KCSN radio on Children’s Air Quality Agenda.
1/13 Newsletter Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on clean diesel fuels.
1/13 Newspaper Set up photo for Business Press on air monitoring station.
1/14 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on Rule 1151 amendments.
1/14 Newspaper Provided information to the Los Angeles Times on the Union Pacific Slover Siding case.
1/14 Newspaper Provided information to the Daily Bulletin concerning the pager smog alert program.
1/14 Radio Provided information to KFWB Radio (AM 980) regarding an asbestos renovation.
1/15 & 21 Newspaper Provided information and interviews to Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding Rule 1151 amendments.
1/15 Newspaper Provided general information on AQMD to the Riverside Press-Enterprise’s new environmental writer.
1/15 Newspaper Provided air monitoring data from the Devore Fire to the San Bernardino Sun.
1/15 Newsletter Provided information on use of alternative fuels in the area and at the District to the Green Car Journal.
1/19 Newspaper Provided information to Los Angeles Daily News on air quality in Santa Clarita Valley.
1/19 Newspaper Met with the new environmental writer at the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
1/19 Newspaper Provided information to Signal News on PM10.
1/19 Newspaper Provided information on AQMD’s involvement with Chrome Crankshaft to the Los Angeles Times and Montebello Comet.
1/19 Newspaper Issued news release on Montclair Town Hall Meeting.
1/20 Newspaper Provided information to Pasadena Star-News on air quality.
1/20 Newspaper Provided an update on pager smog alert project to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
1/20 Newspaper Provided information regarding Montclair Town Hall Meeting to the Claremont Courier.
1/21 All Media Issued media advisory on Stage 1 Episode in Coachella Valley.
1/21 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on Devore site.
1/21 Newspaper Provided additional information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on Stage 1 Episode in Coachella Valley.
1/21 Newspaper Provided information to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on Montclair Town Hall Meeting.
1/22 Radio Provided information to Marketplace Radio on Rule 1401.
1/22 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on Rule 1151 and spray booths.
1/22 News Syndicate Provided status report regarding pager smog alert system to Rex Features.
1/22 Newsletter Provided update on Rule 1610 to Inside Cal-EPA.
1/22 Newspaper Provided information on Lapis Energy MSRC contract to the Desert Sun.
1/26-28 Newspaper Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on EPA’s new Air Quality Index and AQMD’s air quality reporting system.
1/26 Newsletter Provided information to Mobile Source Report on EV rental car program.
1/27 Newspaper Provided information to San Bernardino County Sun on upcoming AQMD issues in 1999.
1/27 Magazine Provided information concerning abatement order and permits for the CENCO refinery to Newsweek.
1/28 Newspapers Provided information on ARB settlement of lawsuit over 1997 AQMP to Riverside Press-Enterprise, Torrance Daily Breeze and Orange County Register.
1/28 Television Took request for interview on AQMP issue from KCET-TV Channel 28.
1/28 Newspaper Provided information on air quality to the Los Angeles Daily News.

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
723 168 655 5,087 5,804

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
6,055 4,294 2,018 41 14,416

*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
239 335 343

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This page updated: September 02, 2004
URL: http://www.aqmd.gov/hb/1999/990322a.html