BOARD MEETING DATE: September 7, 2007
AGENDA NO. 37

PROPOSAL:

Approve Update to Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan

SYNOPSIS:

In November 2003, the Board approved an Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan Update for FYs 2003 to 2006 as part of the Strategic Alliance Initiative No. 5 – Strategic Alliance for Advanced Air Pollution Research. The initiative calls for updates to the three-year Plan to reflect progress in conducting proposed research activities, available resources, additional research projects, and revisions to the schedule for future research studies. Staff has prepared an update to the plan for FYs 2007 to 2010. This research plan update contains research study proposals that would be initiated in-house or through extramural contracts over the next three years. Upon Board approval, staff will proceed with the implementation of the research plan.

COMMITTEE:

Mobile Source, Stationary Source, and Technology, July 27, 2007, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve the Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan for Fiscal Years 2007-08, 2008-09, and 2009-10.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

As part of an overall set of initiatives to develop more effective means of implementing air quality programs at the AQMD, the Board adopted eight Strategic Alliance Initiatives in February 2002 that, upon implementation, would strengthen and create new partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels.

Initiative No. 5 called for a strategic alliance on advanced air pollution research. Every AQMP and rule that the AQMD Board adopts must be based on sound science. Scientific knowledge also changes over time as new questions and issues arise. This initiative recognizes that the AQMD should build upon its strong foundation in the area of scientific research through new partnerships with others to help explore and address some of the new and pressing issues faced in air pollution control. There are also many issues to be resolved related to toxic air emissions, including an acceptable method for better assessing cumulative risk from multiple sources.

In June 2002, the Board approved the first Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan for Fiscal Years 2002-03 through 2004-05. The Research Plan outlined research project proposals that: 1) support the development of new or enhance current air programs to attain ambient air quality standards; 2) enhance the understanding of the impacts of air pollution on health and the environment; 3) improve air pollution monitoring as the region achieves its clean air goals; and 4) identifies new advanced control technologies for stationary and mobile sources. In addition, the research plan was coordinated to the extent feasible with research activities conducted nationally and internationally. Such coordination was aimed at reducing redundancy in expenditures of limited resources and providing closer coordination between the AQMD, stakeholders, and other research organizations.

The Research Plan provided for 83 projects to be initiated over the three-year period. Thirty-eight of the 83 projects proposed for the first fiscal year of the research plan were initiated. The remaining 45 projects were to be initiated in FY 2003-04 and FY 2004-05. In addition, the Research Plan is to be updated to reflect the most current information available. In November 2003, the Board approved an update to the Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan for Fiscal Years 2003-04 through 2005-06 to continue implementation of the 83 projects. Since then, the AQMD staff has been implementing the 2003 Update to the Research Plan and, aside from the annual update to the AQMD Technology Advancement Program, has not proposed any additional studies beyond the original 83 projects.

To assist AQMD staff in the preparation of the Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan update for Fiscal Years 2007-08, 2008-09, and 2009-10, an external steering committee was reconvened and met on April 11, 2007. The members were chosen based on their technical expertise in the areas of health effects, ambient air quality measurements, air quality simulation modeling, advanced control technology development and research, emissions testing, and socioeconomic assessment. The members were chosen primarily from four AQMD Advisory Groups: 1) Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP); 2) Clean Fuels; 3) Scientific, Technical and Modeling Peer Review; and 4) Technology Advancement. The steering committee membership consists of researchers from academia, government, public organizations, and the private sector, and provides a broad breath of expertise in the air quality field.

In general, the comments were supportive of the proposed technical research projects and the role AQMD is taking in conducting and promoting such research. The Steering Committee emphasized the importance of such research in improving air quality and encouraged the identification of funding sources to implement the Plan. Staff received several comments pointing out related research efforts or resources that exist or are planned in academic institutions or other agencies, and the need for AQMD to coordinate efforts with these other activities. Other comments pointed out the need for and the benefits of widely and publicly disseminating research results via reports and peer-reviewed publications. Some comments were focused on specific proposed projects, and many of these suggestions have been incorporated into this revised draft.

In addition, California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff indicated a desire for collaboration on several research projects. The projects have been included in the revised draft, and staff will ensure that efforts to team with CARB on research activities are thoroughly explored.

In addition to the Steering Committee meeting and comments, a public consultation meeting and comment period were advertised to solicit comments on the draft Research Plan Update. The public meeting was held at AQMD headquarters on May 8, 2007. No public comments were received.

