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Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS: 

This report highlights the February 2000 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 February. The report format includes five major areas: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings (including the Speakers Bureau, Visiting Dignitaries and Public Information Center), Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Media Communications (including the Communication Center).

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
2/3	Riverside	Spoke with school nurse from the Inland Empire who wanted more information on the Mobile Asthma Clinic project. She was very supportive of this effort and wanted to know if we were planning a similar program for the Inland Empire. Advised her that we are seeking additional funds to augment services to this area.
2/3	Statewide	Spoke with staff from San Diego APCD requesting information on our Clean Air Patch program. They are interested in establishing a similar program with scouting groups in their area.
2/8	Los Angeles	Met with resident concerned about a complaint issued for asbestos removal at her home. District will issue an NOV. Explained the NOV process.
2/10	Orange	Attended Latino Community Asthma Conference hosted by Latino Issue Forum and provided information on smog and health to 90 conference attendees.
2/22	Orange	Participated in American Lung Association, Orange County’s Allies Against Asthma-Environmental Justice subcommittee meeting.
2/24	Los Angeles	Attended American Lung Association, Los Angeles, Allies Against Asthma Committee meeting. Discussed health-based outreach programs. Met with representatives from Boys & Girls Clubs, LA County Dept. of Health Services, LA County-USC Medical Center and UCLA IMMAX Program (asthma research) who were very interested in partnering with AQMD on community-based outreach programs.

