South Coast Air Quality Management District

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS: 

This report highlights the September 2001 activities of the Public Affairs Office which includes the following: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs, Media Communications, and Transportation Programs.

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 September. The report format includes six major areas: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings (including the Speakers Bureau, Visiting Dignitaries and Public Information Center), Business Assistance, Intergovernmental Affairs, Media Communications (including the Communication Center), and Transportation Programs.

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	The September Town Hall Meeting was held on September 18 in Chino. A Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for October 25 in Commerce. AQMD has been invited to participate as an organizing partner in the "Voices for Healthy Environments, Healthy Communities, Healthy Jobs" community meeting scheduled for December 7-8, 2001 in Inglewood.
Ambient Monitoring of Air Toxics	MATES-II and Microscale Study: Completed. Governing Board approved MATES II Study at March 2000 meeting.
Community Response Teams	No activity reported this month
CEQA Commenting	September Commenting Total number of CEQA documents received:                                51 Total number of requests to AQMD for document review:              0 Total number of comment letters sent out:                                     11 Total number of documents for which a review is being conducted: 5
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	Rule 1195 - Clean On-Road School Buses was adopted at the April Governing Board meeting.
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 Toxics Reduction 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 September.
 

DATE	LOCATION	ACTIVITY
9-6	Headquarters	On inspector’s request, sent copies of the Spanish language complaint line flyer to residents in Corona who are concerned about odors from a neighboring facility.
9-8	Los Angeles	Staffed an information table at the Crenshaw Christian Center Community Fair in Los Angeles.
9-18	Los Angeles	Staffed Senior Health Fair Day at the Los Angeles County Fair. Event was coordinated by Inter Valley Health Plan and was very well attended. Distributed a variety of outreach materials.
9-18	Los Angeles	Staffed an information table at a health fair marking Senior Day at the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona.
9-18	Headquarters	Organized, staffed and hosted the Chino Town Hall Meeting.
9-19	Headquarters	Hosted the Clean Air Technologies 2001 planning meeting.
9-20	Headquarters	Designed an environmental education display for placement at the Eco Station Environmental Village based in Culver City. Organizers have requested general air quality materials for display.
9-21 - 23	Los Angeles	Staffed an information table at the Black Business Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

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 for District staff members to speak on a variety of air quality-related issues. The District also 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 September.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
9-27	Headquarters	Provided a general air quality overview slide presentation and tour of AQMD headquarters to a chemical engineering class from Cal Poly Pomona.
9-30	Headquarters	Provided an air quality overview and tour of AQMD headquarters to a municipal environmental protection delegation from Shanghai, China.
Speaking Requests Received			Presentations (by Public Advisor staff)
5			2
Delegations Hosted			Tours of AQMD Headquarters
2			2

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 Rec’d by PIC Staff	Calls to  Automated System	Total Phone Calls Rec’d
51	13	215	5,293	5,508

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AQMD assists businesses by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their development. Staff provides personalized assistance and also works with other agencies and states to identify efficient, cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution and shares that information broadly.
 

DATE	LOCATION	ACTIVITY
9-4	Orange	Architecture firm: Requested assistance determining permit requirements for restaurant equipment. Provided assistance and explained the appropriate permitting and compliance requirements for charbroiler equipment.
9-4	Los Angeles	Powder coater: Requested assistance understanding the permitting requirements for spray booth equipment. Explained permitting and compliance requirements.

9-4	Riverside	Kitchen and household surface installer: Requested assistance understanding the permitting requirements for adhesive applications. Explained the permitting and compliance requirements for equipment that applies adhesives.
9-4	Minneapolis, MN	Building and ground engineer: Operates dozens of sports facilities (baseball, football fields) and requested assistance obtaining information regarding relatively high VOC emissions from certain kind of trees, as reported by AQMD. Provided the appropriate assistance.
9-4	Los Angeles	Continued working with Cal/EPA Permit Assistance Center Director and updated AQMD permitting status for all the power generation projects. Permitting Assistance Center directors have been submitting weekly status reports to the Governor’s office on new power plant permitting and construction projects.
9-4	Los Angeles	Plating company: Applied to Fee Review Committee on plating line application fee and Committee secretary requested review of their application. Visited the shop and talked to the owner.
9-4 & 6	Los Angeles	Semiconductor manufacturer: Purchasing new deposition reactor and control equipment. Visited facility and assisted facility manager in putting together permit applications. Reviewed with AQMD permitting engineer, who suggested some additional information be included. Returned to company to review final applications.
9-4 to 9-27	Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside	Expired Permit Courtesy Call Program: Contacted 99 companies and retained 34 permits for a revenue savings of $3,214.69.
9-5	Los Angeles	County flood control: Existing facility requested assistance regarding rules and permit compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-5	Riverside	Dry cleaner: New business start-up requesting assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT. Issued a clearance letter.

