South Coast Air Quality Management District

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS: 

This report highlights the December 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 this report.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

The following report reflects the activities of the Public Affairs Office for the month of December. 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

As of March 2000, the AQMD has met the objectives of the Environmental Justice Initiatives. Policies and Procedures are in place to address the Environmental Justice concerns of communities and individuals.
 

INITIATIVE	ACTIVITY
Town Hall Meetings	A Community Meeting was held in the Coachella Valley on Wednesday, December 6, 2000 at the Thousand Palms Community Center. A Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 31, 2001 at the Carson Community Center in Carson.
Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics	MATES-II and Microscale Study Completed. The Governing Board approved the MATES II Study at the March 2000 meeting.
Community Response Teams	Torch Middle School AQMD staff is working with the school district and the community on their concerns regarding an industrial source next to the school. City of Los Angeles 8th City Council District Community Meeting AQMD Executive Officer agreed to participate in a Community Forum sponsored by City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas for his district. CENCO The AQMD Hearing Board will hold a Public Hearing in Santa Fe Springs on January 25 on the proposed refinery.
CEQA Commenting	Commenting Reporting Period: September 1-30, 2000 Requests to AQMD for document review         0 Documents received this reporting period        35 Documents to receive AQMD comments:       15 Comment letters sent out this reporting period:  6
Environmental Justice Task Force	Completed. The final report was received at the August 1999 Governing Board meeting.
City of Los Angeles Environmental Justice Forum	Completed. AQMD participated in the October 25, 1997 forum.
Diesel Fuel Clean-Up Incentives	AQMD staff is working on an outreach plan for Proposed Rule 1195 – Clean On-Road School Buses.
Field Inspection Technology	Completed. The Governing Board approved a plan at the December 1998 meeting.
Portable Equipment Permitting	Completed. The Governing Board approved a Compliance Policy for Portable Equipment on March 12, 1999.
Public Comment, Rules 1401 and 1402	Completed. The Governing Board approved the Air Toxics Control Plan at the March 2000 meeting.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

Each year, thousands of AQMD customers receive tips on reducing their exposure to smog and its health effects; information on ways to participate in AQMD rule and policy development; and assistance in resolving air quality-related problems through events and meetings which AQMD sponsors alone or with others. The following describes the activities undertaken during December.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
12/1	Los Angeles	Attended Eastside Intercambios community meeting in East L.A.
12/1	Headquarters	Hosted a meeting with First AME Church's FAME Renaissance Committee aimed at identifying opportunities to network with South Central Los Angeles community.
12/2	San Bernardino	Participated in Mt. Baldy Girl Scout Council Car Care Clinic.
12/6	Riverside	Organized and staffed Coachella Valley Town Hall Meeting at the Thousand Palms Community Center. Major focus was dust and sand issues. There were 42 people in attendance in addition to staff.
12/12	Los Angeles	Attended ARB meeting on Children’s Health Protection Program at Hollenbeck Middle School.
12/19	Los Angeles	Spoke with Mr. Thomas Chang, Ethnic Community Advisory Group member, who requested outreach materials and a video to present to participants of a youth basketball league he is coordinating in Walnut. He will incorporate an air quality element to his sports instruction.
12/21	Orange	Spoke with representative from California Bus Sales who wanted information on the Adopt-A-School Bus Program. Briefed him on the program to date and added him to program mailing list.
12/21	Los Angeles	Met with Chair of the Adopt-A-School Bus Foundation to discuss work program and marketing strategy for program development. Discussed L.A. County Prop. 10 funding options.

Events/Conferences Sponsored/Hosted	Participated/Attended
5 / 3	5 / 5

Public Workshops/Notices	Fee Review Requests
2 / 7	2

Speakers Bureau / Visiting Dignitaries / Information Requests

AQMD receives dozens of requests each month from trade associations, chambers of commerce and community-based groups, as well as schools, hospitals and health-based organizations, requesting a District staff member to speak on a variety of air quality-related issues. In turn, 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 handled during December.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
12/5	Headquarters	Sung Hyun Kim, a reporter with the Cho Sun Daily Newspaper in Seoul, met with staff for a general overview slide presentation and a briefing on media outreach.
12/6	Los Angeles	General air quality overview to environmental science class at Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Boyle Heights.