Proposal

Staff has prepared an update to the Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan for Fiscal Years 2007-08, 2008-09, and 2009-10 to implement Strategic Alliance Initiative No. 5. The proposed update to the Research Plan is provided in Attachment 2. Of the 83 projects provided in the original 2002 Research Plan, 73 were carried forward in the 2003 Research Plan update, of which 36 were completed and 31 are ongoing. The nine general elements cover the scope of activities of the AQMD including ambient air quality monitoring and source testing, regulatory planning, rule development and implementation, and advanced technology development. Many of the projects would be conducted over the next three years. However, due to budgetary or technology feasibility constraints, some of the projects may be initiated beyond the three-year time frame.

Some of the proposed research projects have estimated costs. About one-fourth of the proposed research projects would be initially conducted “in-house” as part of staff’s normal workload. The first phase of these in-house projects would be to determine if the research objectives can be feasibly met. Additional phases may include identification of external funding needs. Many of the proposed research projects would be conducted in partnership with other research organizations. The proposed projects are provided as an overall list and do not include a prioritization in terms of resources and budget constraints. A brief discussion of each of the proposed elements, as well as the progress of previously initiated projects, is provided in the following sections.

(A) Health Impacts Research

Several key health impact research efforts were completed since the last Research Plan update, including CARB’s Children’s Health Study, a ten-year epidemiological study monitoring the health of school-age children living in various parts of Southern California. The last Research Plan Update provided for 4 health-related studies which are further discussed in Attachment 2.

Many of the proposed research efforts in this update, such as the follow-up to the Children’s Health Study, are long-term in nature. Studies of chronic health impacts of air pollution typically rely on long-term medical data and are not oriented to meet the more immediate planning needs of air regulatory programs. However, there are some focused shorter-term health impact research projects that could be conducted that would complement longer-term studies. Based on review of current health impacts research programs and discussions with leading experts in the field of environmental health, several projects described in Attachment 2 are proposed at this time to examine the health effects of particulates and of toxic emissions. The projects would be conducted in collaboration and coordination with other research agencies, including CARB, OEHHA, and the National Institutes of Health.

(B) Air Toxic Exposure Studies

Updates to three studies provided in the last Research Plan Update, including MATES-III, are provided in Attachment 2. The objectives of the studies proposed under this element include updating the current knowledge of ambient air toxic levels in the South Coast Air Basin and Coachella Valley, updating air toxic emissions inventories, and enhancing air toxic modeling capabilities. The AQMD has conducted several focused studies investigating current ambient air toxic levels. The largest air toxic exposure study conducted by the AQMD is the Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study (MATES-I conducted in 1987, MATES-II conducted in 1988-89, and MATES-III conducted in 2004-06). MATES has provided information on the levels and health risk for ambient toxics, and provides the basis for the development of rules and regulations to further reduce air toxic emissions in the South Coast Air Basin. The Research Plan includes one project to be conducted under this element proposing that the MATES program continue with MATES-IV projecting a possible start date in the 2009-2010 time frame.

(C) Air Quality Management Planning Enhancements

The primary focus during the period since the previous Research Plan Update has been the development of the 2007 AQMP Revision. As part of that effort and future AQMP development, 15 research projects were provided in the previous Research Plan Update. Eleven of the 15 projects have been completed with one partially completed. Two projects are ongoing and one was not initiated. Several of these projects relied on activities by CARB. However, the majority of these projects were conducted in-house with the assistance of external expertise as needed. The status of the 15 projects is provided in Attachment 2.

The development of Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) is based on the best available technical data. This includes information regarding current ambient pollutant levels, updated emissions inventories, enhanced photochemical and fine particulate computer modeling, control measure evaluations, and enhanced socioeconomic impact analysis. Under this element of the Research Plan update, projects are proposed in two categories:

• Emissions Inventory Updates
• Computer Simulation Model Enhancements

The projects proposed will serve as the basis for the next AQMP revision slated for 2010. Attachment 2 describes projects proposed under the two general categories.

Emissions Inventory Updates

As part of the AQMP update, the AQMD staff working with the CARB staff conducts a comprehensive update to the volatile organic compound (VOC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM10) emission estimates. These estimates continue to improve with each AQMP update. However, there are specific areas of inventory development that require further research. This Plan update identifies those areas that the AQMD staff would need to focus to further refine the inventory development.

Computer Simulation Model Enhancements

Current generations of simulation models are not capable of handling newer regulatory requirements. Thus, as new generations of air quality simulations models are developed, there is a need to evaluate increasing use of such models for future AQMP updates. The AQMD staff has been working closely with CARB and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the development of newer generation air quality simulation models. This section identifies several research efforts that would be conducted over the next three years to support attainment demonstration modeling as required under state and federal provisions. Much of this effort will complement ongoing research efforts. However, the federal and state planning requirements would dictate how the projects would be prioritized.

(D) Technology Advancement Research

Of the 13 research project areas described in the last Research Plan Update under this element, 11 had projects initiated during FYs 2003 through 2006. The projects are discussed as part of the Technology Advancement Office Clean Fuels Program Annual Reports for calendar years 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. These reports were approved by the Board in March of the year subsequent to the annual reports’ calendar year reporting period. Attachment 2 describes the projects awarded since the last Update.