9-5	Los Angeles	Architectural contractor: New business start-up requesting assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-5	Orange	Request came through the Cal/EPA Orange County Permit Assistance Center: Provided assistance regarding rules, regulations and permit requirements to a school district regarding their boilers and process heaters at three schools. Three applications were completed and submitted.
9-5	Los Angeles	Steel supplier: Wants to install emergency generator at second facility that will be constructed behind their present site. Visited company to determine if properties will be considered contiguous with respect to AQMD permitting rules.
9-6	Los Angeles	Auto body shop: New business start-up requesting assistance regarding rules and permit compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-6	Los Angeles	Food preparation & products: New business start-up requesting assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT. Issued a clearance letter.
9-6	Los Angeles	Auto body shop: New business start-up requesting assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT. Issued a clearance letter.
9-6	Los Angeles	Proposed new fuel cell R&D and small manufacturing facility: Provided assistance and explained permitting and compliance requirements for fuel cell reformer testing equipment.
9-6	San Bernardino	Major construction contractor: Preparing for a major tunneling project for four or more years. The project requires the contractor to set up a temporary power generation station equipped with gas-fired engines. Provided assistance and consultation in explaining the permitting requirements for the power generating equipment. Also explained RECLAIM program requirements as staff’s emission calculation has indicated the construction project will be a RECLAIM facility.

9-6	Orange	Autobody facility: Provided assistance completing a spray booth permit application.
9-6	Sacramento, CA	Project assistance requested by California Foreign Investment Office: A foreign-based company is searching for an Inland Empire production plant site for a clay tile manufacturing plant. Provided assistance and explained the required permitting and compliance requirements. Also arranged for a meeting to provide direct consultation to the proposed project owner.
9-6	Inland Empire	Staff continued working with Cal/EPA Inland Empire Permit Assistance Center Director and conducted a consultation meeting to discuss AQMD’s permitting processes for a proposed new power plant to be located in Inland Empire.
9-6	Los Angeles	Powder coating shop: Shop would like to change permit conditions on spray booth permit to allow both wet and powder coatings. Visited shop and assisted in filling out the application. Questions arose regarding rule compliance on the coatings shop uses. Contacted manufacturer, who provided information establishing exempt status of coatings.
9-7	San Bernardino	Construction contractor: Continued assistance in preparation of conducting a major, multiple year, water supply tunneling project. A consultation meeting with the contractor is scheduled at AQMD headquarters.
9-7	Riverside/San Bernardino	Continued technical engineering project assistance requested by California Foreign Investment Office. Staff provided assistance and conducted a consultation meeting with the company’s engineering team and explained the required AQMD permitting and compliance requirements for clay tile manufacturing equipment.
9-7	Los Angeles	Proposed changes to Rule 1421: Staff made arrangements and set-up a technology tour of a major high tech company for staff who will be writing the proposed amendments to the rule. During the visit, presentations of liquid CO2 dry cleaning technology development will be conducted.

