South Coast Air Quality Management District

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Technology Committee met on July 26, 2002. Major items included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the August and September Board meetings and one information item. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on August 23, 2002 at 12:00 p.m. in CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Hal Bernson, Chair
Technology Committee

Attendance: Committee Chair Hal Bernson participated by video-teleconference, and Committee Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz was in attendance at District headquarters. Since a quorum was not present at this meeting, all items were forwarded for Board approval without recommendation.

1. Amend Contracts to Substitute Marine Vessel Projects Under the Pre-Funded RECLAIM AQIP and RECLAIM Executive Order Emissions Mitigation Programs; and Execute Contracts to Re-power Diesel-Fueled Agricultural Pumps - On July 20, 2001, the Board approved marine vessel projects under the Pre-Funded RECLAIM AQIP and RECLAIM Executive Order Emissions Mitigation programs for $1,979,380 and $5,099,208, respectively. Due to business and operation changes, some of these projects cannot be realized. Staff recommends that such projects be substituted with existing projects so that emission reductions can be achieved in an expeditious manner. The substitute projects will be as cost effective in terms of NOx emission reduction as the original projects. Also on April 5, 2002, the Board approved marine vessel projects under the RECLAIM Executive Order Emissions Mitigation Program for $7,100,300. Some of these marine vessel projects will not be realized, and staff proposes to fund a reduced number of vessels and use the remaining funds for agricultural pump re-powering projects.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
   
   
2. Execute Contracts to Assess, Develop and Demonstrate Low-VOC Cleaning Solvents for Cleaning of Lithographic Printing Ink Application Equipment - In August, 2001, the Board approved the release of an RFP for assessment, development and demonstration of low-VOC cleanup solvents for lithographic printing ink application equipment for 2005 VOC limits in Rule 1171-Solvent Cleaning Operations. The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) submitted the only proposal, which was evaluated by the panel and met technical requirements. However, to provide a mechanism for development of cleanup solvents with different chemistries and impartial evaluation by an independent contractor, staff identified other competent contractors who could perform supplementary tasks. Staff is recommending three separate sole-source awards to GATF, Institute for Research and Technical Assistance and University of Tennessee. AQMD funding shall not exceed $355,000.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
   
   
3. Transfer Funds from Clean Fuels Fund to FY 2002-03 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 2002-03 General Fund Budget of Science & Technology Advancement, Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account to support Clean Fuels Program activities.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.
   
   
4. Execute Contract to Develop and Demonstrate Hydrogen-Compressed Natural Gas (HCNG) Blend Transit Buses at SunLine Transit - Hydrogen and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel blends have the potential to reduce tailpipe pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and provide a bridge to hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles. SunLine Services Group in cooperation with Cummins Westport, NREL and Hydrogen Components, Inc. will develop and demonstrate two hydrogen/CNG fueled transit buses, testing them for durability, performance and pollutant emissions. This project will provide data and demonstrated experience that can be used in the certification and commercialization of hydrogen-CNG fuel blends in transit buses and other vehicles. Staff recommends executing a contract with SunLine Services Group to develop and demonstrate hydrogen-CNG blend transit buses in Coachella Valley in an amount not to exceed $238,000.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.

INFORMATION ITEM

Written information only was presented on the following item:

5. Development and Demonstration of a Previser/Catalytic Combuster Component

Other Business - There was no other business.

Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.

The meeting was adjourned.

Attachment A - Attendance

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