Speaking Requests Received	Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
1	1
Delegations Hosted	Tours of AQMD Headquarters
1	1

Public Information Center Statistics

The Public Information Center handles the District’s visitors and handles general information phone calls.
 

Visitor Transactions	Info Packages Mailed	Calls Received by PIC Staff	Calls to Automated System	Total Phone Calls Received
265	117	255	4,345	4,598

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
12/5-29	Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino	Staff provided air quality clearance letters for companies in the cities and areas of: Big Bear Lake, Brea, Burbank, Carson, City of Industry, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Granada Hills, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Los Angeles, Montebello, North Hollywood, Panorama City, Paramount, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Riverside, San Pedro, Santa Clarita, Santa Margarita, South El Monte, South Gate, Trabuco Canyon, and Yorba Linda.
12/5-29	Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino	Expired Permits Courtesy Program: Staff visited 58 businesses to advise them their permits were expiring. Some had closed, moved, or changed ownership. Staff is assisting several of the companies in reinstating their permits or submitting change of ownership applications.
12/5	Los Angeles	Metal product manufacturer: New business that will include a paint spray booth. Provided and explained District Rules 109, 203, 301, 1107, 1171, and 1401, and provided an application package. Assistance was provided in Spanish.
12/5	Los Angeles	Dry cleaning facility was issued a Notice of Violation for operating a dry cleaning machine without a valid permit. Provided assistance in the Hearing Board proceedings for variance petitioning to allow the business to continue to operate while making necessary arrangements for installing a new compliant machine.
12/6	Los Angeles	Special effects company: Manufactures fog haze making machines for the entertainment industry. Staff conducted on-site visit. Assisted facility with applicable rules and identified permit exempt status.
12/7	Los Angeles	Auto Body Shop: Change of ownership. Provided and explained Rules 109, 1151 and 1171, and provided assistance with applications. Assistance was provided in Spanish.
12/7	Los Angeles	Service station construction contractor: Modifying equipment at several stations and wanted to have forms checked before submitting. Staff looked at applications and assisted with completion.
12/8	Los Angeles	Property management company: Received Notice of Violation for two boilers operating without permits in high-rise building. Staff advised that applications should be submitted for units, but must meet current emissions requirements. Suggested investigating retrofitting or replacement.
12/8	Los Angeles	Dry cleaner: New owner of a recently purchased dry cleaning facility relocated the existing dry cleaning machine without proper permitting. Conducted an on-site consultation and provided assistance applying for a new permit.
12/8	Los Angeles	Restaurant: New restaurant will operate a charbroiler. Assisted facility with applicable rules and provided an application package.
12/8	Orange	Ornamental iron products: Referral from CalEPA, South Orange County Environmental Protection Permit Screening Program. New business will include a paint spray booth. Conducted an on-site visit, provided and explained District Rules 109, 1107, and 1171, and an application package. The assistance was provided in Spanish.
12/12	Orange	Loud speaker manufacturer: Requested on-site consultation to explain procedures for recordkeeping. Staff visited the facility, explained recordkeeping, and during the tour, determined that the solder leveling machine needed an AQMD permit. Provided forms for same and quoted the fees.
12/12	San Bernardino	Dry cleaner: Operating a non-compliant venting machine under an Abatement Order. District Prosecutor requested that staff conduct an on-site consultation meeting with the owner and provide assistance on ways to achieve compliance with the Abatement Order.
12/12	Orange	Building management company: Provided assistance completing Rule 222 boiler filing requirements.
12/12	Los Angeles	Construction/general contractor: Assisted the contractor by providing and explaining District rules and the Statewide Portable Equipment Program for three internal combustion engines and one pile driver.