9-7	Los Angeles	Powder coating shop: Wanted to submit an application to use a spray booth for both wet and powder coatings. After first visit, determined from the manufacturer that their wet coatings were exempt from the metal coating rule requirements and therefore compliant. Revisited the facility to assist in preparing the required supplemental information.
9-7	Los Angeles	Printed circuit board manufacturer: Scheduled for an abatement order hearing and needed to submit applications for equipment with expired permits. Initially went to facility to see the equipment they had and to determine if any modifications had been made since the original permits were issued. Visited the company a second time to assist with application forms and compile supplemental material.
9-7	Los Angeles	Miscellaneous manufacturer: New business start-up requested assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-7	San Bernardino	Miscellaneous manufacturer: New business start-up requested assistance regarding rules and permit compliance for power generation equipment. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT. Also issued a clearance letter.
9-11	Los Angeles	Miscellaneous manufacturer: Existing business will be adding emergency power generating equipment. Requested assistance regarding rules and permit compliance. Provided and explained the applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT. Also issued a clearance letter.
9-11	Los Angeles	Hotel: Existing business requested assistance regarding rules and permit compliance for the installation of several new boilers. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-11	Los Angeles	Staff made necessary arrangements for setting up a public workshop for Proposed Amended Rule 1421 specifically for Korean-speaking dry cleaners to be held at the Korean Drycleaners Association office in Gardena.

9-11	Los Angeles	Insurance company adjuster working on earthquake damage claims requested assistance in understanding the permitting and compliance requirements for unconfined abrasive blasting operations for building exteriors. Explained requirements for equipment and operation.
9-11, 18, 25	Los Angeles	Continued working with Los Angeles Cal/EPA Permit Assistance Center Director and updated all the power generation projects AQMD permitting status. PAC Directors have been submitting weekly status reports to the Governor’s office on new power plant permitting and construction projects.
9-11,12	Boise, Idaho	Pollution control engineering and equipment manufacturer: Requested assistance in understanding AQMD permitting and compliance requirements for co-generating equipment. Provided assistance explaining regulation applicable to gas-fired internal combustion engines/generators equipment.
9-12	Los Angeles	Aerospace manufacturer: Existing facility requesting assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-12	Orange	Miscellaneous manufacturer: Existing business requesting assistance regarding compliance on their boilers. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-12	Orange	Printing and publishing: Existing business requesting assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-12	Orange	Paint and solvent supplier: Start-up business selling materials to wood finishers requested information on solvent and stripper compliance. Discussed wood coating, solvent cleaning, and toxics rules.
9-12	Los Angeles	Food service company: Operates two emergency power generators in violation of AQMD’s rules and regulations. Provided assistance and consultation on ways to achieve compliance.

