South Coast Air Quality Management District

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Technology Committee met on June 22, 2001. Major items included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the July and August Board meetings. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on July 27, 2001 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 Chair Hal Bernson participated by video-teleconference.

July Board Agenda Items

1. Execute Contract to Co-Sponsor Demonstration of Passive Particulate Trap Technologies on Existing Off-Road Heavy-Duty Construction Equipment Fueled by Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel - The contribution of heavy-duty diesel construction equipment to mobile source NOx and PM emissions inventory is projected to increase over other mobile sources in the near future. The proposed demonstration evaluates emission benefits and durability of passive particulate traps, and assesses the effect of such traps on construction equipment operational performance and structural and mechanical durability. This project could lead to PM emissions reduction of over 80%. Cost to the AQMD for the proposed $910,000 demonstration shall not exceed $455,000. CARB will provide $300,000 and $100,000 in direct cash and in-kind contributions, respectively. The County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (CSDLA) is contributing $55,000. Additional cost-shares are expected from particulate trap manufacturers. The CSDLA and construction equipment operators will supply equipment. This item was moved without objection and unanimously approved. (On this item only, Chairman Bernson and Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz were present. Committee member Norma Glover had temporarily stepped away.)
   
   
2. Issue RFP for Development and Demonstration of Aftertreatment Technologies for PM Emissions Control of CNG-Fueled Heavy-Duty Engines - Many demonstration programs are now showing that PM emissions from some diesel engines can be significantly reduced with particulate traps. However, there are currently no readily available particulate traps for CNG heavy-duty engines. The proposed RFP solicits cost-shared proposals to develop and demonstrate aftertreatment technologies capable of reducing PM by at least 50%, and also reduce NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions from CNG engines. Cost to the AQMD for the proposed $800,000 project shall not exceed $400,000. Significant cost sharing is expected from the prospective contractor. This item was moved without objection and unanimously approved.
   
   
3. Issue RFP for a Pilot Demonstration of Residential Fuel Cells and Reformer Based Energy Station in South Coast Air Basin - Fuel cells are energy efficient and clean sources of electricity. The proposed RFP solicits pilot projects demonstrating the technological viability of natural gas residential fuel cells for 10 homes, and/or a centralized reformer energy station to produce hydrogen for both fuel cell to power 10 homes, and for future fuel cell vehicles. Total AQMD funding for this RFP shall not exceed $1,000,000. This item was moved without objection and unanimously approved.
   
   
4. Execute Contracts for Infrastructure, Forklift and Off-Road Other Project Awards Under FY 2000–01 Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program and Modify Three Contracts from FY 1999-00 Program - On January 19, 2001, the Board approved the release of an RFP to solicit projects for FY 2000-01 Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program. This action is to execute contracts to fund infrastructure, forklift, APUs and off-road other projects. Staff further recommends modifying three contracts executed under the FY 1999-00 Moyer Program. The total cost to the Carl Moyer Program Fund will not exceed $4.5 million. This item was moved without objection and unanimously approved.
   
   
5. Award Multiple Contracts for Natural Gas Refueling Station Infrastructure - On March 16, 2001, the Board approved release of a $4.6 million RFP to solicit proposals for natural gas refueling station infrastructure projects, from the AES settlement. The RFP provides funding for the construction of publicly accessible natural gas refueling stations in areas where fleets operate. Fifty-four proposals were received by the RFP deadline of Friday, May 4, 2001. This action is to approve multiple contract awards from this RFP.
   
   The Committee was made aware that Board Member Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta has expressed concerns about the lack of hydrogen compatibility, in awarding these contracts, which could otherwise support the next generation of clean hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Without such consideration, she believes this is a missed opportunity.
   
   Staff was asked to further analyze the feasibility and costs for hydrogen-compatible upgrades. If shown to be feasible, Board Member Verdugo-Peralta would be prepared to introduce a motion at the July Board meeting to add funding and require the upgrades as part of the contract with each awardee.
   
   This item was moved without objection and unanimously approved.
   
   
6. Transfer Funds from Clean Fuels Fund to FY 2001-02 General Fund Budget of Science & Technology Advancement, Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account - Since FY 1999-00, revenues from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program were directed to the Clean Fuels Fund. Periodically, funds are transferred from the Clean Fuels Fund to the General Fund to support AQMD activities directly related to the Clean Fuels Program. This action is to transfer $400,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund to supplement the FY 2001-02 General Fund Budget of Science & Technology Advancement, Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account to support Clean Fuels Program activities. This item was moved without objection and unanimously approved.

August Board Agenda Item

7. Issue RFP to Assess, Develop and Demonstrate Low-VOC Cleaning Solvents for Cleaning of Lithographic Printing Ink Application Equipment - Rule 1171 – Solvent Cleaning Operations requires assessment of low-VOC cleaning solvent technologies for the cleaning of lithographic printing ink application equipment relative to 2005 VOC limits. This RFP will solicit proposals for the assessment, development and demonstration of low-VOC cleaning solvents for cleaning of lithographic printing ink application equipment. If such solvents are successfully developed and implemented, approximately 4 tons per day of VOC emissions could be reduced. AQMD funding shall not exceed $200,000. This item was moved without objection and unanimously approved.
   
   
8. Other Business - There was no other business.
   
   
9. Public Comment Period - Philip Hodgetts addressed the Committee indicating he had undertaken an informal survey of charging stations to determine their working order. He found some stations in need of repair and urged that monies be allocated for upkeep of charging stations. Chairman Bernson directed staff to make note of this.

The meeting was adjourned.

Attachment A - Attendance

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Attachment A - Attendance
 

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