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REPORT:

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Technology Committee met on February 26, 1999. Major items discussed included an overview of dbb Fuel Cell development and commercialization efforts and a review of a proposal to ARB for Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program funds; Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the March Board meeting; updates on TAO reauthorization bills AB 38 and SB 98 and a summary of Technology Advancement Advisory Group meeting; presentations on completed Technology Advancement projects; and monthly reports on environmental justice initiatives 2, 7, and 10. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided, together with an attendance roster. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on March 26, 1999 at 11:30 a.m. in CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Receive and file.

Hal Bernson, Chair
Technology Committee

Attendance: Present were Committee Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz and Committee member Norma Glover. Committee member Roy Wilson and Committee Chair Hal Bernson participated by video-teleconference.

Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.

Technology Advancement Feature Presentation

1. Overview of dbb Fuel Cell Development and Commercialization Efforts - Mr. Rick Cooper, Managing Director of dbb Fuel Cell Engines Corporation presented an overview of fuel cell systems and the automotive fuel cell alliance (video). He presented test results, plans for commercialization, remaining issues to solve for commercialization, and areas for cooperation with government agencies.

2. Review of a Proposal to ARB for Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program Funds - Cindy Sullivan of Technology Advancement provided a review of the Carl Moyer Memorial Fund indicating:
   
   • $25 Million Available Statewide
     - Match Funding of: Air Districts, $1; Moyer, $2
   • ARB will Encumber Funds to Air Districts
     - ARB Staff Proposal Recommends $11,273,000 to AQMD
   • Program Criteria
     - Certified Technologies
     - $12,000/ton of NOx Reduced

March Board Agenda Items

3. Execute Contract to Cosponsor L/CNG Fueling Station Evaluation and Upgrade - The L/CNG fueling station at UPS Ontario Airport has experienced some operational problems since completion. Significant LNG technology improvements and advancements have been made since that time. The proposed project would incorporate this advanced technology into this station. The design, engineering and development completed in this project will be documented and made available to industry, ensuring future LNG and L/CNG refueling station advancement. Total cost to the AQMD for this project will not exceed $35,000; the Gas Research Institute will provide $40,000, for a total project cost of $75,000.

4. Execute Contract to Cosponsor Development and Demonstration of the Mack E7G Gas Engine at 400 Horsepower - The emission reductions exhibited by natural gas heavy-duty engines are well documented. The majority of in-service application of these engines is in local delivery trucks rather than over-the-road trucks. Class 8 trucks demand high horsepower (400 or more) and torque to meet their needs. The only currently available 400 HP natural gas engine is the Caterpillar C-12, a dual fuel engine. Staff proposes to cosponsor the development and demonstration of the Mack E7G 400 HP natural gas engine. Total cost of this project is $2,756,000; AQMD cost-share will not exceed $400,000.

5. Execute Contract to Cost-Share Development and Demonstration of Advanced Fast-Fill Natural Gas Compressor to Refuel Natural Gas Vehicles - A major barrier to the market penetration of NGVs is the high cost faced by public and private fleets to purchase, install and operate NGV refueling stations. OceanAir Environmental has proposed to develop and demonstrate an advanced, fast-fill natural gas compressor with potentially lower capital and operating costs than conventional compressors. The proposed advanced compressor refueling station will refuel NGVs owned and operated by the other participants in the project, namely the cities of Calabasas, Malibu, Agoura, Westlake and Hidden Hills. Total cost of this project is $592,000. The proposed AQMD cost-share is $200,000.

6. Execute Contract for the Design of an Interactive Fuel Cell Museum Exhibit at the California Science Museum - In implementing and commercializing fuel cell technology, it is important to familiarize the public, particularly our youth, with how fuel cells work, what their applications may be, and the technology’s environmental benefits. The California Science Center Foundation, in conjunction with the AQMD, will contract for the planning, design and specification of an interactive fuel cell museum exhibit. AQMD cost for this contract will not exceed $75,000.

7. Execute Contract to Cost Share Request for Proposals for Demonstration of Small-Scale Natural Gas Liquefaction Plant - A small-scale natural gas liquefaction plant using innovative technology may significantly reduce the cost and increase availability of LNG to the end user. The CEC intends to release a RFP for development and demonstration of a small-scale liquefaction plant. The goal of this project is to develop up to two in-state liquefaction plants with a minimum production capability of 5,000 gallons per day of liquefied natural gas at a sustainable fuel cost of $0.30 per gallon of LNG. The AQMD cost share portion shall not exceed $200,000.

8. Execute Contract to Purchase Instruments for Automatic Gas Calibration Systems - On August 14, 1998, the Board approved the release of an RFQ to purchase 10 automatic gas calibration systems for the ambient air monitoring network and in support of the PAMS program. This action is to execute a contract with Environics Inc. in the amount of $135,312.00 for the purchase of 10 automatic gas calibration systems. Funds for this purchase are included in the FY 1998-99 Budget.
   
   Chairman Bernson indicated items 3 through 8 were consent items and asked for a motion for approval. ON MOTION OF LEONARD PAULITZ, SECONDED BY NORMA GLOVER, AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THE COMMITTEE APPROVED AGENDA ITEMS 3 THROUGH 8 AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF.

Updates

9. TAO Reauthorization Bills AB 38 and SB 98 - Lupe Valdez, Deputy Executive Officer of Public Affairs and Transportation, presented an update on the progress of legislative bills to reauthorize the Clean Fuels Program. SB 98 goes before the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, March 2, 1999, and AB 38 will go before the corresponding Assembly committee the next week. There is no opposition to the bill going into this session of the Legislature.