9-12	Orange	Construction company: Operates woodworking equipment and requested assistance determining permit requirements for the facility. Provided assistance and reviewed the equipment operating specifications. Determined that air permits are not required. Also issued a clearance letter for city building permitting purpose.
9-12, 14, 26	Inland Empire	Continued working with Inland Empire Permit Assistance Center Director and conducted a consultation meeting to discuss AQMD’s permitting processes for a proposed new power plant to be located in the Inland Empire.
9-12	Los Angeles	Plating company: Explained what company must do in order to comply with the public notification requirements of the Toxic Hot Spots law (AB 2588).
9-13	Los Angeles	Staff led a team of AQMD personnel on a visit to a major military technology contractor for a technology tour of the liquid CO2 (LCO2) dry cleaning technology development and lab testing. LCO2 technology is identified as an alternative technology for perchloroethylene dry cleaning would be phased out by about 2010 in the proposed amendment to Rule 1421.
9-13	Los Angeles	Steel supplier: Installing emergency generator at new building behind their present site. Determined the properties would be considered contiguous and then visited company to assist them in filling out permit application.
9-13	Los Angeles	Prepress & lithographic printing company: Just bought printing press and wanted assistance applying for a permit. Visited facility to discuss information needed for application.
9-13	Los Angeles	Trailer manufacturer: Previously assisted this company in applying for a change of ownership on their open spraying equipment. Returned to follow up on helping manufacturer with related compliance issues and in setting up recordkeeping.
9-14	Los Angeles	Metal Plating: Existing business planning to expand its operation. Requested assistance regarding rules and permit compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-14	Riverside	Service station/mini mart: Received Notice of Violation for installing new gasoline dispensers and tanks without submitting an application for modifications. Reviewed the forms and assisted with changes. Also assisted in completing an application to the Fee Review Committee, for a fee payment plan.
9-14	San Bernardino	Hospital supply company: Came in to submit application for emergency generator. Had filled out the standard forms for a generator and was requesting express permit processing. Explained that the new equipment was certified and provided them with the registration form.
9-14	San Bernardino	Continued assistance to this construction contractor in preparation of conducting a major, multiple year, water-supply tunneling project. The project requires the contractor to set-up a temporary power generation station equipped with gas-fired engines. A consultation meeting with the contractor was conducted at the AQMD Headquarters to discuss the project permitting and compliance requirements.
9-14	Los Angeles	Architectural firm: Contracted to design and build a pizza restaurant. Provided assistance and consultation in explaining the permitting and compliance requirements for charbroiler equipment.
9-14	Los Angeles	Pneumatic tool rental company: Previously assisted this company in applying for a permit for their spray booth. Returned to assist with the start-up of coating usage records.
9-18	Los Angeles	Miscellaneous manufacturer: Existing business recently cited by AQMD Compliance staff. Requested assistance with compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-18	Inland Empire -Riverside/San Bernardino	Continued technical engineering project assistance requested by California Foreign Investment Office. Staff provided continued assistance and consultation on AQMD permitting and compliance requirements.
9-18	Raleigh, NC	Environmental consulting company under contract with Federal EPA to compile BACT/LAER/RACT Clearinghouse data requested assistance in obtaining data for enclosed perc solvent degreaser. Staff provided assistance in getting the required data.
9-18	Los Angeles	Material coating company: Operated spray booth equipment in violation of District rules due to incomplete VOC recordkeeping. Provided assistance explaining how to properly maintain and calculate VOC emission data recordkeeping.
9-18	Orange	New restaurant: Provided assistance and explained the permitting and compliance requirements for charbroiler equipment.
9-18	Los Angeles	Local city hall: Provided assistance and explained equipment permitting requirements and AQMD clearance letter requirement for local city’s building permitting.
9-18	Bay Area AQMD	Bay Area AQMD staff requested the availability of printed compliance outreach material for small printing facilities. Staff referred them to the CARB printed outreach booklets.
9-18	Los Angeles	Auto body shop: Received Notice to Comply to apply for spray booth permit. Visited shop and assisted in filling out application forms. Also used GPS to measure distance to nearby school, determining it was >1000' from booth.
9-18	Los Angeles	Plating shop: Submitted applications for two plating lines and requested to have them checked for completeness. Found some problems, then went to the shop and met with consultant who filled out forms. Discussed which application forms to use and showed what additional information was needed on solutions in tanks.
9-18	Los Angeles	Lithographic printing company: Continued working with this company on their VOC recordkeeping. Obtained Material Safety Data Sheets for their graphics arts materials, visited facility and reviewed this information. Talked with the pressman on the best ways to estimate and record daily usage.
9-18	Los Angeles	Auto body shop: Submitted application for spray booth. AQMD engineer processing application wanted distance checked to nearby school, to determine if public notification is required. Using GPS, found distance to be >1000'.

