BOARD MEETING DATE: March 17, 2000 AGENDA NO. 14
Public Affairs Report
SYNOPSIS:
This report highlights the January 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. 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 the Speakers Bureau, Visiting Dignitaries and Public Information Center), Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Media Communications (including the Communication Center).
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 |
|
1/4 |
Districtwide |
Developed a proposal for EPA funding of a Spare-the-Air-type program similar to those run by other California air districts. The grant subsidizes outreach strategies by public agencies to reduce mobile-source emissions. |
|
1/8 |
Los Angeles |
Gave a presentation on smog and health to 60 child care providers. |
|
1/12 |
Orange |
Participated in a meeting of the California Regional Environmental Education Coordinator network (CREEC) steering committee to discuss strategy to disseminate a CREEC folder and survey to teachers throughout Orange County. |
|
1/14 |
Los Angeles |
Met with Cal State L.A. on air monitoring study the university wants to conduct. The meeting was in response to a grant proposal Cal State is preparing to bring an Environmental Sciences program to the school. |
|
1/26 |
Orange |
Spoke with Latino Issues Forum (LIF) in San Francisco regarding coordinating a conference on asthma outreach in Orange County Feb. 10. LIF will also provide us with an information table at their conference to distribute smog and health information, including the Air Quality Index factsheet. |
|
1/28 |
Los Angeles |
Staffed an information table at a Career Day Fair at South El Monte High School that was attended by approximately 4,000 students. |
|
1/29 |
Los Angeles |
Staff provided judges for the annual Future City Competition at the California Science Center. The winning entry, submitted by Leland Stanford Middle School in Long Beach, went on to represent the South Coast region at the national finals in Washington, D.C. Staff also recognized the students from Bunche Middle School in Compton for having the best air quality considerations in their model. |
|
Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted |
Participated/Attended |
|
9/ 1 |
9 / 7 |
|
Public Workshops/Notices |
Fee Review Requests |
|
8 / 5 |
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 |
Description of Activity |
|
1/5 |
A delegation from Japan met with Transportation and Planning staffs on congestion management. |
|
1/27 |
A pollution abatement class from Cal Poly Pomona visited with Public Affairs staff for an air quality overview and a tour. |
|
1/27 |
Provided a tour of the AQMD Headquarters for representatives of the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District as requested by the Executive Office. |
Public Information Center Statistics
The Public Information Center handles the Districts 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 |
|
741 |
198 |
412 |
4,753 |
5,165 |
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 |
|
1/11-28 |
Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino |
Staff provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities and areas of: Anaheim, Cerritos, Fountain Valley, Glendale, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Irwindale, Lake Forest, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Mira Loma, Monrovia, Murietta, Northridge, Orange County, Pasadena, Rancho Santa Margarita, Rialto, South El Monte, Torrance, Universal City, and Yorba Linda. |
|
1/11 |
Los Angeles |
Motion picture post-production: Operating two perc solvent film cleaning machines without permits and wants to submit applications. Visited site and discussed permitting requirements, fees, and necessary control equipment. |
|
1/11 |
Los Angeles |
Auto body shop: Allowed spray booth permit to expire then completely modified the booth. Visited shop and assisted in filling out application for new permit. |
|
1/11 |
Los Angeles |
Printing company: Purchased lithographic press and was referred by Printing Industry Association for assistance in applying for permit. Visited facility and assisted in filling out a new "standard streamlined permit" application, the first of these new applications to be processed. |
|
1/11 |
Los Angeles |
Auto repair & services: Referral from the fire department. Still using a solvent-based parts washer. Provided and explained Rule 1171 and a list of water-based products/equipment. |
|
1/11 |
San Bernardino |