10. Summary of Technology Advancement Advisory Group Meeting - Andy Abele of Technology Advancement reviewed the January 20, 1999 meeting of this group. Items addressed at that meeting included: definition of the Clean Fuels Program; review of program direction; and definition of clean fuels. It was the consensus of the working group to "stay the course" and continue with its current research agenda.

11. Report on Completed Technology Advancement Projects
    
    Fred Minassian of Technology Advancement presented final reports on cosponsorship for projects for Development and Demonstration of Emission Control Technologies for Commercial Underfired Charbroilers and Measurement of Evaporative Emissions from Off-Road Equipment.
    
    Chairman Bernson left the meeting at 12:37 p.m. and Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz chaired the rest of the meeting.

12. Monthly Report on Environmental Justice Initiatives 2, 7 and 10
    
    Vice Chair Paulitz indicated all Committee members had received the Environmental Justice Initiatives for review and asked if there were any questions or comments. Hearing none, these updates were not verbally presented. The monthly status reports were handed out and are attached hereto as Attachments B, C and D.

13. Other Business - There was no other business.
    
    The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

Attachments

Attachment A - Attendance
Attachment B - Environmental Initiative # 2 Status Report
Attachment C - Environmental Initiative # 7 Status Report
Attachment D - Environmental Initiative #10 Status Report

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Attachment A - Attendance

Attachment B

Environmental Justice Initiative No. 2 - MATES-II and Microscale Study

Status Report - February 1999

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

January/Early February Actions:

1. MATES-II:

• All 10 MATES-II Sites continuing to operate
• Most laboratory analyses completed for samples collected through November
• Survey forms to update toxics emissions inventory sent to 200 AB2588 facilities.

2. Microscale Study:

• Seasonal sampling nearing completion at Hawthorne and Pacoima
• Sampling completed at Montclair, Torrance, Costa Mesa, Boyle Heights, Corona, Norwalk, and Anaheim
• Sampling in progress at Van Nuys and San Pedro
• Next deployments in preparation phase (Riverside and South El Monte)

3. ATSTRG meeting held February 17, 1999

• Key discussion topic: Summary and presentation of preliminary data
• Received presentations on:

1. Development of methodology to determine diesel component of elemental carbon
2. Field program status and milestone report

3. Toxics emission inventory recap and status report.

Upcoming Items:

• Continue operating MATES-II and microscale sites
• Compile updated monthly summaries of completed laboratory analyses with input from ARB
• Complete preparations for next set of microscale site locations (Riverside and South El Monte)
• Receive completed emissions inventory surveys and compile data
• Complete growth and emission control factor development
• Apply growth and control factors to the draft point source emissions inventory
• Next ATSTRG Meeting scheduled for April 21, 1999.

Attachment C

Environmental Justice Initiative No. 7 - Cleanup Incentives for Diesel
Attachment B

Monthly Status Report
January - February 1999

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

Support Funding Incentives

• 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 has established a working group, comprised of key stakeholders, to review and provide input to the AQMD's Moyer Program. Initial meetings have been held Feb. 3 and 18, 1999 to help shape the AQMD proposal. Regular monthly meetings of this working group are anticipated.
• AQMD staff has developed a proposed implementation plan and proposal for the South Coast Air Basin for consideration by the Governing Board at its March 1999 meeting. Proposals are due to the ARB in April 1999.
• Discussions continue regarding allocation of the Moyer Program funds among the state air districts, with the AQMD's allocation currently proposed at about $11.2 million.
• Bills to reauthorize and extend the AQMD Clean Fuels Program were introduced in both the State Senate and Assembly in December 1998. SB 98 was introduced by Richard Alarcon and AB 38 was introduced by Carl Washington. Both bills have been assigned to the Transportation Committees in their respective houses.

Continue Statewide Coordination

• The Implementation Team of the Ad Hoc Truck Working Group met Feb. 10, 1999 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. The districts are also discussing coordination of outreach efforts associated with the program.

Promote Technology Advancement

• Recent contracts, proposed or awarded in January-March 1999, related to clean fuel alternatives to heavy-duty diesel engines and vehicles include:
• Development and Demonstration of Advanced Natural Gas Engine Electronic Controls for Cummins L10 engine
• Implementation of Low Emission, Alternative Fuel Heavy-Duty Trucks in the Western United States (Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor)
  Attachment C (continued)
• Development of Best Practices for Natural Gas Fuel System Design and Integration
• Development and Demonstration of Liquefied Natural Gas Locomotive (GasRail USA)
• Development and Demonstration of a Mack 400 HP Natural Gas Engine.

Coordinate with Transit Districts

• AQMD staff continued discussions with LACMTA staff regarding continuing its Alternative Fuel Initiative in future bus procurements. In February 1999, AQMD staff conducted site visits in conjunction with LACMTA staff to 2 divisions operating CNG buses and refueling stations.

Coordination with MSRC and Local Government

• AQMD staff is working with the MSRC to coordinate its heavy-duty vehicle work program with the Moyer Program to avoid duplication and maximize the implementation of clean fuel heavy-duty vehicles in the Basin.
• 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. This heavy-duty work program is to be recommended for approval to the AQMD Governing Board at its March 1999 meeting.

Conduct Public Education and Outreach

• AQMD staff has initiated development of a program to educate local school boards regarding future procurement of clean fuel school buses, as outlined in the recently adopted Children's Initiatives (specifically Initiative 4B). The program will include information on available clean fuel buses, emission benefits, financial incentive programs available to off-set incremental costs of clean fuel buses, and operating and maintenance requirements/experience with alternative fuel buses.

Attachment D

Environmental Justice Initiative #10
Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402
Status Report
February 1999

UPDATE ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE #10

REPORT CONTENT

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