9-19	Los Angeles	Electronic product manufacturer: Existing business will be adding an additional process tank. Requested assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained the applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT. Also issued a clearance letter.
9-19	Los Angeles	Local city hall. Provided assistance and explained the AQMD permitting requirements and clearance letter requirement for local city’s building permitting.
9-19	Los Angeles	Residential building management company: Requested assistance in understanding permitting and compliance requirements for boilers under Rule 1146.2. Provided assistance explaining regulation applicable to gas-fired small boiler equipment.
9-19	Los Angeles	Architectural firm: Contracted to design and build a supermarket. Provided assistance explaining the permitting and compliance requirements.
9-19	Los Angeles	Architectural firm: Contracted to design and build an auto service dealership. Provided assistance explaining permitting and compliance requirements.
9-20	Riverside	Chrome plater: Expedited permit processing. Needed to install control equipment in order to comply with Rule 1402 requirements to reduce toxic risk.
9-20	San Bernardino	Toy distributor warehouse: Provided assistance completing permit application for emergency power generation equipment.
9-20	Los Angeles	Service station: Received Notice of Violation for operating equipment after failing test on vapor recovery system. Petitioned for a variance to continue operation until suit against oil company is settled. Arranged for a supervising inspector to explain the violation and its implications then discussed the situation with District staff, who recommended they petition for an order of abatement. Contacted the owner and outlined information to be brought in to meet with District staff.
9-20	Los Angeles	Commercial baking company: Maintenance department is concerned about compliance with future NOx emissions rules relating to baking tray washers. Visited facility and checked equipment to determine if requirements cover their equipment.
9-21	Los Angeles	Government outreach: Existing county office requested assistance regarding a change of condition on permitted equipment and clarification of rules. Provided and explained applicable rules and the required permit application forms.
9-21	San Bernardino	Wood furniture manufacturer: Existing business recently inspected by AQMD Compliance staff. Requested assistance with compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and assisted in the completion of the required permit application forms. The assistance was provided in Spanish.
9-21	Orange	Energy consultant: Provided assistance understanding permitting and compliance requirements for gas-fired internal combustion engines and co-generation equipment. Also provided assistance with permit application processes and equipment BACT determination.
9-21	San Bernardino	Proposed new peaker unit power plant. Conducted a consultation meeting with the proposed power generating facility’s management and engineering personnel and provided assistance and consultation in understanding permitting and compliance requirements for four 10 MW gas turbine peaker units. Also provided consultation in permit application processes and equipment BACT determination plus emission offset requirements.
9-21	Inland Empire -Riverside/San Bernardino	Continued technical engineering project assistance and consultation requested by California Foreign Investment Office. Staff provided continued assistance and consultation and contacted a local dryer and kiln manufacturer discussing the BACT requirements and availabilities for ceramic tile kiln equipment.
9-25	Orange	Textile product manufacturer: Considering moving their facility within AQMD jurisdiction. Requested assistance with compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-25	Los Angeles	Miscellaneous manufacturer: Considering moving their facility within our jurisdiction. Requested assistance with compliance. Provided and explained applicable rules and permit requirements including BACT.
9-25	Orange	Manufacturing industry consultant: Discussed VOC emissions record keeping requirements and VOC emission calculation based on the coating material usage.
9-25	Los Angeles	As requested by rule development staff, provided assistance to a dry cleaner who requested assistance during PAR 1421 public workshop.
9-25	Las Vegas, NV	An out-of-state business concern plans to purchase an existing dry cleaning facility in AQMD jurisdiction. Explained permitting and compliance requirements for dry cleaning machines.
9-25	Los Angeles	Auto body shop: Received a Notice to Comply to keep coating and solvent usage records. Visited shop to assist in setting up recordkeeping. Called paint supplier and asked them to provide VOC information in the future.
9-26	Los Angeles	Wood furniture manufacturer: Existing business recently inspected by AQMD Compliance staff. Requested assistance regarding compliance. Provided and explained the applicable rules and assisted in the completion and submittal of the required permit application forms. The assistance was provided in Spanish.
9-26	Orange	Petroleum products supplier: Requested assistance with Rule 206. Provided assistance explaining the rule requirements.
9-26	Riverside	Municipal water district: Maintenance department reconditions their water valves and would like to switch from wet coating to powder coating for some operations. Discussed setting up powder coating equipment and permitting requirements.
9-26	Los Angeles	Gas company & environmental consulting company: Met representatives from these two companies at a powder coating seminar, held at The Gas Company’s Energy Resource Center. They were concerned about permitting policy for catalytic infrared heaters and requested assistance.
9-26	Orange	T-shirt printing shop: Needed clearance for city building department. Visited shop and determined that equipment would be exempt from permits. Advised how to keep ink usage records and provided a clearance letter.
9-27	Los Angeles	Business Outreach: Made arrangements to participate as an exhibitor in an upcoming event, "Latino Business Expo." Promotion of SBAO programs, Air Quality Assistance Fund, and Community Outreach.
9-27	Orange	Chemical product manufacturer: Existing business requesting clarification of rules and regulations and methodology of laboratory analysis. Provided and explained the applicable rules and technical manual.
9-27	Los Angeles	Metal powder coating facility. Provided assistance understanding VOC emissions recordkeeping requirements and VOC emission calculation based on the powder coating material usage.
9-27	Orange	Energy consultants: Continued to provide assistance to the consulting engineer in understanding permitting and compliance requirements for gas-fired internal combustion engines and co-generation equipment. Also provided consultation on permit application processes and equipment BACT determination. In addition, provided information regarding CPUC’s incentive programs for new distributed generation equipment, which could potentially provide up to 1/3 of the project cost.
9-27	Los Angeles	Building management: Provided assistance and consultation regarding Rule 1146.2 compliance requirements for small boilers.