Aerospace manufacturer: Several permits are inactive (painting and water treatment). Provided an application package, advised of fees and assisted in the completion of the applications. |
|
1/12 |
Los Angeles |
Auto body shop: Existing business received a Notice of Violation from District compliance staff. SBAO staff assisted our District Prosecutor by translating the companys written response from Spanish. |
|
1/13 |
Orange |
Small dry cleaning facility: Conducted a final compliance determination inspection prior to Notice of Violation settlement at District Prosecutors request. Staff had provided assistance to this facility in achieving compliance with District's requirements. |
|
1/14 |
San Bernardino |
Hospital: Constructing new hospital on same property complete with new boilers. Wanted to know when old boilers in existing facility have to be replaced/retrofitted to determine if they will need to apply for a variance. Discussed Rule 1146.2 deadlines and how to petition for a variance. |
|
1/14 |
San Bernardino |
Proposed waste-to-energy co-generation facility: Converts crumb rubber from waste tires to synthetic fuel gas to be used in boiler/turbine for electricity generation. Provided assistance explaining the permitting requirements and permit application procedures for the proposed equipment. |
|
1/14 |
Los Angeles |
Machine shop: Referred by LA County Fire Dept. Conducted an on-site consultation to explain Rule 1171 requirements regarding parts cleaning operation. |
|
1/14 |
Riverside |
Architectural coating: Expanding its operation to include portable blasting and spray equipment. Provided and explained Rules 1113 & 1140 and an application package for the equipment. |
|
1/14 |
San Bernardino |
Spa manufacturer: Small business that applies resin materials via hand lay-up. Provided a clearance letter and explained Rules 109 and 1162. |
|
1/18 |
Riverside |
Garden tool manufacturer: Provided assistance explaining permitting requirements and permit application procedures for a fiber glass extrusion process. |
|
1/19 |
San Bernardino |
Public transit agency: Provided assistance explaining permitting requirements and permit application procedures for a gasoline storage and dispensing facility. |
|
1/19 |
Los Angeles |
Generator sales and rental company: Purchasing mobile generator for use during emergencies at either one of two large office buildings. California Air Resources Board would not issue permit for those circumstances. Staff advised company how to fill out a "various locations" application and how the intended use could meet permit conditions. |
|
1/19 |
Los Angeles |
Meeting of the Chemical Marketers Association: Discussed upcoming rules relating to toxics. |
|
1/20 |
Los Angeles |
New screen printing facility: Conducted an on-site consultation meeting and provided assistance explaining District rules and equipment permitting requirements. |
|
1/20 |
San Bernardino |
Film making company: Producing anti-smoking film which requires open fire and explosions. Provided assistance completing and submitting a variance (Rules 401/444) petition to the Hearing Board. |
|
1/21 |
Riverside |
Proposed medical waste incineration facility: Facilitated a consultation meeting for the prospective applicant to discuss the project proposal with District engineering and CEQA staff. |
|
1/21 |
Los Angeles |
Auto body shop: Was issued a Notice to Comply for a spray booth. Provided bilingual (Spanish) assistance on required forms, fees, rules and recordkeeping. |
|
1/25 |
Los Angeles |
Semiconductor manufacturer: Installing a new and improved emissions control system on reactors and needed help applying for permits. Visited facility and found that a recent corporate change of ownership had also taken place. Assisted in applying for change of ownership on 10 permits as well as applying for permits on the new emissions control equipment. |
|
1/25 |
Los Angeles |
Auto body shop: Was issued a Notice of Violation for operating a spray booth without a permit. Provided bilingual (Spanish) assistance on required forms, fees, rules, recordkeeping, and public notice (due to an elementary school located within 1000 feet of facility). |
|
1/25 |
San Bernardino |
Wood cabinet manufacturer: Provided assistance in explaining the rules and permitting requirements for use of wood furniture stripping compound (methylene chloride). |
|
1/25 |
Orange |
Metal fabricator. Provided assistance in completing a change of permit condition application to allow the facility to mix larger quantity of ferrous metal powder in the blending equipment. |