Coordinated research to advance technology for both mobile sources and stationary sources of air pollution are presented in this element of the Research Plan update. Such coordinated efforts will pool resources from local, state, federal agencies as well as academic and private organizations. This research is intended to advance the state of knowledge and develop new technologies for greater air quality benefits for the residents of Southern California. Such advances in science and technology should also benefit all urban areas suffering from the ill effects of poor air quality, on a national and international basis. Under this research element, six broad categories have been identified:

• Engine and Vehicle Technologies;
• Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies;
• Fuels and Emissions Studies;
• Hybrid and Electric Technologies;
• Emission Control Technologies; and
• Stationary Power Generation.

All of the proposed projects in this element of the research plan are identified in the Technology Advancement Office Clean Fuels Program 2006 Annual Report and 2007 Plan Update. In addition to mobile source projects, research studies of advanced control technologies for stationary sources are proposed. Attachment 2 describes proposed projects under this element.

(E) Technical Support for Rule Development/Implementation

About 6 of the 16 research projects proposed under this element in the last Research Plan Update have been completed with one partially completed. Another 8 of the 16 research projects are ongoing projects. A summary of the project updates is provided in Attachment 2. As part of new rule development and implementation, periodic technology assessments are conducted to determine if: rule effectiveness is met; future technology forcing emissions limits can be met; and, control technologies are commercially available or feasible to meet future rule compliance limits. Attachment 2 describes proposed projects in support of the AQMD’s regulatory programs. Of particular note are two projects described below.

PM2.5 Control Strategies and Technologies (07-E-1)

The Basin has been experiencing severe shortages in the power supply market. The shortages in power supply, which resulted in rolling blackouts and brownouts during the last several years, are expected to intensify in the future, pointing to the need for additional power generation capacity in the Basin. New natural gas-fired power plants, while significantly cleaner than the old generation power plants, may continue to be significant sources of PM2.5 emissions and other criteria pollutants. To address concerns relative to PM2.5 emissions originating from power plants, this research effort will explore the feasibility of utilizing existing and new control technologies to further reduce PM2.5 emissions from these sources.

Clean Power Generation (07-E-2)

Natural gas-fired power plants, while significantly cleaner compared to other fossil-fueled power plants, emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases and other criteria pollutants that lead to the formation of ozone, such as PM2.5 and oxides of nitrogen. This research effort will focus on developing a comprehensive evaluation of the region’s power generation needs, strategic locations for siting new power plants, and identifying ways to maximize the further utilization of zero/ultra low energy technologies. Further use of zero/ultra low energy technologies, such as, renewable, fuel cell, demand side management, and energy efficiency, would likely minimize power generation’s impact to global warming, atmospheric ozone and fine particulate formation.

(F) Enhancements to Current Enforcement/Compliance Monitoring Tools/
Instruments Research

This element focuses on identifying, evaluating, and implementing modern technology advances to enhance field compliance inspection efforts and the analysis of compliance data. The effort would improve in-field enforcement capabilities, and provide data access in a manner that promotes more meaningful analysis of emissions and compliance activity impacts on the communities served by the AQMD. The status of two projects under this element described in the previous Research Plan Update and their status are discussed in Attachment 2. The first two proposed projects in this element focus on identifying and evaluating potential NOx reduction technologies for ships and cement kilns. Ships operating within the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles are a major source of NOx emissions and these emissions are expected to increase significantly in the future. Cement kilns are another major source of NOx emissions within the district. The third project will investigate particle size distributions from spray painting operations. The results of these studies will be used to develop future emission reduction strategies for the AQMD.

(G) Enhancements to AQMD Laboratory/Source Testing Analysis/Atmospheric Measurements/Special Monitoring

The Ambient Monitoring, Source Testing, and Laboratory Analysis sections of the AQMD provide technical support in measuring and monitoring ambient air pollutants. The AQMD relies on U.S. EPA Reference Test Methods to conduct analysis of ambient and source test samples. At times new test methods are developed to address specific sampling or measurement needs. The AQMD has had several methods approved by the U.S. EPA and other groups conducting ambient measurements are using these methods. As ambient pollutant levels are lowered, there is a need to develop or enhance current sampling/laboratory analysis methods to detect lower concentration levels. Furthermore, new technologies for continuously monitoring field instrumentation may facilitate the collection of more useful and timely data. Of the 20 projects identified under this element in the previous Research Plan and Research Plan Update, 17 were initiated. While 9 of the 17 projects were completed, the remaining 8 are ongoing either as part of a larger study or independently. A summary of the status of the 20 projects is provided in Attachment 2.

