BOARD MEETING DATE: July 8, 2005
AGENDA NO. 32
PROPOSAL:
Implementation of SB 656 - Measures to Reduce Particulate Matter
SYNOPSIS:
SB 656 calls for local air districts to identify PM control measures appropriate for local implementation from a list of feasible and cost-effective control measures compiled by CARB. SB 656 also requires air districts to adopt implementation schedules for any newly identifiable measures by July 31, 2005.
COMMITTEE:
Stationary Source, June 24, 2005, Reviewed
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Adopt the attached resolution:
- Approving the attached Final Staff Report, Implementation of SB 656 - Measures to Reduce Particulate Matter.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
Pursuant to year 2003 Senate Bill 656 (SB 656, Sher), codified as Health and Safety Code Section 39614, CARB in coordination with local air districts has developed a list of the most readily available, feasible, and cost-effective control measures that could be employed to reduce particulate matter emissions (i.e., PM10 and PM2.5, collectively referred to as PM). The list of control measures (adopted by CARB in November 2004) is based on rules, regulations, and programs adopted by CARB or local air districts in California as of January 1, 2004, to reduce emissions from new, modified, and existing stationary, area, and mobile sources. Subsequent to the development of the control measure list by CARB, local air districts are required to perform an assessment of the nature and severity of the PM problem in each district followed by an evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of a subset of measures on the CARB-list appropriate to the specific needs of the area. No later than July 31, 2005, implementation schedules must be adopted by CARB for the State measures on the list as well as by each district for the most cost-effective local measures selected from the list. Each local district will prioritize the adoption and implementation schedule of proposed control measures based on their effect on public health, air quality, and emissions reductions, and on the cost-effectiveness of each control measure.
Implementation of SB 656
Based on Health and Safety Code Section 39614 and the guidance provided by CARB, AQMD staff has evaluated the control measures on the CARB list to determine which measures may be appropriate to the local situation and help make progress towards attaining the PM standards. For the majority of the stationary and area source categories, AQMD has been identified as having the most stringent rules in California. Considering the extensive PM control strategy already employed by the AQMD (including existing rules and 2003 AQMP control measures), staff has identified only four control measures on the CARB list that may be applicable to the AQMD relative to SB 656 requirements.
While the AQMD has previously adopted comprehensive rules regulating the sources subject to three of these control measures, staff has identified requirements in other districts’ rules for these particular equipment categories that appear to be more stringent than those in AQMD’s existing rules. These categories include: 1) boilers, steam generators, and process heaters (San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Rule 4306); 2) gas turbines (SJVAPCD Rule 4703); and 3) organic liquid storage (Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Rule 8-5). Analyses of these more stringent requirements within the context of AQMD’s existing rules and the nature of sources within the South Coast District indicate that SJVAPCD Rule 4703 and BAAQMD Rule 8-5 would not be feasible or cost-effective for sources within the jurisdiction of the AQMD. The applicability and feasibility of the requirements in SJVAPCD Rule 4306 to sources subject to AQMD Rule 1146 (Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Industrial, Institutional and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators, and Process Heaters) will be evaluated during the rule amendment process currently scheduled for adoption in October 2005. In addition, staff identified a control measure for wood-burning fireplaces/heaters, but a similar control measure is already scheduled for adoption in 2005. Consequently, pursuant to the guidance in SB 656 and the upcoming rule development schedule, there is no need to include this rule on an AQMD SB 656 implementation schedule.
In summary, AQMD’s existing and proposed regulations and 2003 AQMP control measures effectively address all source categories and control measures on CARB’s SB 656 list. Therefore, there is no need to have an SB 656 implementation schedule for additional measures. The attached staff report includes AQMD staff’s detailed evaluation of CARB’s list of measures and their applicability to AQMD.
Key Issues
No issues were raised at the public workshop held on May 11, 2005, or at any other time throughout the public process for development of AQMD’s implementation of SB 656.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Staff has reviewed the proposed Implementation of SB 656 - Measures to Reduce Particulate Matter and has determined that the proposed action is not a project subject to CEQA. Since no additional feasible and cost-effective control measures have been identified for AQMD from CARB’s list and an SB 656 implementation schedule is not necessary, the action has no potential for a direct physical change in the environment or a foreseeable indirect physical change and, thus, is not a project pursuant to CEQA (Public Resources Code Section 21065).
Socioeconomic Assessment
No socioeconomic impact assessment was performed since no additional measures for AQMD have been identified from CARB’s list of measures.
AQMP and Legal Mandates
The California Health and Safety Code requires the AQMD to adopt an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) to meet state and federal ambient air quality standards in the Basin. In addition, the California Health and Safety Code requires that the AQMD adopt rules and regulations that carry out the objectives of the AQMP. Since no additional feasible and cost-effective control measures have been identified for AQMD, the implementation of SB 656 will have no affect on the AQMP or any other legal mandates.
Resource Impacts
Since there is no need for an SB 656 implementation schedule for AQMD, there will not be any resource impacts and no additional AQMD resources will be necessary.
Attachments (EXE 84kb)
Resolution
Final Staff Report
/ / /