|
1/25 |
Orange |
Meeting of the Industrial Environmental Coalition of Orange County: Gave an update on upcoming workshops relating to toxics and vehicle fleets. |
|
1/25 |
Riverside |
Johns Manville Company: Attended an AB2588 public meeting in Corona regarding toxic risks. |
|
1/26 |
Orange |
Business Outreach: U.S. Small Business Administration Lender Breakfast & Roundtable. Staff networked with lenders and Small Business Development Centers to give exposure to Districts upcoming Air Quality Assistance Fund. |
|
1/26 |
Escalante, UT |
Ammonia Safety Management Consultants with client facilities in SCAQMD: Provided assistance in explaining the rules and permitting requirements for ammonia emissions. |
|
1/26 |
Los Angeles |
Chemical company: Manufactures etching/wash solvent used in flexographic printing plate-making processes. Conducted a consultation meeting and provided assistance in explaining District rules and equipment permitting requirements for the use of such solvent. |
|
1/26 |
Los Angeles |
Auto body shop: Company received Notice of Violation for operating prep station without a permit and wanted assistance with a permit application. Visited facility and assisted him in completing application forms and obtaining required supplemental information. |
|
1/26 |
Los Angeles |
Metal finishing shop: Needed help permitting existing curing oven and spray booths. Visited company and explained that older oven will require modifications to meet BACT requirements. Also measured distance from nearby school and advised owner that public notification will be required when permitting his equipment. |
|
1/27 |
Los Angeles |
Writing device manufacturer: Requested compliance consultation. Visited facility and found some manufacturing activities which were not in compliance with rules. Staff will be working with management to find solutions to those problems. |
|
1/27 |
Orange |
City golf course construction project: Provided assistance in explaining District rules and permitting requirements for fuel storage and dispensing system. |
|
1/27 |
Los Angeles |
Auto body shop: Existing business received a Notice of Violation. Small Business Assistance staff attended a roundtable discussion with District Prosecutor and Compliance staff and the owner of the body shop in order to resolve the violation and compliance issues. Assistance was given in Spanish. |
|
1/27 |
Los Angeles |
City project: Assisted engineer regarding the abatement and demolition of buildings owned by the city. Explained District rules and requirements and interfaced with staff from our Toxic Division. |
|
1/27 |
Los Angeles |
Attended Regional Business Assistance Network meeting. |
|
1/27 |
Los Angeles |
Attended the New Schools-Better Neighborhoods Winter Symposium on how environmental problems are affecting school siting. |
|
1/28 |
Orange |
Medical device manufacturer: Company is relocating and needed assistance applying for new permits for PVC extruders. Visited site and assisted manager in putting together application packages. |
|
1/28 |
Orange |
Auto body shop: New owner needed help obtaining permit for spray booth. Staff found facility still had an active permit under the previous owner. Visited the facility and assisted in completing change of ownership application. |
|
1/28 |
Orange |
Timeshare villas: Management office wanted to apply for permit for existing emergency generator. Staff visited offices and assisted in filling out application. |
|
1/28 |
Los Angeles |
Auto Body Shop: New business. Staff gave assistance to District engineering staff and the owner of this shop with regard to a Public Notice that needs to be issued because of its proximity to a school. The assistance was given in Spanish. |
|
1/28 |
Riverside |
Fiberboard manufacturer: Made from post consumer wood chips. Staff provided assistance in filing a variance petition to allow additional time for equipment performance source testing. |
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 |
|
1/4 |
Los Angeles |
Participated in Huntington Park Air Quality Committee meeting. |
|
1/5 |
San Bernardino |
Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed AB 2766 Outreach program with SANBAG Staff and discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors and council members from the cities of Montclair, Ontario, Rialto, Upland, and Redlands. |
|
1/5 |
Los Angeles |
Met with Mayor for the City of Huntington Park to discuss MATES II issues. |
|
1/5 |
Los Angeles |