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
2/1	Los Angeles	Electronics manufacturer: Proposing to change solvent cleaning operations to water-based. Discussed Rule 1122 requirements and provided list of compliant suppliers.
2/1	San Bernardino	Refrigeration equipment sales and maintenance: Provided assistance explaining permitting requirements of Rule 1415 regulating the use of refrigerants.
2/1	Los Angeles	Small glass workshop: Provided assistance explaining the rules and permitting requirements for glass frosting/ etching processes.
2/1-29	Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino	Provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities and areas of: Bell, Brea, Carson, Cerritos, Fountain Valley, Gardena, Glendale, Hemet, Huntington Beach, Industry, Irvine, La Mirada, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Montclair, Northridge, Pacoima, Paramount, Perris, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Rialto, San Bernardino, San Fernando, South El Monte, Stanton, Temecula, Universal City, and Whittier.
2/2	Riverside	Antique furniture refinishing: Explained required forms, fees, rules, recordkeeping and risk assessment for using methylene chloride stripper.
2/3	Los Angeles	Motion picture/video service company: Submitted application for film cleaning machine, but information was incomplete and fees were not included. Staff contacted representative and discussed changes.
2/3	Los Angeles	Restaurant: Company petitioned for short term variance until repairs could be made to control equipment. Staff was asked by District Prosecutor to be present at hearing and provide technical support.
2/4	Los Angeles	Mobile generator manufacturer: Received a Notice of Violation and District Prosecutor referred company to SBAO for assistance. Staff visited facility and discussed applicable rules; helped in submitting application to modify VOC limits on spray booth; and assisted in completing annual emissions report.
2/4	Los Angeles	Baking company: Consultant brought in permit applications for existing baking and materials storage equipment. Staff reviewed forms and supplemental materials. Made suggestions for changes and additions to applications and provided correct fee information.
2/4	Los Angeles	Hospital: Requested assistance re-activating permits for an emergency internal combustion engine, boiler and ethylene oxide sterilizer. Provided required forms, fees and applicable rules.
2/4	Riverside	Building developer and management company: Provided assistance explaining the requirements for the use of the AQMD permit checklist for city building permitting air quality clearance purposes.
2/8	Los Angeles	Printer: Needed assistance with daily record keeping for printing presses. Visited facility and reviewed permits and graphics arts material usage. Recommended how to organize records and make calculations.
2/8	Los Angeles	Electrical equipment rebuilder: Received Notice to Comply to apply for change of condition for operating temperature on baking oven permit. Assisted owners in filling out application.
2/8	Los Angeles	Dry cleaning machine sales and installation: Contacted owner and discussed new streamlined permit application procedure for dry cleaning machines. Arranged for owner to meet with permit streamlining group and learn about new expedited permit processing.
2/8	Statewide	Bay Area AQMD: Agency requested information on District’s water-based cleaning solvents rules. Discussed Rules 1122 and 1171 requirements, public outreach program and provided list of compliant suppliers.
2/8	Districtwide	Home products manufacturer: Plans to relocate production operation to the South Coast area. Staff conducted an on-site consultation meeting with the company's management and provided assistance in explaining the rules and permitting requirements for establishing a new production facility in the District.
2/9	Los Angeles	Auto body shop: New start-up. Staff provided and explained Rules 109, 203, 301, 1151, 1171 and assisted in the completion and submittal of the application package. Also provided a clearance letter. Assistance was given in Spanish.
2/9	Los Angeles	Dry cleaning facility: Having difficulty coming into compliance with Rule 1421. Conducted an on-site consultation meeting with the owner and provided assistance in explaining the rules and permitting requirements of the dry cleaning equipment.
2/9	Los Angeles	Label manufacturer: Requested on-site consultation for filing permits for six printing presses operating without a permit. Staff visited the facility, discussed District rules and regulations and assisted the applicant in filing the application package.
2/10	Los Angeles	Cleaning equipment leasing and service: Environmental manager wanted to know if new transfer and storage system for spent cleaner solution will require permit(s). Staff discussed exemptions and advised manager to obtain more information on composition of solution.
2/10	Los Angeles	Local government: Staff was requested to attend a roundtable meeting with a local city councilman regarding a possible future project in his district. Staff provided assistance in addressing various air quality concerns regarding the project.
2/11	Orange	Restaurant: New start-up. Provided and explained Rule 222, assisted with the completion of the application package and issued a clearance letter.
2/15	Orange	Business Outreach: Hispanic Chamber of O.C. "Business Without Borders Conference." Staff manned a booth to provide technical/business assistance to companies.
2/15	Los Angeles	Furniture manufacturer: Conducted on-site visit at company’s request to review facility’s permit exemption status. Discussed coatings, adhesive and recordkeeping requirements.
2/17	Los Angeles	Metal plating: New business start-up that includes various equipment. Explained rule requirements, recordkeeping and assisted in completing applications. Assistance was given in Spanish.
2/17	Los Angeles	Boiler repair company: Submitted application for boilers equipped with new NOx control technology (less than 2 PPM). Reviewed applications and assisted in filing the application package. Also, notified the engineer in District’s BACT Implementation group to discuss the project.
2/18	Los Angeles	New packaging company: Provided assistance explaining the rules and permitting requirements for new boiler installation. Also assisted in completing the application.
2/18	Orange	Auto repair & services: A referral from Fire Dept. This company was still using a solvent-based parts washer. Staff contacted the company, explained Rule 1171 requirements, and provided a list of water-based products/equipment.
2/22	Los Angeles	Circuit board manufacturer: Purchased existing facility. Explained District rule requirements and assisted with change of ownership application.
2/22	Los Angeles	Semiconductor manufacturer: Purchased additional site to expand operations. They are ordering manufacturing equipment and want to apply for permits. Met with engineers and discussed specific information on processes and equipment needed for applications.
2/22	Los Angeles	Fabricated metal products: New business referral from the LA Business Revitalization Center. Assisted the company by providing and explaining applicable District rules and application forms, and provided a clearance letter. Assistance was given in Spanish.
2/23	Los Angeles	Dry cleaning company: Provided assistance in explaining the rules and permitting requirements for new permit application. Also assisted in completing the application.
2/23	Los Angeles	Aerospace product manufacturer: Existing business that is expanding to include additional equipment. Provided and explained applicable District rules, application forms, and clearance letter.
2/23	Orange	Vehicle components manufacturer: Hoped to obtain contract from national manufacturer and submitted applications for spray booths at new production facility. Staff explained issues involving AQMD rules which need to be resolved before applications can be accepted.
2/24	Los Angeles	Mortuary: Provided assistance to facility that is in the process of relocating their crematory. Explained BACT requirements and applicable annual fees.
2/24	Orange	Pizza ovens: Provided explanation to a local city planning department re: District rules and permitting requirements and the purpose and use of the Air Quality Permit Checklist for city's building permit processings.
2/24	Los Angeles	Laser technology manufacturer: New business that includes various hi-tech equipment including control technology. Explained rule requirements, recordkeeping and assisted in completing applications.
2/24	Riverside	Public Outreach: Staff attended and assisted Compliance Manager at a public meeting to address air quality complaints. Assistance was given in English/Spanish.

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 Fund Program.

