BOARD MEETING DATE: November 7, 2003
AGENDA NO. 34

Issue RFP to Study Health Effects from Recent Wildfires and Appropriate Funds from General Fund, Undesignated Fund Balance to Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources FY 2003-04 Budget

SYNOPSIS:

The recent wildfires in southern California have resulted in increased levels of particulate matter and other pollutants from smoke in the South Coast Air Basin. This action is to appropriate $150,000 from the General Fund, Undesignated Fund Balance, for a study of the potential health effects resulting from exposure to these smoke related pollutants, and to authorize issuance of an RFP to investigate the potential health effects of pollutants from the recent wildfires in an amount not to exceed $150,000.

COMMITTEE:

None

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

1. Appropriate $150,000 from the General Fund, Undesignated Fund Balance to the Planning and Rules FY 2003-04 budget, Professional & Special Services Account, for a study on the health effects of emissions from the recent wildfires.
    
2. Approve the issuance of an RFP P2004-15 for a study to investigate the potential health effects of emissions from the recent southern California wildfires for an amount not to exceed $150,000.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The recent wildfires in southern California have led to an unprecedented release of fine particulates and other pollutants in smoke over the entire South Coast Air Basin. Fine particulates are known to be associated with a number of serious adverse health effects, including increases in respiratory symptoms, aggravation of asthma, increased hospital and emergency room visits, and increased mortality rates.

In addition to containing particulates, wildfire smoke contains other toxic pollutants, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene.

While there have been numerous studies of traditional particulate and gaseous pollutants, there is very little information on the public health effects of wildfire smoke. Wildfires produce very large amounts of emissions over a period of a few to several days. The resultant ambient levels of pollutants can be several times higher than air quality standards and "usual" community levels. The recent events afford an opportunity to better characterize any adverse effects from smoke, and can provide additional information on potential adverse effects that can be used in future fire events to inform the public regarding health hazards and appropriate actions to reduce exposures.

Proposal

Staff proposes that the Board authorize research to assess the potential health effects of emissions from the recent southern California wildfires and approve issuance of the attached RFP.

Outreach

In accordance with the AQMD’s consulting and contracting policies, a public notice advertising the RFP and inviting bids will be published in the following publications:

1.	Antelope Valley Press	10.	Korea Central Daily	19.	Precinct Reporter
2.	Black Voice News	11.	La Opinion	20.	Press Enterprise
3.	Chinese Daily News	12.	La Prensa Hispana	21.	Rafu Shimpo
4.	Desert Sun	13.	La Voz Publications	22.	San Bernardino Sun
5.	Eastern Group Publications	14.	Los Angeles Daily News	23.	State of California Contracts
6.	El Chicano	15.	Los Angeles Sentinel		Register
7.	El Informador	16.	Los Angeles Times	24.	The Excelsior
8.	Inland Empire Hispanic News	17.	Orange County Register	25.	The Signal
9.	Inland Valley Daily Bulletin	18.	Philippine News	26.	Wave Community Newspapers

Additionally, potential bidders will be notified utilizing the Los Angeles County MTA and Cal Trans Directories of Certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises; the Inland Area Opportunity Pages Ethnic/Women Business & Professional Directory; AQMD’s own electronic listing of certified minority vendors; and AQMD Purchasing’s mailing list. Notice of the RFP will be mailed to the Black and Latino Legislative Caucuses and various minority chambers of commerce and business associations; and placed on the Internet at AQMD’s Web site [http://www.aqmd.gov, "Business and Job Opportunities" icon] and AQMD’s bidder’s 24-hour telephone message line (909) 396-2724.

Bid Evaluation

Proposals received will be evaluated by a diverse, technically qualified panel in accordance with criteria contained in the attached RFP.

Resource Impacts

Funding for this study will require an appropriation to the budget from General Fund, Undesignated Fund Balance.

Attachment

RFP # P2004-15

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