The Technology Committee met on March 28, 2000. Major items included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the May Board meeting and written-only presentations on monthly updates of Environmental Justice Initiatives 7 and 10. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on April 28, 2000 at 12:00 p.m. in CC-8.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file.
Hal Bernson, Chair
Technology Committee
Attendance: Committee Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz was in attendance at AQMD headquarters. Committee Chair Hal Bernson participated by video-teleconference. There was no quorum.
May Board Agenda Items
Execute Contract to Co-Sponsor Feasibility Study of Clean Fuel Hotel Shuttle Service at LAX - Hotel shuttle vehicles account for approximately 15% of all commercial passenger trips into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Collectively, these vehicles emit approximately 20 tons of NOx, 3 tons of hydrocarbons, 28 tons of CO and 1.25 tons of particulate matter each year. CALSTART proposes to examine the feasibility of a consolidated shuttle service, utilizing electric and hybrid electric vehicles at LAX. Project participants include Los Angeles World Airports, Los Angeles Visitors and Convention Bureau, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and The Energy Foundation. Total project cost is $220,000; total AQMD funding will not exceed $50,000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contract to Co-Sponsor Establishment of Design Practices for Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Trucks and Requirements of the Use of Methane Detection on Natural Gas Trucks - SAE 2343 established recommended practices to ensure the safe design and operation of LNG-powered heavy-duty trucks. The proposed project will develop a similar document (SAE J2406) for compressed natural gas heavy-duty trucks. In addition, SAE J2343 will be amended to incorporate California Highway Patrol requirements for the use of methane detection devices in the engine and driver compartments of liquefied natural gas heavy-duty trucks operating in California. Total project cost is approximately $220,000; total AQMD funding will not exceed $63,000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contract to Co-Sponsor Evaluation of Alternative Fuel Transit Bus Maintenance Practices and Design of a Training Curriculum for Maintenance and Repair of Alternative Fuel Transit Buses - The proposed project with the Transportation Foundation of Los Angeles will evaluate existing transit maintenance practices and existing reports to determine the most successful approaches to maintenance and repair of alternative fuel buses. Upon completion of this evaluation, a determination will be made for the best approach for development of a customized training program for transit personnel and others for the servicing of alternative fuel buses. Total project cost for this project is approximately $250,000. AQMD funding will not exceed $200,000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Issue RFP for Implementation of Low Emission, Alternative Fuel Heavy-Duty Vehicles within the South Coast Air Basin - Over 60% of the Basin’s NOx emissions inventory can be attributed to on-road mobile sources. Heavy-duty trucks and buses are responsible for 20% of the Basin’s total NOx emissions. Low emission, alternative fuel heavy-duty engines produce one-half or less the NOx emissions of their diesel counterparts and a fraction of the particulates. The purpose of this RFP is to solicit cost-shared proposals to provide both technical and public outreach support for the implementation of low emission, clean fuel heavy-duty vehicles within the Basin. Total cost to the AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program will be $250,000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contracts for Class 7 & 8 On-Road Trucks Projects Awarded Under Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program - On January 11, 2000, proposals were received in response to RFP #9900-06 for the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. Staff recommends award of contracts to fund class 7 & 8 on-road trucks. Additionally, the state Legislature mandated all funding awards for the 1998-99 Carl Moyer Program to have fully executed contracts by June 30, 2000. Several companies awarded funding under that Program are unable to commit to their proposed projects before that date. Staff recommends using these returned funds for applications received through the FY 1999-2000 Carl Moyer Program solicitation. Total cost to the Carl Moyer Program Special Revenue Fund will be $3,355,046 including all returned funds. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Issue Request for Qualifications for Technical Assistance for Marine Vessel Emission Testing Services and Technical Assistance/Due Diligence Investigation of Proposed Carl Moyer Program Awardees - Marine Vessels - The Request for Qualifications will solicit statements of qualifications from individuals and organizations potentially capable of providing emissions testing services and technical assistance in conducting due diligence investigation of application information supplied for marine vessels under the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. It is anticipated that multiple awards for level-of-effort contracts will be made from this solicitation. Sufficient funds are available from the Carl Moyer Program Special Revenue Fund to support this work in an amount not to exceed $50,000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contract for Independent Testing Support for Technology Advancement Program - The Technology Advancement office is seeking to develop new clean-fuel technology to assist the District in achieving ambient air quality standards. Staff is frequently asked to assess various technologies that may further reduce emissions from clean-fuel vehicles. These include various fuel compositions, additives, add-on devices, engine flushing systems and unconventional lubricants. Staff has received a proposal from the University of California, Riverside, College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology to provide technical support for such assessments. This proposed level-of-effort agreement shall not exceed $100,000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contract to Complete Development of Direct Methanol Fuel Cell - On October 10, 1997, the Board awarded the California Institute of Technology, with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as subcontractor, a contract to develop a first-generation 1kW direct methanol fuel cell. Total project cost was $638,500, of which AQMD provided $338,500 and ARB provided $300,000. Due to lengthy contract negotiations, and failing health of the principal investigator, the project was not completed by its due date of March 30, 2000 and most of the committed funds were unspent. Important progress has been made in this project and additional time is needed to complete it. Staff recommends the Board execute a contract to complete this project in an amount not to exceed $300,000, the unspent balance of Contract #98139. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contract to Cosponsor Fuel Cell Vehicle Center at the University of California, Davis - The U.S. Department of Energy has designated the University of California, Davis Fuel Cell Vehicle Center, as one of its two university fuel cell vehicle centers. Located at the Institute of Transportation Studies, one of the goals of the Center is to develop a Fuel Cell Vehicle Modeling Program. This program, will assist the development of fuel cells for application in the mobile sector. Since its inception in January 1998, the program has attracted over a dozen corporate sponsorships including several major automobile manufacturers and two government agencies. The AQMD participation is for a period of three years in an amount not to exceed $75,000. Total cost-sharing for this period from industry and government partners is over $1 million. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contract to Co-sponsor Professional Wet Cleaning Technology Pilot Incentive Program - Water-based professional wet cleaning technology has been used at a few garment cleaners in the Basin, but has not received wide acceptance. Staff recommends awarding a contract to Occidental College to support the conversion of dry cleaners, currently using toxic perchloroethylene (PCE), to professional wet cleaners through a pilot financial incentive program. The cleaners thus converted to professional wet cleaning will be used as demonstration sites to enhance further acceptance. Conversion to wet cleaning will reduce the adverse health impacts of PCE. The total project cost is $331,798 and AQMD’s contribution will not exceed $242,798. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contract to Assess, Develop and Demonstrate Low-VOC Cleaning Systems - Rule 1171 – Solvent Cleaning Operations, requires an assessment of the available low-VOC technologies for several cleaning operations to evaluate the feasibility of the year 2005 VOC limits. Staff recommends that the Institute for Research & Technical Assistance (IRTA) be awarded a contract to assess, develop and demonstrate effective low-VOC cleaning systems compliant with the year 2005 limits. If successfully developed and implemented, the new cleaning systems could reduce about 9 tons per day of VOC emissions. The total project cost of $149,800 will be borne by the AQMD. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Execute Contract to Co-sponsor Evaluation of Air Quality Benefits of Battery-Operated Emergency Roadside Flares - Traditional chemical roadside flares may create safety hazards and emit approximately 5 to 7 tons of sulfur dioxide per year in the Basin, along with nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The Claremont Police Department (CPD) has submitted a proposal to conduct a pilot-project to evaluate the feasibility and air quality benefits of replacing the traditional chemical flares with safer, non-polluting battery-operated flares. Basin-wide substitution of chemical flares with battery-operated flares could reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 5-7 tons per year. Staff recommends co-sponsoring the proposed pilot project. Total project cost is $9,456 and AQMD’s contribution will not exceed $7,200. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
Monthly Reports on Environmental Justice Initiatives 7 and 10
Written only monthly status reports were received and filed. Copies of these reports are attached hereto as Attachments A and B.
Other Business - There was no other business.
Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.