12/13	Chicago, IL	Petroleum solvent dry cleaning machine manufacturer: Requested assistance in understanding recently amended Rule 1102 – VOC Solvent Dry Cleaning. Provided explanations of District’s current rules and permitting requirements for VOC solvent dry cleaning machines.
12/13	Orange	Non-perc, non-VOC dry cleaning solvent manufacturer: Provided assistance explaining AQMD rules and permitting requirements for dry cleaning equipment using such solvents.
12/13	Los Angeles	Garment services: Facility will be operating three abrasive blasting rooms for processing denim jeans. Conducted on-site visit, provided assistance completing required permits, and explained applicable rules.
12/13	Orange	Auto body shop: Referral from CalEPA, South Orange County Environmental Protection Permit Screening Program. Provided and explained applicable District rules and provided an application package for a Permit to Operate.
12/14	Orange	Printing facility: Conducted a courtesy inspection and consultation meeting and provided assistance completing permit applications for three existing lithographic printing machines.
12/14	San Diego	Crude oil production company: Making acquisition of oil/gas producing facilities in Los Angeles county. Provided assistance explaining District’s rules and permitting requirements for oil field equipment.
12/14	Los Angeles	Southern California Association of Governments: Staff attended the Regional Council meeting and the Transportation & Communications Committee meeting.
12/15	Los Angeles	Automotive accessory manufacturer: Received Notice of Violation for operating abrasive blasting machines and dust collectors without permits. Staff visited facility and assisted in completing permit applications.
12/15	Orange	Resin product manufacturer: Referral from CalEPA, South Orange County Environmental Protection Permit Screening Program. Provided and explained applicable District rules and provided a clearance letter.
12/15	Orange	Appliance repair: Installing a spray booth that will be used to refinish washers and dryers. Conducted on-site visit, discussed and explained required forms, fees and rules. Assistance was provided in Spanish.
12/20	Los Angeles	Hotel: Provided assistance determining Rule 222 applicability regarding boilers. Discussed permit exemption and fees.
12/20	Orange	Epoxy resin impregnated multi-layer fiberglass material manufacturer: Plans to purchase and install a resin impregnation system. Conducted a courtesy consultation meeting and provided assistance explaining permitting requirements for the new equipment.
12/21	Los Angeles	Dry cleaner: Applying for a new permit for an existing dry cleaning machine without a valid permit. Staff explained rule requirements for dry cleaners and assisted with permit application.
12/26	Los Angeles	Dry cleaner: Called to check on an existing cleaner up for purchase. Staff checked on the permit status.
12/27	San Bernardino	Aircraft fitting manufacturer: New business start-up. Provided and explained Rules 109, 1124, 1171, assisted in the completion of the application package, and issued a clearance letter.
12/28	Los Angeles	Automotive accessory manufacturer: Received a Notice of Violation for operating a dust collector without a permit. Staff visited facility and assisted them in completing a permit application.
12/28	Orange	Architectural fixture manufacturer: Relocating to Los Angeles county. Staff initially assisted owner with selection of building by determining proximity to schools (>1,000 feet). Staff advised on permitting requirements for some new equipment and assisted in completing permit applications.
12/28	Orange	Auto body shop: New business start-up. Provided and explained Rules 109, 203, 301, 1151, 1171 and assisted in the completion of the application package. Assistance was given in Spanish.
12/28	Los Angeles	Metal product manufacturer: Existing business that requested an on-site consultation visit. Staff conducted the visit and provided and explained Rules 109, 1107 and 1171. Assistance was given in Spanish.
12/29	Orange	Printing & publishing facility: Requested information/assistance regarding the District’s Emission Reduction Credit Program. Staff provided and explained the rule requirements as well as a list of Emission Reduction Credit Dealers.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ACTIVITY