Attended Gateway Cities COG Executive Committee Governing Board meeting in Cerritos where Henry Hogo gave a presentation on MATES II and Rule 1190. |
|
1/6 |
Districtwide |
Attended SCAG Implementation, Policy Committees, and Regional Council meetings. Discussed AB 2766 Outreach program with OCCOG and WRCOG Staff and discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors and council members from the cities of Buena Park, Hemet, Huntington Beach, Moreno Valley, and Rancho Cucamonga. |
|
1/6 |
Los Angeles |
Attended League of California Cities meeting/L.A. County Cities Selection Committee election for Eastern Cities representative to the AQMD Governing Board. |
|
1/7 |
Los Angeles |
Discussed upcoming special Hearing Board meeting in Alhambra with Alhambra city staff on appeal to issuance of permit for Wondries Body Shop. |
|
1/10 |
Riverside |
Attended Riverside County Division - League of California Cities General Membership meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors and council members from the cities of Temecula, Hemet, Murietta, Banning, Moreno Valley, Calimesa, and Corona. |
|
1/10 |
Riverside |
Attended Riverside City Selection Committee meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors and council members from the cities of San Jacinto, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Hemet, Cathedral City, and Norco. |
|
1/11 |
Orange |
Attended Orange County Council of Government (OCCOG) Executive Management Committee (EMC) meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 city managers from the cities of San Clemente, Santa Ana, La Palma, and Huntington Beach, and with staff of OCCOG. |
|
1/11 |
San Bernardino |
Attended AB 2766 Subvention Fund Outreach Workshop held in San Bernardino. Discussed AB 2766 Outreach Program with SANBAG staff. |
|
1/11 |
Los Angeles |
Participated in the Huntington Park Air Quality Improvement Committee @ Huntington Park City Hall. |
|
1/11 |
Los Angeles |
Attended San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Planning Directors meeting where Elaine Chang made a presentation on Proposed Rule 1190. |
|
1/12 |
Orange |
Local city government: Explained to building department District's permitting requirements for change of ownership of existing permitted facilities. |
|
1/12 |
Riverside |
Attended Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors and council members from the cities of Banning, Hemet, Temecula, Coachella, Palm Springs, Lake Elsinore, and Perris, with Chairman Mullin, and with RCTC staff. |
|
1/13 |
Orange |
Attended Orange County Division - League of California Cities General Membership meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors and council members from the cities of Buena Park, Yorba Linda, Stanton, Los Alamitos, Brea, Placentia, Anaheim, La Habra, and Huntington Beach. |
|
1/13 |
Los Angeles |
Spoke with field staff at Los Angeles City Councilmember Feuers office about various air quality issues. |
|
1/13 |
Los Angeles |
Spoke with staff from the City of Los Angeles Planning Department about oil drill site on Pico Blvd. |
|
1/13 |
Los Angeles |
Spoke with staff from the City of Huntington Park about Aggregate Recycling issues. |
|
1/18 |
Orange |
Attended Lake Forest City Council meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayor, council members and city manager. |
|
1/18 |
Los Angeles |
Attended Huntington Park City Council Meeting where Aggregate Recycling/La Montaña issue was discussed. |
|
1/18 |
Los Angeles |
Met with staff from City of Monrovia regarding briefing on revised Rule 1190. |
|
1/19 |
Riverside |
Attended Riverside Transit Agencys "Transportation Now" meeting. Congressman Ken Calvert (R-Corona) was the program speaker. He devoted most of his speech to a discussion of air quality, including proposed Rule 1190 and the need for a national, low sulfur diesel fuel. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 directly with Congressman Calvert and with mayors and council members from the cities of Hemet, Banning, Moreno Valley, and Corona. Also discussed the RTA Alternate Fuels Policy with RTA Board Chair and Executive Director. |
|
1/19 |
Los Angeles |
Attended Los Angeles City Council meeting where Breitburn Energy was discussed. |
|
1/19 |
Los Angeles |
Met with staff to Board Member Hal Bernson (L.A. City Councilmember) to discuss status of Citys Task Force on conversion of citys fleet to alternate fuel. |
|
1/19 |
Los Angeles |
Met with staff of Chief Legislative Analyst, City of L.A., to discuss Rule 1190. |