This element of the Research Plan also describes several proposed activities that would be pursued to develop or enhance test methods and measurement techniques. Most of the proposed projects would be conducted in-house, but may require the acquisition of newer laboratory or field instruments. Attachment 2 describes the proposed research projects.

(H) Community Response Monitoring and Outreach

This element focuses on the ability of the AQMD to respond rapidly and effectively to community complaints and concerns. While inspectors are usually assigned to investigate community complaints, enhancing monitoring capabilities will provide a more comprehensive and rapid response. Two projects are proposed. The first is to develop a community response air monitoring vehicle. Public concerns regarding local exposure to air pollution are often received through the AQMD’s 1-800-CUT SMOG line. Many of these concerns involve odors or other short-lived occurrences in these communities. While AQMD inspectors are often dispatched to investigate, they have limited equipment to collect samples. A rapidly deployable vehicle with on-board monitoring equipment that can provide real-time results would provide for more rapid response and more timely results.

The second project under this element is to develop an automatically triggered VOC canister grab sampler. Staff has developed prototype air toxics canister samplers that can be remotely triggered to collect an air sample when a toxic release is reported or suspected. The samplers will also include the capability to take continuous video of the area around the unit to visually record conditions that may have led to a toxic release. A potential addition to these remote samplers is an automated trigger based upon on-site detection of total VOC levels. Field staff would be automatically notified of the triggered event, and the canister would then be retrieved and analyzed for speciated air toxics by the Laboratory.

(I) Special Topics

This element of the Research Plan is provided to cover projects that cover multiple re-search elements or do not fall under a specific element provided above. A total of 3 Special Topics studies were provided in the last Research Plan Update. The studies were conducted as part of larger studies or projects. The status of the 3 studies is provided in Attachment 2.

Three Special Topics projects are proposed, including the evaluation of ultrafine particles and toxic pollutant emissions. Given the emerging evidence for a potential increased health risk from exposure to ultrafine particles less than 0.1 m in diameter, the AQMD staff recently began conducting ultrafine particle measurements as part of recent Special Monitoring activities. For the current monitoring program in the communities near the Ports, 10 condensation particle counters (CPCs) are currently being deployed, and the collection and analysis of ambient number concentration data is an ongoing effort.

Description of Tables (Attachment 1)

Table 1 (Attachment 1) provides a summary of the status of projects described in the previous Research Plan Update. Table 2 (Attachment 1) details the Proposed Research Plan update for FY 2007-08, 2008-09, and 2009-10, and Table 3 (Attachment 1) summarizes the costs by element. As seen in Table 2, the majority of the proposed projects relate to preparation of the AQMP revision, the Technology Advancement research program, and technical assessment of future rules. While the primary focus of the research effort is on technical research, there is an important element related to health impacts of air pollution. Many of the health impacts studies require coordination with other research entities. Due to the time required to conduct the health studies and the intensive resource requirements, many of the proposed health-related projects would be cost-shared with other research organizations.

In addition, cost summaries by source category are provided in Table 4 (Attachment 1). The cost summaries show that 78% of the funding is proposed to address mobile sources.

Fiscal Impact

The total requested budget to conduct the proposed research is $20,945,000 for FY 2007-08, $12,590,000 for FY 2008-09, and $9,208,000 for FY 2009-10. Funding for the FY 2007-08 project proposals were included as part of the AQMD staff FY 2007-08 Proposed Budget approved by the AQMD Governing Board in May 2007. About 23% of the proposed projects will be conducted in-house based on the AQMD’s operating budget. Projects 07-D-1 through 07-D-17 are proposed as part of the 2007 Technology Advancement Update. To conduct some of the proposed research projects, partnerships with other government agencies such as CARB, U.S. DOE, U.S. DOD, U.S. EPA, academic institutions and private stakeholders would be needed. Thus, the actual cost to conduct these projects would be less. The AQMD would retain the ability to administer the projects. Other projects may lend themselves to larger extramural research programs. The AQMD staff will continue to stay abreast of extramural research activities and will provide updates on extramural activities as part of the annual update to the Research Plan. Additional funding for future year research projects will be sought. In particular, additional funding for stationary and area source related projects will be sought since a large portion of the technology assessments apply to stationary and area sources.

Attachments (EXE 442kb)

1. Tables:

Table 1 – Status of Research Projects Described in the Previous Research Plan Update (FY 2003-04 Through 2005-06)

Table 2 – Cost Estimates and Timeframe to Conduct Proposed Projects for FY 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10

Table 3 – Summary of Project Costs by Research Element

Table 4 – Summary of Project Costs by Major Sources

2. Draft Advanced Air Pollution Research Plan for Fiscal Years 2007-08, 2008-09, and 2009-10