Intergovernmental Affairs works with local government, state and federal officials in response to their air quality concerns and local issues.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
12/1	Los Angeles	Attended meeting of the Los Angeles City Council’s Commerce, Energy and Natural Resources Committee regarding fuel cells.
12/4	Riverside	Attended Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee Meeting. Discussed and answered questions regarding the Rule 1190 series rules and AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region with elected officials and staff present.
12/5	Orange	Attended Orange County Council of Governments Technical Advisory Committee Meeting (OC-COG TAC). Discussed and answered questions regarding the status of the Rule 1190 series rules and preparation of the next AQMP with TAC members and staff present.
12/5	Orange	Attended Laguna Beach City Council Meeting. Discussed recent AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region with the city manager.
12/6	San Bernardino	Attend San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed recent AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region and near future plans with elected officials and staff present.
12/6	Riverside	Attended Coachella Valley Town Hall Meeting. Provided staff support.
12/6	Los Angeles	Attended Oath of Office Ceremony for Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach.
12/6	Los Angeles	Participated in Coachella Valley Town Hall meeting in Thousand Palms.
12/8	Los Angeles	Conferred with staff to Los Angeles City Councilmember regarding a constituent issue.
12/8	Los Angeles	Met with staff to Los Angeles City Councilmember to discuss upcoming town hall meeting.
12/12	Orange	Attended a Huntington Beach Homeowners Association meeting regarding the AES Huntington Beach Power Generating Facility and Orange County Sanitation District Plant #2. Provided support to Assistant DEO – Engineering & Compliance with presentation and discussion with Huntington Beach council members and city manager’s office staff.
12/12	Los Angeles	Attended South El Monte City Council meeting regarding a constituent issue.
12/13	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) Board Meeting. Discussed and answered questions regarding the Rule 1190 series rules and AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region with elected officials and staff present.
12/13	San Bernardino	Attended Omintrans meeting with Henry Hogo and Jean Ospital. Met with neighborhood residents who have complained at recent community meetings about odors and perceived health problems resulting from natural gas leaks at the Omnitrans facility.
12/13	Orange	Attended Orange County Public Affairs Association (OCPAA) Holiday Mixer. Discussed AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region with members and guests in attendance.
12/13	Los Angeles	Attended Azusa Planning Committee meeting regarding local waste transfer station proposal.
12/14	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council Meetings. Discussed and answered questions regarding the Rule 1190 series rules, AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region, and impacts of the draft Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) on SIP conformity with elected officials and staff present.
12/14	San Bernardino	Attended U.S. Congressman Joe Baca’s Holiday Open House. Discussed AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region with Congressman Baca, his staff, and other guests.
12/14	District-Wide	Provided opening remarks and participated in the Los Angeles County Eastern Region Wide Clean Fleet Vehicle Funding Symposium.
12/14	Los Angeles	Conferred with staff to a Los Angeles City Councilmember regarding Breitburn Energy issue.
12/15	Los Angeles	Attended Los Angeles City Council meeting to address concerns regarding Taylor Yard Development Project.
12/19	Orange	Attended Yorba Linda City Council Meeting. Discussed recent AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region with a council member and new city manager.
12/19	Los Angeles	Conferred with South Gate elected official regarding proposed Nueva Azalea Power Generating Facility.
12/19	Los Angeles	Conferred with staff to Assemblymember Gloria Romero regarding wood recycling facility.
12/19	Los Angeles	Attended L.A. City Airport Commission meeting to address issues related to the fleet rules.
12/20	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments Plans and Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed SCAG’s’s draft Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Alameda Corridor East issues with committee members and SANBAG staff present.
12/20	Districtwide	Attended Assemblyman Bob Pacheco’s Holiday Open House. Discussed AQMD accomplishments in improving air quality in the region with Assemblyman Pacheco, his staff, and other guests.
12/20	Los Angeles	Conferred with City of Santa Clarita staff regarding proposed mining project.
12/21	Riverside	Attended Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Board Meeting. Provided support to RTA’s Interim General Manager regarding his proposal to modify an existing purchase order in order to purchase only CNG buses. The resulting order will be for 94 CNG buses rather than for the 47 on the existing order.
12/21	Los Angeles	Met with ECAG member to discuss electricity shortage issues.
12/21	Los Angeles	Attended Edison Briefing regarding electricity shortage issues.
12/26	Los Angeles	Met with environmental groups to discuss PR 1195.

