BOARD MEETING DATE: April 7, 2006
AGENDA NO. 14

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights the February 2006 outreach activities of Public Affairs, which include: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, and Local Governmental Activity.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

This report summarizes the activities of Public Affairs for February 2006.  The report includes four major areas: Environmental Justice Update; Community Events/Public Meetings (including the Speakers Bureau/Visitor Services, Communications Center, and Public Information Center); Business Assistance; and Local Governmental Activity.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE

Below is a summary of the Environmental Justice-related activities which occurred in February:

On February 1, 2006, a Public Consultation Meeting was held to review the AB 2588  (Air Toxics Hot Spots Program) health risk assessment and Title V permit revisions of the Quemetco facility, a secondary lead smelter based in the City of Industry, which recovers lead and plastic from lead-acid batteries.

The meeting was held in Hacienda Heights and was attended by over 90 people, including the AQMD’s Executive Officer and senior staff.  Also in attendance were members of the Hacienda Heights/Avocado Heights/La Puente Neighborhood Environmental Justice Council.  Presentations included an overview of the facility’s AB 2588 plan, including the results of a health risk assessment for the facility.  Also discussed were proposed Title V permit revisions.  The AQMD issued a public notice for proposed renewal of the facility’s Title V permit in March 2005 and held a public consultation meeting in June 2005 to provide the public additional opportunity to provide comments and input.  Since that time, the proposed Title V permit has been revised to address some of the concerns and comments received by the AQMD which were discussed at these meetings.

COMMUNITY EVENTS/PUBLIC MEETINGS

Each year, thousands of AQMD residents engage in valuable information exchanges through events and meetings that AQMD sponsors, alone and in partnership with others.  Attendees typically receive the following information: tips on reducing their exposure to smog and its health effects; ways to participate in AQMD rule and policy development; and assistance in resolving air quality-related problems.  Highlights of events/activities undertaken during the month of February:

 Speakers Bureau/Visitor Services

AQMD receives requests for staff to speak on a variety of air quality-related issues.  The requests come from organizations, such as trade associations, chambers of commerce, community-based groups, schools, hospitals and health-based organizations.  AQMD also hosts visitors from around the world who meet with staff on a wide range of air quality issues.  The following describes the types of activities that were coordinated by this office in February:

• February 8 – Air quality overview to members of the Norco Kiwanis Club
• February 14 – Hosted a Delegation from Korea who received an overview of the RECLAIM program
• February 16 – Attended a Career Fair at San Dimas High School and provided a presentation on environmental careers
• February 21 – Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust) presentation to Northridge Rotary Club

Communication Center Statistics

The Communication Center handles the AQMD main line, 1-800-CUT-SMOG^® line and Spanish line calls.  Below is a summary of calls received in February:

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

Public Information Center Statistics

The Public Information Center handles phone calls and walk-in requests for general information.  Below is a summary for February:

Requests for Information

Calls

 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AQMD assists businesses by notifying them of proposed regulations so they can participate in their development.  AQMD also works with other agencies and states to identify efficient, cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution and shares that information broadly.  Additionally, staff provides personalized assistance to small businesses, both over the telephone and by on-site consultation.  The information is summarized below. 

ü          Conducted 17 free on-site consultations

ü          Provided assistance in filing 2 requests for variance

ü          Provided permit application assistance to 122 companies

ü         Issued 12 clearance letters

Types of business assisted:

LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITY (Four-County Area)

Staff provides outreach at Board of Supervisors and City Council meetings.  Staff also works with local government, state and federal officials to respond to their air quality concerns and issues. 

Field visits and/or communications were conducted with elected officials, or staff from the following offices:

Field visits and/or communications were conducted with staff from the following cities:

Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Burbank, Buena Park, Carson, Claremont, Colton, Commerce, Corona, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte, El Monte, El Segundo, Fullerton, Gardena, Garden Grove, Glendora, Hawthorne, Hemet, Highland, Huntington Beach, Irwindale, Irvine, La Habra Heights, La Palma, La Puente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Moreno Valley, Newport Beach, Norco, Norwalk, Ontario, Palm Desert, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Placentia, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Santa Margarita, Redlands, Redondo Beach,  Rialto, Riverside, Rosemead, San Bernardino, San Clemente, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Temecula, Temple City, Torrance, Tustin, Upland, West Hollywood, Whittier and Yorba Linda.

Chamber of Commerce and Council of Government contacts:

Staff represented AQMD and/or provided a presentation to the following groups: