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PROPOSAL: 

Report on Ambient Air Quality Evaluation to Determine Relative Contribution of Internal Combustion Engines Used for the Manufacture of Snow and/or Operation of Ski Lifts to Potential PM_2.5 Violations

SYNOPSIS: 

Rule 1110.2 requires the Executive Officer to report to the Board by December 31, 1999 on the relative contribution of engines which operate for the manufacture of snow and/or operation of ski lifts to potential PM_2.5 violations. This report fulfills that requirement.

COMMITTEE: 

Stationary Source, October 15, 1999, Reviewed

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Rule 1110.2 – Emissions from Gaseous- and Liquid-fueled Internal Combustion Engines was adopted in August 1990 to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOC) from gaseous- and liquid-fueled internal combustion engines. It was recently amended on November 14, 1997 to revise the exemption for engines used for snow manufacturing and ski lift operations. At the time of the last amendment, a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for PM_2.5 had recently been promulgated.

A provision was included in the rule to assure compliance with the forthcoming PM_2.5 24-hour and annual standards. The rule requires an assessment by December 31, 1999 to determine the relative contribution of engines used for snow manufacture and ski lift operations to potential PM_2.5 violations. The rule also requires a report to the Governing Board including recommended actions to be taken, if necessary, to ensure PM_2.5 standard compliance. The federal PM_2.5 standards were recently litigated, but currently remain in place.

Results of Ambient Air Quality Evaluation

The attached report summarizes the results of the ambient air quality evaluation performed to determine the relative contribution of engines used for snow manufacture and ski lift operations to potential PM_2.5 violations in the Big Bear area. PM_2.5 sampling was conducted at the Big Bear Airport from February through September 12, 1999 using equipment that meets a federal reference method.

Engines used to manufacture snow and/or operate ski lifts are allowed by permit to operate only between November 1 and April 15. The evaluation assessment is based on samples taken between February 8 and September 12, 1999. The highest 24-hour concentration reported was 25.1 ug/m³ on March 13, 1999. All samples during the entire monitoring period were well below the federal 24-hour standard for PM_2.5 of 65 ug/m³. Additionally, the arithmetic mean for the partial-year sampling period was 9 ug/m³, which is below the federal annual arithmetic mean standard of 15 ug/m³.

PM_2.5 concentrations during the ski season were somewhat higher than those during the following months. The exact relative contribution of the engines, however, cannot be determined at this time. Other sources also contribute to increased PM_2.5 in the winter months, including wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, as well as increased diesel truck and automobile traffic during ski season.

It can be concluded that at present the engines used for snow manufacture and ski lift operations do not cause PM_2.5 violations in the Big Bear area. No violations of PM_2.5 standards were observed. Based on the sampling data, there are no anticipated violations of the ambient standards. Monitoring efforts will continue.

Staff Recommendations

PM_2.5 concentrations at Big Bear were found to be well below the Federal Ambient Air Quality Standard both for the 24-hour standard and for the annual arithmetic mean. Staff recommends continued monitoring of PM_2.5 at Big Bear to assure compliance, and reports to the Board every two years, provided EPA funding for the monitoring program continues.

Attachments

Ambient Air Quality Evaluation

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