 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
2/1	Orange	Attended Orange County Council of Governments - Technical Advisory Committee (OCCOG-TAC) Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with committee members and answered questions.
2/1	Orange	Attended San Juan Capistrano City Council Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with the mayor and city manager.
2/1	Los Angeles	Attended Redondo Beach City Council meeting. Asked City Council to hold off on position on fleet rules until rules are revised.
2/2	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with mayors, council members, and staff from the cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Chino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Chino Hills and SANBAG.
2/2	Los Angeles	Attended Gateway Cities COG Executive Committee meeting where presentation was made by AQMD on fleet rules.
2/3	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with mayors, council members, and staff from the cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Buena Park, Los Alamitos, Anaheim, Corona, SCAG, and WRCOG.
2/3	Orange	Attended Rancho Santa Margarita City Council Meeting. Made a presentation about the history of the AQMD and the fight against air pollution in the region. Discussed the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program with the city manager and finance director.
2/3	Los Angeles	Attended VICA meeting at Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles where fleet rules were discussed.
2/3	Los Angeles	Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee meeting at Arcadia City Hall where fleet rules were discussed.
2/7	Riverside	Attended Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with COG board members from the cities of Hemet, Corona, Norco, Banning, Riverside, and Moreno Valley and assisted DEO – Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources in a presentation of the proposed rules.
2/7	Los Angeles	Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Environmental Affairs Committee @ South Pasadena City Hall to address concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/8	Los Angeles	Attended South Bay Cities Council of Governments Transportation Oversight Committee Meeting at El Segundo City Hall to address concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/8	Los Angeles	Attended Hermosa Beach City Council meeting to address concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/9	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Board Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with board members from the cities of Hemet, Corona, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Temecula, and San Jacinto.
2/9	Los Angeles	Attended meeting with City of Pasadena City Manager and staff to address concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/9	Los Angeles	Attended meeting with City of Monterey Park City Manager and staff to address concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/9	Los Angeles	Attended meeting with City of San Marino City Manager staff to address concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/10	Orange	Attended Orange County Division, League of California Cities General Membership Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with mayors and council members from the cities of Buena Park, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Fullerton, Brea, Placentia, San Clemente, Anaheim, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo.
2/10	Los Angeles	Attended meeting with City of Agoura Hills Assistant City Manager and staff to address concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/10	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from the City of Hawthorne about the city’s concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/10	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from the City of Covina about the city’s concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/10	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from the City of Sierra Madre about the city’s concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/10	Los Angeles	Spoke with Executive Director to the Independent Cities Association about their concerns regarding fleet rules.
2/11	Los Angeles	Met with Mayor and Councilmember to City of Huntington Park to address MATES II issues.
2/11	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from Los Angeles City Councilmember Michael Feuer’s office regarding BreitBurn Energy. Community concerns have been raised about modernization project.
2/15	Riverside	Attended Murrieta City Council Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with the mayor, council members, and city manager.
2/15	Los Angeles	Met with City staff at San Fernando City Hall to discuss upcoming town hall meeting.
2/15	Los Angeles	Participated in conference call meeting with staff from Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Feuer’s office and AQMD chemist to discuss analysis of air quality monitor readings from BreitBurn Energy’s operations.
2/15	Los Angeles	Met with staff from City of Hawthorne to discuss changes to AQMD’s fleet rules.
2/16	San Bernardino	Attended SANBAG Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with the mayor and public works director of the City of Fontana, and with SANBAG staff. Also discussed the AB 2766 COG Outreach Program with SANBAG staff.
2/16	Riverside	Attended Indio City Council Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with the mayor and council members.
2/16	Los Angeles	Met with Executive Director for Los Angeles Division, League of California Cities to discuss possible implications of AQMD’s fleet rules.
2/16	Los Angeles	Attended CCCA Dinner Meeting in Lakewood to discuss AQMD’s fleet rules.
2/17	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino County City Managers Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with city managers from the cities of Redlands, Highland, Rancho Cucamonga, Big Bear Lake, Ontario, Yucaipa, and Fontana, and the executive director of SANBAG, and assisted the manager of Rule Development in a presentation and discussion of the proposed rules.
2/17	San Bernardino	Met with the city managers of Rancho Cucamonga, Big Bear Lake, and San Bernardino for a more in-depth discussion of fleet rules, including proposed changes to existing Rule 1186.
2/17	Los Angeles	Attended Gateway Cities Planning Directors Committee meeting in Lakewood to discuss AQMD’s fleet rules.
2/17	Los Angeles	Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Governing Board of Directors Meeting in Irwindale to discuss AQMD’s fleet rules.
2/18-20	Santa Barbara	Attended ICA 12th Annual Winter Seminar in Santa Barbara to promote fleet rules.
2/23	Orange	Attended Orange County Division, League of California Cities Executive Steering Committee Meeting. Assisted DEO – Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources in a presentation and discussion of the fleet rules. Discussed fleet rules with Steering Committee members and the executive director of the League of Cities.
2/23	Orange	Attended Orange County Public Affairs Association Reception for Sam Roth. Discussed fleet rules with staff from the cities of Anaheim, Brea, and Lake Forest.
2/23	Los Angeles	Met with Public Works Director for the City of Whittier to discuss updates to fleet rules.
2/24	San Bernardino	Attended Baldy View Public/Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with mayors, council members, and city managers from the cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Chino, Upland, Pomona, and Claremont.
2/24	Orange	Attended Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Board Meeting. Assisted DEO – Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources in a presentation and discussion of the fleet rules. Discussed fleet rules with Board members and COG staff.
2/24	Riverside	Attended Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Board Meeting. Discussed fleet rules with Board members and RTA staff.
2/24	Los Angeles	Attended the Gateway Cities Planning Directors COG meeting to discuss updates to fleet rules.
2/24	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from City of Pasadena about stakeholders meeting and workshop on Friday, March 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Brookwide Country Club in Pasadena (co-sponsored by City of Pasadena Public Works and Transportation Department and the SCAQMD).
2/24	Los Angeles	Attended South Bay Cities COG meeting to discuss updates to fleet rules.
2/25	San Bernardino	Attended Inland Empire Division, League of California Cities Legislative Task Force Meeting with Assembly Member John Longville. Discussed fleet rules with mayors, council members, and city managers from the cities of Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Highland, and Yucaipa.
2/25	Los Angeles	Spoke with Inglewood City Councilmember about updates to fleet rules.
2/28	Los Angeles	Attended Pasadena City Council meeting to address concerns regarding AQMD’s fleet rules.
2/29	Los Angeles	Met with Senator Betty Karnette’s field staff to address concerns regarding AQMD’s fleet rules.
2/29	San Bernardino	Participated in planning meeting with Henry Hogo, Michelle Kirkhoff (SANBAG) and Pam Easter, Assistant City Manager – City of Rancho Cucamonga regarding upcoming fleet rules workshop.