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	ACTIVITY
9/4 - 9/5	Riverside	Attended Coachella Valley & Northwest Riverside Clean Cities Meeting at Sun Line Transit. Discussed the application process for Sun Line Transit, Coachella Valley Council of Governments (CVAG), the City of Palm Springs, and Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) to host the 2003 "Clean Cities Annual Conference" with US Dept. of Energy officials.
9/4	Riverside	Attended Ocotillo Energy Project Meeting with Coachella Valley Mayors at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) office. Participated in a discussion of the project’s impacts and benefits.
9/5	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board Meeting. Discussed air quality matters with mayors and council members from the cities of Chino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Montclair, and Redlands.
9/5	Riverside	Attended Palm Springs City Council Meeting. Discussed the Ocotillo Energy Project with Mayor.
9/6	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Implementation and Policy Committees and Regional Council. Discussed air quality matters with Orange County Supervisors, the mayors and council members from the cities of Hemet, Brea, Orange County, Lake Forest, Temecula, Grand Terrace, and Fontana.
9/6	Riverside	Met with the Executive Director of Western Riverside Council of Governments. As the new Chair of SCAG’s "Sub-Regional Coordinators Group," he requests that the Group be provided a status report on the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) as a standing item on their meeting agenda.
9/6	San Bernardino	Attended State of the Inland Empire Luncheon at the Radisson Hotel in San Bernardino. Discussed air quality matters with local government officials and business leaders in the Inland Empire.
9/12	San Bernardino	Met with the City Manager of the City of Upland. Discussed various local and air quality issues.
9/12	San Bernardino	Met with Council Member, City of Ontario. Discussed various local and air quality issues.
9/13	Riverside	Met with the Executive Director of Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG). Discussed various local and air quality issues.
9/13	Riverside	Met with Council Member, City of Ontario. Discussed various local and air quality issues.
9/17	San Bernardino	Met with the City Manager of the City of Chino. Discussed local air quality issues with respect to the Environmental Justice Town Hall Meeting scheduled in the City of Chino on September 18, 2001.
9/18	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Monitored development and status of local issues.
9/18	San Bernardino	Attended Chino Town Hall Meeting. Provided staff support.
9/19	San Bernardino	Attended San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Plans & Programs Committee Meeting. Discussed various local and air quality issues with SANBAG Board Members and staff.
9/19	Riverside	Attended Palm Springs City Council Meeting. Served as AQMD staff resource to Mayor, Council Members, and staff regarding the proposed Ocotillo Energy Project. The project applicant, InterGen, has decided to withdraw their application until approximately 2004.
9/19	Riverside	Met with the Mayor and the City Manager of the City of Desert Hot Springs regarding the Ocotillo Energy Project proposed within the Palm Springs city limits, but proximate to the City of Desert Hot Springs.
9/20	Riverside	Attended Riverside County Airport Commission Meeting. Served as AQMD staff resource in support of Riverside Transit Authority (RTA) application to install CNG fueling infrastructure at their Hemet service facility adjacent to the Hemet-Ryan Airport. The Commission overruled their staff’s recommendation to deny the permit and approved the application.
9/20	Riverside	Met with Council Member of the City of Murietta. Discussed various local and air quality issues.
9/20	Districtwide	Met with Southern California Gas Company representatives. Discussed alternative fuel infrastructure issues in the Inland Empire.
9/25	Orange	Attended Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Board Meeting. Discussed air quality matters with mayors and council members from the cities of Buena Park, Tustin, Brea, and Cypress.
9/26	Orange	Met with Aliso Viejo City Manager. Discussed the process they must follow to qualify to participate in the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program.
9/27	San Bernardino	Attended Baldy View Public/Private Coalition (CLOUT) Meeting. Discussed air quality matters with mayors, council members, and city managers from the cities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Chino, Pomona, Chaffey College Board Member and various Chamber of Commerce Members from the CLOUT Region.
9/27	Riverside	Attended Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) Board Meeting. Discussed air quality matters with mayors and council members from the cities of Banning, Hemet, Temecula, and Perris.
9/27	San Bernardino	Attended Upland Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Meeting. Discussed air quality matters with City of Upland Council Member, City Manager and various Chamber members in attendance.

