BOARD MEETING DATE: May 6, 2005
AGENDA NO. 30

Mobile Source Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Mobile Source Committee met Friday, April 22, 2005.
Following is a summary of that meeting.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Jane Carney, Chair
Mobile Source Committee

Attendance

The meeting started at 9:05 a.m. Present: Committee Chair Jane Carney, Committee Vice Chair Roy Wilson and Jan Perry (via videoconference), Committee Members Jim Silva, Ronald Loveridge, and Gary Ovitt. Chair Carney opened the meeting by welcoming Supervisor Gary Ovitt from San Bernardino as the newest member of the Mobile Source Committee.

ACTION ITEMS:
 

1)

Issue RFP to Solicit Projects to Meet Emission Reduction Targets Under Rule 2202 Air Quality Investment Program Mr. Henry Hogo, Assistant Deputy Executive Officer, Science & Technology Advancement, presented the RFP to the Committee. He began the presentation by giving a brief background on Rule 2202. Rule 2202 Air Quality Investment Program (AQIP) allows affected employers to participate by electing to invest in an AQMD-administered restricted fund. Monies received are placed in a restricted account to fund programs that result in equivalent emission reductions that would otherwise have been achieved by the participating employers. This action is to release a revised RFP to solicit proposals to achieve emission reduction targets for the second semiannual period of calendar year 2004. The RFP provides a modified evaluation criteria for selection of projects for the AQIP funding. Staff is proposing a revised RFP based on experience with prior project submittals and Board-approved awards. Committee Member Silva moved to recommend approval of this item to the Governing Board and Committee Member Loveridge seconded. The motion was passed without objection.

INFORMATION ITEMS:
 

2)	Update on Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning Ms. Carol Gomez, Planning & Rules Manager, presented an update on AQMD’s Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning. Ms. Gomez indicated that AQMD staff had worked closely with key stakeholders over the last month to resolve outstanding issues related to the guidance document. The issues were resolved by modifying the document text to: a) recognize that land use decisions must balance multiple issues, b) consider various options to minimize incompatible land use impacts on public health, c) emphasize scenarios that could prompt the consideration of dust control plans, and d) provide examples of voluntary actions beyond Title 24’s energy requirements. Ms. Gomez also indicated that staff would commit to future actions including outreach to local governments, providing semi-annual progress reports to the Mobile Source Committee, as well as periodic updates to the guidance document as necessary. Committee Chair Carney asked staff to clarify use of the term "recycling" in the document. Staff responded that "recycling of buildings" in their definition refers to changing historical land uses to meet the changes, needs and priorities of the community, for example, commercial or industrial land areas maybe "recycled" to housing, mixed use, or industrial uses. It was pointed out that in the original document language the emphasis had been placed on rezoning. Dr. Elaine Chang, Deputy Executive Officer for PRDAS, announced that handouts were available on AQMD’s proposed edits to the March version of the guidance document on the District’s web site. There were several representatives from the building and housing industries that expressed their gratitude to staff in working to resolve issues. Committee Member Wilson also commended staff on their efforts.
3)	Report on Particulate Air Quality Mr. Joe Cassmassi, Senior Meteorologist, presented the update to the Committee. The 2004 particulate air quality observed in the Basin and Coachella Valley were presented and characterized in light of the long-term trends (in both space and time). In addition, the discussion addressed the prospects for the Basin attaining the federal PM10 standard in 2006 and ongoing analyses to support the attainment demonstration. Mr. Cassmassi summarized the current federal and state standards for PM10 and PM 2.5. The state standards are more stringent than the federal standards, and are not met by most areas of the Basin. 2004 was the cleanest year on record for PM10. The Basin exceeded the federal annual standard, but met the 24-hour standard for PM. The Coachella Valley met both of these standards in 2004, when high wind events were excluded. For PM2.5, the Basin exceeded both the annual and 24-hour standards, while the Coachella Valley met both. Graphs and maps were discussed that summarized trends over time and showed that the air quality has improved for both PM10 and PM 2.5. In 2004, the Basin met the 24-hour average, but is close to the standard, with not much compliance margin. The Coachella Valley is expected to meet both standards. Board members asked whether the Basin would meet the 2006 federal PM10 standards. Several recently adopted and additional proposed rules will further reduce particulate matter and assist in meeting the air quality levels required. In addition, staff is conducting a study of the local area to identify measures that could be undertaken at the city or county level that could further help. Board Member Carney asked if staff’s study will be completed by the end of the year and asked whether there would be enough time to incorporate the findings to make additional reductions. The air monitoring station in Rubidoux is the only station that currently exceeds the standard. It is representative of the area, which is characterized by unpaved roads and wind-blown dust. In addition to implementation of existing and proposed rules, there is ongoing development in the area which will help reduce the dust. Paving roads may be another option.
4)	Regional Air Quality Task Force Good Neighbor Guidelines for Siting New/Modified Warehouse/Distribution Facilities AQMD staff and Rosa Washington from Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) summarized a draft of the "Good Neighbor Guidelines for Siting New and/or Modified Warehouse/Distribution Facilities." The Guidelines were developed through the WRCOG’s Regional Air Quality Task Force. The objective of the Guidelines is to provide local governments and developers with a menu of options of strategies that can reduce exposure to diesel particulate from new and/or modified warehouse or distribution centers. The Guidelines include 7 goals, and a variety of strategies for each goal that can be implemented in whole or part. There are a variety of benefits associated with adopting the guidelines, such as reducing the exposure of residents and sensitive receptors to diesel emissions. The AQMD staff will continue to participate in the Regional Air Quality Task Force. Upon approval of the Guidelines, the AQMD staff will incorporate the Guidelines in the CEQA Intergovernmental Review, and reference it in other AQMD planning documents. In addition, the Committee requested that when the Guidelines are approved, that Governing Board provide a letter of support.
5)	Rule 2202 Activity Report Rule 2202 Summary Status Report submitted, no comments.
6)	Monthly Report on Environmental Justice Initiatives – CEQA Document Commenting Update Written report submitted. No comments.
7)	Other Business None.
8)	Public Comment None.

The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Attachment
Attendance Roster

SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
MOBILE SOURCE COMMITTEE
APRIL 22, 2005
ATTENDANCE ROSTER
 
 

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