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

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

Press Relations Highlights

Date	Media	Description of Activity
2/1	Newspaper	Provided information on oil refineries to the Los Angeles Times.
2/1	Newspapers	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Bernardino County Sun on EPA proposed approval of AQMP.
2/2	Newsletter	Provided information to Mobile Source Report on car scrapping EPA complaint.
2/2	Newspaper	Provided information on AQMD standards to the Orange County Register.
2/3	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on fleet rules.
2/3	Newspaper	Provided information to the Korean Times on Rules 1401/1402.
2/4	Newsletter	Provided information to Mobile Source Report on car scrapping.
2/4	Newspaper	Provided information to the Modesto Bee regarding AQMD’s fleet rules.
2/4	TV	Provided information and interview with executive officer to Fox News on fleet rules.
2/4	All	Faxed out news release on AQMD educator’s conference.
2/8	All	Faxed out news release on Union Pacific settlement.
2/8	Newspaper	Provided information to the New York Times regarding petroleum coke rule.
2/9	Newspaper	Provided information to Houston Chronicle on planned air quality conference.
2/9	Newspaper	Provided information to the Los Angeles Times concerning emissions inventory.
2/9	Newspaper	Provided information about ridesharing to the Durham North Carolina Sun.
2/9	Newspaper	Provided information and interview with Los Angeles Times on Carl Moyer Program.
2/10	Newsletter	Provided information to School Transportation News on fleet rules.
2/10	Radio	Provided information to Inland Empire Radio on AQMP amendment.
2/11	Newsletter	Provided information on methanol process vent rule to Air Daily.
2/11	Newspaper	Provided information to the Daily Californian on the MATES II report.
2/15	All	Distributed news release on cleancarmap.com web site.
2/15	Newspaper	Provided emissions data to the Los Angeles Times.
2/16	Newsletter	Provided update on the fleet rules to Hart Energy Publications.
2/15-2/17	Internet	Updated News Web Site with cleancarmaps news release, town hall meeting news release, revised fleet rules proposal.
2/15	Newspaper	Provided information to San Bernardino County Sun on cleancarmaps web site.
2/15	Newspaper	Provided information to Torrance Daily Breeze on Board meeting agenda.
2/15	TV	Provided information and interview to Channel 52 on diesel buses/fleet rules.
2/16	Newspaper	Provided information to Orange County Register on EV charging stations in Orange County.
2/17	Newsletter	Provided information to Mobile Source Report on car scrapping.
2/17	Newspaper	Provided information to Glendale News-Press on fleet rules.
2/18	Newsletter	Provided information on Southeast Resource Recovery Facility (SERRF) to the Multi-National Monitor.
2/18	Newsletter	Provided information on toxic pollution control plan to the California Environmental Insider.
2/22	Newsletter	Arranged interview re: Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor (ICTC) for Inside Washington.
2/22	Newsletters	Provided information on MATES II study to BNA Publications.
2/22	Newspaper	Provided information on the fleet rules to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
2/22	Newsletter	Arranged interview re: ICTC Corridor for Inside Washington.
2/18	All	Distributed Board Summary via fax; posted on Internet.
2/18	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Washington on Clean Corridor.
2/18	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Washington on fleet rules.
2/18	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on MATES II re: Environmental Media Association (EMA) press release.
2/23	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on EPA disapproval of Rule 518.2.
2/24	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on fleet rules.
2/24	Newsletter	Provided information to Air Daily on Rule 1402.

*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
6,071	4,777	1,796	48	12,692

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

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