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications Unit is responsible for informing and educating the public through the media and through the District’s Communication Center.
 

Date	Media	Description of Activity
9/4	Newspaper	Provided information regarding modeling for Ocotillo power plant and interview with AQMD staff to Desert Sun.
9/5	Newspaper	Provided information on power plant permitting to Los Angeles Times/Inland Valley.
9/6	Newspaper	Provided information to St. Paul Pioneer-Press regarding Nueva Azalea power plant.
9/6	Newspaper	Provided information to Catalina Islander on AQMD asbestos inspection at Avalon School.
9/6	TV	Provided information to KCBS-TV on AQMD’s asbestos inspection at Avalon School.
9/6	Newspaper	Participated in interview for the Los Angeles Times with AQMD staff concerning the update of the Air Quality Management Plan.
9/7	News service	Provided information to Associated Press on dairy emissions.
9/7	Newspaper	Provided information to Catalina Islander on AQMD inspections of asbestos complaints at Avalon School.
9/7- 9/13	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise on the Mira Loma air quality studies.
9/7	Newspaper	Provided information to La Opinion on air pollution and asthma.
9/7	Newsletter	Provided information to Environmental Compliance Alert on AQMD’s clean fleet rules.
9/11	Newspaper	Researched emissions data for Inland Empire power plants for LA Times/Inland Valley.
9/11	Newspaper	Provided information to LA Times/Inland Valley regarding AQMD schedule.
9/13	Newsletter	Provided information to Inside Washington on the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) lawsuit.
9/14	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding CNG vs. diesel emissions.
9/14	News Service	Provided information to Natural Resources News Service regarding possible effect of airport closures on air quality.
9/14	Newsletter	Provided information on the EMA lawsuit to Inside Washington.

9/14	Newsletter	Provided smog season information to Energy Daily.
9/18	News Service	Provided information to AP/Fresno regarding dairy emissions.
9/18	Magazine	Provided information to LA Times magazine regarding air quality monitoring.
9/18	Newsletter	Provided information to McGraw-Hill regarding Pegasus Power Plant.
9/18- 9/19	Newspaper	Provided information and interview with AQMD staff regarding health effects studies.
9/19- 9/20	News Service	Provided information to Associated Press regarding power plant emissions.
9/19	Newspaper	Provided information to Orange County Register regarding Board meeting, biodiesel.
9/20	Newspaper	Provided information to San Gabriel Valley Tribune regarding NOVs at Puente Hills landfill.
9/20	Newspaper	Provided information to Los Angeles Times/Inland Valley regarding AQMD inspection at Aerojet site.
9/20	Radio	Provided information on the September Board meeting to News Radio.
9/21	All	Distribute Board summary to media.
9/21	Newspaper	Provided information to Riverside Press-Enterprise regarding June 2000 Board minutes.
9/21	Newspaper	Provided information to BNA regarding AQMD’s Rule 1122.
9/25	Newspaper	Provided information and interview to Los Angeles Times regarding smog season.
9/25	Magazine	Provided information and interview to Laundry and Cleaning News International on AQMD’s perc rule.
9/26	Newsletter	Provided information to Clean Air Compliance Review on AQMD measures to facilitate siting of new power plants.
9/26	Radio	Provided information to CNN Radio regarding smog season.
9/26	Newsletter	Provided information on Proposed Rule 1127 - Livestock Waste Reduction to Inside EPA.

9/26	Radio	Provided information on the 2001 smog season to Inland Empire News Radio.
9/27	Newspaper	Provided information to Oakland Tribune regarding Air Quality Management Plans.
9/27	Radio	Provided information to Swedish Public Radio regarding power plant emissions.

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
6,017	3,571	2,438	41	12,908

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

TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS

Transportation Programs implements Rule 2202, provides AB 2766 outreach and technical assistance to local governments, coordinates with regional planning agencies relative to transportation and air quality issues, and administers additional mobile emission reduction programs and activities.
 