|
1/19 |
Los Angeles |
Met with staff to City of Pico Rivera regarding request for briefing on Rule 1190. |
|
1/20 |
San Bernardino |
Attended San Bernardino County City Managers meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with city managers from the cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Highland, Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and Redlands. |
|
1/20 |
Orange |
Attended Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with COG board members from the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, Brea, Seal Beach, and La Palma and assisted DEO Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources in a presentation of the proposed Rule. |
|
1/20 |
San Bernardino |
Attended Inland Empire Division - League of California Cities meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors and council members from the cities of Rialto, Fontana, Colton, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Chino Hills, Redlands, Montclair, and Yucaipa, and with Assembly Member John Longville (D-Rialto). |
|
1/20 |
Los Angeles |
Met with staff from United States Senator Diane Feinsteins field office regarding Rule 1190 and MATES II Study. Extended invitation to tour AQMD headquarters. |
|
1/20 |
Los Angeles |
Met with staff from City of Santa Fe Springs regarding their letter of opposition to Rule 1190. |
|
1/20 |
Los Angeles |
Participated in San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Executive Directors meeting where Rule 1190 was discussed. |
|
1/20 |
Los Angeles |
Met with assistant to Los Angeles City Council Member Mark Ridley Thomas to discuss air quality issues. |
|
1/25 |
Riverside |
Attended and provided staff support at the Johns Manville Corp. AB 2588 Toxic Risk Public Notification Meeting in Corona. |
|
1/25 |
Los Angeles |
Along with TAO staff, met with Diamond Bar City Councilmember to discuss the Carl Moyer Program and Proposed Rule 1190. |
|
1/25 |
Los Angeles |
Spoke with Assistant Director of Community Development for the City of Huntington Park about issues related to Aggregate Recycling/La Montaña. |
|
1/26 |
Orange |
Met with city manager and assistant city manager in the City of Laguna Woods to discuss how the City can qualify to participate in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program. |
|
1/26 |
Riverside |
Attended Northwest Riverside Clean Cities Coalition meeting in Corona. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with Coalition members. |
|
1/26 |
San Bernardino |
Discussed a problem the City of Highland is having regarding the status of permits for police gasoline refueling tanks with the city manager and with AQMD staff. |
|
1/26 |
Riverside |
Attended Cathedral City Council Meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with the mayor, council members, and city manager. |
|
1/26 |
Los Angeles |
Participated in Arroyo Verdugo Cities Transportation Committee meeting (at La Canada-Flintridge City Hall) where Planning staff gave a presentation on Proposed Rule 1190 and on MATES II. |
|
1/26 |
Los Angeles |
Spoke with representative to South Bay Cities Council of Governments regarding the COGs position on Proposed Rule 1190. |
|
1/27 |
San Bernardino |
Attended Baldy View Public/Private Coalition (CLOUT) meeting in Ontario. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors, council members, and staff from the cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Claremont, Pomona, and Chino Hills. |
|
1/27 |
Riverside |
Attended Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Board Meeting. Discussed proposed Rule 1190 with mayors and council members from the cities of Banning, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, and Temecula and with RTA staff. |
|
1/27 |
Los Angeles |
Attended South Bay Cities Council of Governments Governing Board meeting at Redondo Beach Library where Planning staff gave a presentation on Proposed Rule 1190 and on MATES II. |
MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications Unit is responsible for informing and educating the public through the media and through the Districts Communication Center.
Press Relations Highlights
*Communication Center Statistics
The Communication Center handles all District main line, CUT-SMOG line and Spanish line calls.
|
Main Line Calls |
CUT-SMOG |
After Hours |
Spanish Line Calls |
Total Phone Calls |
|
4,891 |
4,864 |
1,732 |
30 |
11,517 |
*Saturday, Sunday and after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
/ / /