Attachments
Attachment A - Environmental Initiative # 7 Status Report
Attachment B - Environmental Initiative #10 Status Report
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Attachment A
Environmental Justice Initiative No. 7 - Cleanup Incentives for Diesel
Monthly Status Report
March 2000
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 AB 1571 Carl Moyer Advisory Board met at ARB El Monte on Tuesday, February 29, 2000. Several air districts, including the AQMD, presented information on NOx and PM emissions over the vehicle or equipment life for currently funded projects. The Board discussed a number of options for possible long-term funding of the Carl Moyer Program, in addition to seeking a one-time appropriation from the General Fund of $100 million. The next meeting is scheduled for March 15 in San Francisco.
The marine portion of the AQMD's 1999-2000 Carl Moyer Program was approved by the Board in February. Proposals are due April 21, 2000.
Staff continues to follow the Governor’s proposed 2000-01 budget item to provide funding for school bus replacement. Staff will analyze SB 1991 (Solis), Clean Alternative Fueled School Bus Program, which would provide the legislative vehicle for the Governor's $50 million school bus program.
Promote Technology Advancement
A Request for Proposals has been released to support development of very low emission heavy duty, natural gas engines with a NOx emission target of 0.5 g/bhp-hr. The $2.5 million RFP includes the financial support of the California Energy Commission and DOE. Proposals are due March 31, 2000.
Coordination with Transit Districts
Staff continues to monitor the activities of the Basin’s transit districts in regards to new bus purchases.
Staff is participating in a transit working group as part of the Rule 1190 process.
Conduct Public Education and Outreach
Staff is providing input to the staff report for the 1190 series of fleet rules, and is participating in several industry-specific working groups to address concerns and determine the best ways to implement this series of rules.
AQMD is cosponsoring a March 15, 2000 transit workshop, at the AQMD. This workshop will focus on available alternative fuel technologies for urban and shuttle buses, and will include discussions by local transit properties on their experiences with alternative fuel buses, information on U.S. implementation of alternative fuel transit buses, and a display of available transit and shuttle bus technologies.
Attachment B
Environmental Justice Initiative #10
Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402
Status Report
March 2000
Initiative: The Governing Board will re-open for public comment the toxics significant thresholds for cancer and non-cancer impacts contained in Rule 1402 - Control of Toxic Air Contaminants from Existing Sources, and consideration of adding additional compounds and non-carcinogenic impact prevention into Rule 1401 - New Source Review of Toxic Air Contaminants.
Status of Efforts: Rule 1402
Board meeting March 17
– divergent viewpoints
– staff proposal attempts to provide balance
Key Changes Proposed
– retains significant risk level at maximum individual cancer risk (MICR) of 100 in
one million and Hazard Index (HI) of 5
– adds an action risk level of 10 in one million, HI of 3 and cancer burden of 0.5
– reduces the time for required reductions
– establishes criteria for extensions
– adds emissions inventory requirements for specific TACs and industries
– adds additional progress reports and public notification requirements for facilities
above the action risk level
Technology-based Approach
– sets forth a technology-based approach for specific industries with large numbers of
facilities, smaller sources, where a technology-based source-specific rule approach
is more appropriate
– establishes a three-year timeframe to develop technology-based source-specific
rules for specific industries
Issues
– need for amendment
– risk thresholds
cancer
non cancer
– extensions of time
– inventory and notification requirements
– future TAC changes
Addressing comments
– rule and draft staff report clarifications
– Board resolution
industry rules – process and approach
implementation
process for new chemicals or changes to risk values
future rules and technology assessments
periodic reports to the Board
Public Input
– seven meetings of working group
– public workshop December 8, 1999
– public consultation meeting January 26, 2000
– public consultation meeting February 28, 2000
– numerous Board and other committee briefings
– Board meeting March 17
Status of Efforts: Rule 1401
Proposing removal of limited cumulative analysis – covered by PAR 1402
Future updates when state finalizes chronic risk values
– 3 batches
– first set just finalized
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This page updated:
November 03, 2004
URL: http://www.aqmd.gov/hb/2000/000536a.html
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