Date	Location	Description of Activity
9/4 thru 9/28	Districtwide	Met with, or had phone contact with representatives from Rule 2202 sites regarding Rule 2202 implementation and compliance, as follows: Districtwide United Postal Service Los Angeles County Beverly Hills       Hotel Burbank             Transportation Management Org. Chatsworth         Merchandise Firm El Segundo         Communications Company Los Angeles        Seafood Processing Los Angeles        Electronics Firm Vernon                Pet Food Processing Orange County Anaheim              Entertainment Company Gardena              Hospital Irvine                  County Transportation Orange               County Transportation
		Riverside County Corona                Music Instrument Mfg. Palm Springs        College Riverside Steel     Company Riverside Cellular Company San Bernardino County San Bernardino    County Transportation
9/4 thru 9/28	Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside	Provided assistance regarding AB 2766 to the following cities: Cypress, Indio, Irvine, Monterey Park, San Marino, Walnut.
9/1 - 9/30	Districtwide	Continued preparations for the Clean Air Technologies 2001 Conference.
9/4	Districtwide	Spoke with SCAG staff regarding Traffic Congestion Relief Initiative.
9/4	Districtwide	Spoke with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) staff regarding Congestion Relief Initiative.
9/4	Districtwide	Spoke with Caltrans staff regarding Congestion Relief Initiative.
9/4	Los Angeles	Spoke with MTA staff regarding Congestion Relief Initiative.
9/5	Los Angeles	Attended MTA TAC meeting.
9/6	Districtwide	Attended the SCAG Energy and Environmental Committee meeting.
9/6	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Transportation and Communications Meeting.
9/6	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Regional Council meeting.
9/7	Headquarters	Attended and presented information to the Local Government & Small Business Assistance Advisory Committee.
9/7	Orange	Spoke with Anaheim Transportation Network regarding AQIP.
9/7	Districtwide	Attended SCAG Transportation Conformity Working Group meeting.
9/12	Districtwide	Worked with CARB staff regarding AB 2766 quantification methodologies.
9/13	San Bernardino	Attended a SANBAG awards luncheon honoring employers with outstanding trip reduction programs.
9/13	Districtwide	Spoke with SCAG staff regarding PM10 open burning documentation.
9/13	Orange	Attended Garden Grove's annual Employee Health/Rideshare Fair.
9/14	Riverside	Attended CVAG TAC meeting.
9/18	Los Angeles	Spoke with a grocery store chain regarding AQIP contract.
9/18	Los Angeles	Spoke with a utilities company regarding AQIP contract.
9/19	Districtwide	Attended Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) Public Policy Committee.
9/19	Districtwide	Attended and made a presentation at a lunch meeting of the Association for Commuter Transportation.
9/19	Los Angeles	Provided assistance at the Black Business Expo convention at the LA Convention Center.
9/19 -9/20	Headquarters	Conducted Rule 2202 Employee Transportation Coordinator training.
9/19 -9/20	Los Angeles	Conducted Rule 2202 Employee Transportation Coordinator training for the City of Los Angeles.
9/20	Los Angeles	Attended a SCAG kick-off event to promote Rideshare Week.
9/21	Los Angeles	Attended MTA Legislative Roundtable meeting.
9/21	Orange	Attended the City of Orange's annual Employee Health/Rideshare Fair.
9/25	Los Angeles	Met with Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition regarding AQMD support of Bike to Work 2002.
9/26	Districtwide	Spoke with Caltrans regarding AQMD participation in their Bicycle Fair.
9/26	Headquarters	Conducted Rule 2202 Employers Roundtable meeting.
9/26	Los Angeles	Assisted City of San Marino regarding the leasing of an alternative fueled vehicle.
9/26	Districtwide	Attended the Statewide Conformity meeting.
9/26	Orange/Inland Empire	Attended a Clean Air Choice kick-off meeting with auto manufacturer representatives for Orange County and the Inland Empire.
9/27	Los Angeles	Attended the Westchester/LAX Transportation Management Organization meeting.
9/27	Districtwide	Spoke with ARB staff regarding AB2766 cost-effectiveness methodology/policy.
9/27	Headquarters	Conducted the Rule 2202 AQIP Bidders Conference.
9/27	Los Angeles	Spoke with staff from the City of Norwalk regarding an AQIP contract.
9/27 - 9/28	Orange	Conducted Rule 2202 Employee Transportation Coordinator Training in Anaheim.
9/28	Headquarters	Attended the Mobile Source Committee meeting.

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