BOARD MEETING DATE: October 3, 2008
AGENDA NO. 18

PROPOSAL:

Public Affairs Report

SYNOPSIS:

This report highlights August 2008 outreach activities of Public Affairs, which include: Environmental Justice Update, Community Events/Public Meetings, Business Assistance, and Outreach to Business and Federal, State, and Local Government.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Receive and file.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

This report summarizes the activities of Public Affairs for August 2008. 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 Outreach to Business and Federal, State, and Local Government.

Environmental Justice Update

Below is a summary of the Environmental Justice related activities which occurred in August.

In August, the AQMD’s Hearing Board held two off-site hearings to consider the issuance of orders for abatement. On August 13, the Hearing Board met in Wilmington to consider the issuance of a stipulated order for abatement against Warren E&P for operation of six microturbines and a flare. On August 21, the Hearing Board met to consider the issuance of an order for abatement against Gregg Industries, a metal foundry in El Monte. This meeting was attended by approximately 40 community members who were invited to hear and also present testimony on the proposed Hearing Board action.

AQMD also held two public meetings in Wilmington to discuss the issuing of a federal operating permit (Title V) for the ConocoPhillips and Ultramar refineries. The meetings included a presentation of the federal Title V permitting process and the contents of the proposed permit and an overview of the refineries operations and emissions.

During the month of August, Public Affairs staff also addressed the following organizations:

• First AME Church
• Korean Clergy Council
• Inglewood Clergy Council
• San Bernardino Archdiocese
• Wilmington Neighborhood Council

Community Events/Public Meetings

Each year, thousands of 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 August include the following:

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 August:

August 7- Provided a presentation on air pollution issues to students at Camellia Avenue Elementary School in Burbank

August 12- Hosted a delegation of environmental officials from Shenzhen, China, who received an AQMD tour and overview of AQMD’s alternative fuel, clean energy and transportation programs.

August 14- Provided a laboratory tour and general overview to a group from the Youth Science Center of Hacienda Heights.

August 20- Provided an air quality overview, air toxics presentation and laboratory tour for a group from the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade.
 

Communication Center Statistics

The Communication Center handles the AQMD main line, 1-800-CUT-SMOG^® line and Spanish line calls. Calls received in the month of August are summarized below:

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

Public Information Center Statistics

The Public Information Center handles phone calls and walk-in requests for general information. Information for the month of August is summarized below:

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, as summarized below.

• Conducted 46 free on-site consultations
• Provided assistance in filing 1 request for variance
• Provided permit application assistance to 287 companies
• Issued 30 clearance letters

Types of business assisted:

Outreach to Business and Federal, State and Local Government

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

Anaheim, Beaumont, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Chino, Calimesa, Diamond Bar, Fontana, Garden Grove, Glendale, Hemet, Indio, Inglewood, Irvine, Irwindale, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Newport Beach, Ontario, Orange, Paramount, Pasadena, Redlands, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita, South El Monte, Torrance, Tustin, Upland, West Covina, and Yorba Linda.

Visits and/or communications were conducted with elected officials or staff from the following offices:

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

• Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee
• Beach Cities Health District
• Harbor City Neighborhood Council
• Inglewood Clergy Council
• Inland Empire League of Cities Legislative Committee
• Inland Valley Legislative Alliance
• Irvine Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
• Korean Clergy Council
• League of California Cities, Orange County Division
• League of California Cities, Gateway Cities
• City of Orange Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
• Orange County Council of Governments
• Orange County Medical Association
• Orange County Public Affairs Association
• Redlands Chamber of Commerce
• San Bernardino Association of Governments Administrative Committee
• San Bernardino Chamber Legislative Committee
• San Gabriel Valley Chamber Legislative Coalition
• Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee
• San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
• San Gabriel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
• South Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
• South Bay Environmental Energy Center
• West Riverside Council of Governments
• Wilmington Chamber of Commerce