South Coast Air Quality Management District

Back

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Technology Committee met on September 22, 2000. Major items included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the October and November Board meetings, and a report on the cost of general liability insurance. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on October 27, 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 and Committee member Norma Glover were in attendance at AQMD headquarters. Committee member Roy Wilson participated by video-teleconference. In the absence of Committee members Hal Bernson, William Burke, and Jon Mikels, and pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, adopted March 8, 1996, Committee Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz appointed Board member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta ad hoc member of the Technology Committee for the meeting of September 22, 2000 only.

October Board Agenda Items

1. Issue RFP for Construction and Maintenance of a Complete Fast Fill Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station at AQMD Headquarters - The AQMD desires to build and operate a new compressed natural gas fueling station at its Diamond Bar facility that can accommodate the growing District alternative fuel vehicle fleets and provide access to the general public. This station will incorporate advanced gas metering technology. The AQMD plans to solicit competitive bids for the turnkey design, permitting, equipment acquisition, construction, startup, and provision of 12 months maintenance service for a CNG station. Proposals will be reviewed by staff prior to making any recommendations to the Board. Moved (Verdugo-Peralta), seconded (Glover) and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
2. Report on Control Technologies for Medium-Duty Diesel-Powered Vehicles - In the Rule 1191 – Clean On-Road Light- and Medium-Duty Public Fleet Vehicles, adopting resolution, the Board directed staff to report on the state-of-science of control technology for diesel-powered medium-duty vehicles and to compare emissions from engines powered by diesel and other transportation fuels. The staff has summarized the necessary technical information on medium-duty vehicles. Although significant progress has been made in diesel engine and control technology, these vehicles are still emitting more NOx and PM emissions than other transportation fuels. Low sulfur diesel fuels and further advancements in engine design and control devices will be necessary for these vehicles to comply with LEV II emission requirements. No changes are recommended for Rule 1191, subject to technological development in the future.

November Board Agenda Items

3. Execute Contract to Evaluate Performance of Emission Control Technology for Underfired Charbroilers - The AQMD's Proposed Rule 1138.1 is to control particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions for commercial underfired charbroilers. A newly developed and/or improved control technology will be tested and evaluated at CE-CERT, from the following control technologies recommended by the Rule 1138.1 Working Group: 1) Microwave Filter System, 2) Bubbler Ventilation System, and 3) Grease, Particle, and Gas Filter System. The selected technology will be the potentially most cost-effective one. AQMD's contribution to this project shall not exceed $15,000. Moved (Wilson), seconded (Verdugo-Peralta) and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
4. Execute Contract to Cosponsor Enhancement of L/CNG Fueling Station Evaluation and Upgrade - The L/CNG fueling station at UPS Ontario Airport has experienced operational problems since completion. The proposed project would incorporate advanced LNG fueling technology into this station. The station is a prime location to provide accessibility to fleets in the Inland Empire. The Board originally approved this effort in March 1999. At that time, the Gas Research Institute (GRI) was unable to secure the necessary technical partner to upgrade the station. GRI has now secured the cooperation of ALT-USA to perform the upgrade. Total cost to the AQMD for this project will not exceed $35,000. Total project cost is approximately $179,733; the Gas Research Institute will provide $35,000, and ALT-USA will contribute $104,733.
   
   Committee Member Norma Glover noted that the natural gas fueling infrastructure needs to be addressed to identify current problems, achieve standardization among differing stations and ensure successful integration of this fuel into the economy. She suggested that gas producers in the South Coast Basin contribute funds to be used to study the issue and resolve current problems. It was also noted that stations need to be kept up-to-date in terms of maintenance and standardized operating procedures.
   
   Moved (Glover), seconded (Verdugo-Peralta) and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
5. Appropriate Funds from Clean Fuels Fund and Execute Purchase Agreements for Three Alternate Fuel Vehicles for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Loan Program - As part of the Technology Advancement Alternative Fuel Vehicle Loan Program, the AQMD demonstrates alternate fuel vehicles with available low-emission and clean-fuel technologies. It is proposed that the AQMD purchase three compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Crown Victoria Sedans. Total cost to the AQMD for these three vehicles will not exceed $28,000 per vehicle. Dr. Chung Liu noted that the cost of license and registration had not been included in the original cost estimate and that the final figure would increase in an amount not to exceed $32,000 per vehicle.
   
   Moved (Glover), seconded (Verdugo-Peralta) and unanimously recommended for approval.
   
   
6. Report on General Liability Insurance
   As requested at the August Technology Committee meeting, a report on the cost and coverage of general liability insurance for the District was presented by Bill Johnson. The SCAQMD is currently self-insured; however, additional general and vehicle liability insurance would provide protection over and above the self-insurance currently in place. The Committee noted their agreement that additional coverage would be prudent.
   
   
7. Other Business - It was noted that the November and December Technology Committee meetings would be combined into one meeting date of Friday, December 1, 2000.
   
   
8. Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.

Attachment A - Attendance

/ / /

Attachment A - Attendance

/ / /