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
12/1	Newspaper	Provided information and interview to Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding OH Kruse abatement order.
12/1-7	Newspapers, Newsletters, News Services	Provided information and interviews regarding the AES enforcement case to the Riverside Press-Enterprise, Los Angeles Times, Dow Jones News Service, OC Register, Copley News Service, Bridge News, Megawatt Daily, Electric Power Alert, Bloomberg News, Mc-Graw Hill, California Energy Markets, CNN, Daily Breeze, Sacramento Bee, Inside Cal-EPA, San Jose Mercury-News, Energy Argus, Beach Reporter, Times-Advocate.
12/5	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding Synagro Technologies compliance record.
12/5	Newspaper	Provided information to the Whittier Daily News regarding CENCO.
12/6	Newspaper/ Radio	Provided information on Board agenda to the Los Angeles Business Journal and Inland Empire News Radio.
12/6	Television	Provided information to KESQ-TV on the Thousand Palms Town Hall meeting.
12/6	Television	Provided information on KMIR-TV on the Thousand Palms Town Hall meeting.
12/6	Newspaper	Provided information and interview to Westside Story on Omnitrans and mercaptan.
12/7	Environmental Consulting Co	Provided information to PS Enterprises on the Community Clean Air Partnership.
12/7	Newspaper	Provided information to Orange County Register on AQMD comments on El Toro CEQA document.
12/8	All	Provided information to Associated Press, Orange County Register, Energy Argus, Stockton Record, San Diego Union Tribune, Contra Costa Times, Inside Cal/EPA, Oakland Tribune, KTV-TV (Oakland).
12/8	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times on PM-10 mortality.
12/8	Newspaper	Provided information to San Gabriel Valley Tribune on AQMD child care center.
12/8	Newspaper	Provided information to Antelope Valley Press on Emission Reduction Credits.
12/12	Newspaper	Provided information on Board meeting to Orange County Register.
12/12	Newspaper	Provided information and interview on AES enforcement to Orange County Register.
12/12	TV	Provided information on AQMD penalty settlements to Channel 13.
12/12	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on AES.
12/13	All	Distributed news release on AES settlement to media.
12/13	Newsletter	Provided information on AES settlement to Energy Argus and Environmental Finance (London).
12/8	Newspapers	Provided information on AES to various newspapers.
12/11	News Service	Provided information to Bloomberg News on AES case.
12/12	News Service/ Newspaper	Provided information to Copley News and the Newhall Signal on the school bus fleet rule.
12/13	Newspaper	Provided information to the Whittier Daily News concerning CENCO.
12/13	All Media	Issued press release on AES case settlement covered by the Los Angeles Times, Daily Breeze, Long Beach Press-Telegram, AP, Inland Empire News Radio, MetroNetworks News, The Daily News and Orange County Register.
12/13	Newspaper	Provided information on particulate pollution to the Daily News.
12/13	Newspaper	Provided information to the Orange County Register on diesel pollution programs.
12/14	News Conference	An AQMD-GM-OCTA news conference was held on a new hybrid diesel bus and covered by the LA Times, OC Register, KNBC-TV, KABC-TV, OCN-TV, KOCE-TV and KNX-AM.
12/14	Internet	Provided information to Oil and Gas Journal Online, Long Beach Report.com on AES settlement.
12/14	Newspaper	Provided information to Huntington Beach Wave on AES settlement.
12/14	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Cal/EPA on RECLAIM Advisory Committee.
12/15	Newspaper	Provided information to San Diego Union-Tribune on smog season.
12/15	Newspaper	Provided information to San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Tuscany Creations permit.
12/15	Newspaper	Provided information to WAVE newspapers on AES.
12/15	Newspaper	Provided information to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on CFCs.
12/15	All Media	Distributed December Board meeting summary to area media.
12/15	Newspaper	Provided information and an interview to the Los Angeles Times regarding the proposed Nueva Azaela power plant.
12/15	Newspaper	Provided information and an interview to the Long Beach Press Telegram regarding the AES settlement.
12/19-21	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times on RECLAIM and power plants.
12/19	Newsletter	Provided information to Power Markets on RECLAIM.
12/19	Newspaper	Provided information to San Francisco Bay Guardian on fleet rules.
12/19	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on diesel vs. CNG emissions.
12/19	Newspapers	Provided information to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Los Angeles Times/Inland Valley on OH Kruse.
12/18-19	News Service	Provided information and interview to the Associated Press regarding the proposed school bus rule.
12/19	Newspaper	Provided information on the AES settlement to the Beach Reporter.
12/20	Television	Discussed AQMD-sponsored video with ITV.
12/20	Newspaper	Provided information on diesel emissions to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
12/21	All	Distributed news releases on school bus rule to media, employees, Board, and on Internet.
12/21	Newspaper	Provided air quality forecast to the Los Angeles Times.
12/27	Newspaper	Provided information on the AES facilities to the Orange County Register.
12/27	Gov’t agency	Provided information on banning leaf blowers to the Arizona state air quality district.
12/27	Research Firm	Provided information on the AES facilities to McCullough Research firm.
12/27	Law Firm	Provided information on the six criteria pollutants to Adams, Broadwell, Joseph & Cardozo.
12/27-28	Newspaper	Provided historical air quality data to the LA Times.
12/28	Internet	Provided information on health studies and criteria pollutants to writer for Aprica.com.

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
6,332	3,310	2,207	48	12,971

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

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