U.S. EPA Adopts New Tougher Ozone Standards

SCAQMDAdvisor Cleaning the air that we breathe... ®

AQMD Volume 15 Number 3 May 2008

U.S. EPA Adopts New Tougher Ozone Standards T

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 12 toughened its standard for ground level ozone, the primary component for smog. These changes will help protect the public’s health from the effects of smog. EPA also changed the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reflect the new primary standard. The AQI is EPA’s color-coded tool designed for use by state and local authorities, including the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), to inform the public about daily air pollution levels in their communities. Under the revised AQI, ozone levels above 0.075 parts per million (ppm) would be considered in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category. When ozone is in this category, EPA recommends certain sensitive groups reduce their activity levels to reduce their ozone exposure. These groups include children and adults who are active outdoors, people with asthma or other lung diseases and older adults. The AQI revisions address the ranges of ozone represented by AQI categories such as “good,” “moderate,” “unhealthful for sensitive groups,” and “unhealthy.” EPA has adjusted the upper end of the “moderate” range to be equal to the new primary 8-hour ozone standard, which is 0.075 ppm, and made proportional changes in other categories. The previous primary standard was 0.08 ppm, set in 1997, but was later rounded up to 0.084. EPA estimates that the revised standards will yield health benefits valued between $2 billion and $19 billion. Those benefits include preventing cases of bronchitis, aggravated asthma, hospital and emergency room visits, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death among others. The AQMD will begin using the revised standards in May to report AQI levels in Southern California’s local communities. For more information, contact Joe Cassmassi at (909) 396-3155.

U.S.EPA Rule for Locomotives, Ships Fails to Protect Southland’s Air O

n March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its longawaited rule to reduce air pollution from locomotives and some marine vessels but the rule falls far short of what is needed to achieve Southland air quality goals. “This rule will deliver too little, too late to protect thousands of Southern Californians from hospitalizations and early deaths due to ship and locomotive pollution,” said Barry Wallerstein, AQMD’s Executive Officer. “EPA’s failure to adopt a stringent rule for ships and locomotives will condemn this region to dirty air for many years to come.” The greatest shortcoming of the new rule is that it does

nothing to reduce the extraordinarily high levels of sulfur in fuel used by ocean-going ships such as container vessels. Since ocean-going ships are responsible for the majority of sulfur oxide emissions in the continued on page 5 - see “Locomotives”

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AQMD Approves “Healthy Hearths” Program to Reduce Pollution from Residential Wood Burning

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n March 7, AQMD’s Governing Board approved the “Healthy Hearths” initiative to reduce harmful fine particulate pollution from fireplaces and wood stoves. “Wood smoke from fireplaces and wood stoves causes more than four times as much fine particulate pollution as all the power plants in our region,” said William Burke, Ed.D., AQMD’s Chairman. “It’s time for residents to play a greater role in protecting their families’ and communities’ health by helping to reduce wood smoke pollution.” Wood-burning devices are used in about 1.4 million households in the Southland. They emit an average of 6 tons per day of PM2.5 emissions – more than four times the 1.4 tons per day of PM2.5 emitted by all power plants in the region. During winter, PM2.5 emissions from fireplaces and other wood-burning devices are about 13 tons per day. Other air districts in California, as well as many cities and regions across the West, already have wood-burning programs in effect. State law requires AQMD to adopt a wood-burning measure since it has been demonstrated as a feasible PM2.5 reduction measure by other air districts. A detailed factsheet on the Healthy Hearths initiative can be found at the following web link: www.aqmd.gov/ pubinfo/factsheets.htm. The Healthy Hearths program is an important component of AQMD’s overall effort to meet a 2015 deadline for achieving the federal PM2.5 health-based standard. The program is expected to reduce approximately one ton per day of PM2.5 emissions. For more information, contact Tracy Goss at (909) 396-3106.

AQMD Approves $500,000 Incentive Program to Encourage Residents to Convert Wood-Burning Fireplaces to Clean-Burning Gas Logs

As part of the Healthy Hearths program, AQMD approved a $500,000 pilot incentive program to encourage residents to convert existing wood-burning fireplaces to clean-burning gas logs. The program offers an incentive of $100 to $150 per gas log set and will be launched this fall. Check www.aqmd.gov in summer 2008 for more information on this incentive program

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2008 Clean Air Award Nominations

he South Coast Air Quality Management District will host its 20th Annual Clean Air Awards Program on October 1, 2008, recognizing individuals and organizations for significant contributions to cleaner air in the Southland over the past year. The AQMD invites interested parties to submit nominations of any individual, public and private entities, educational institutions, media organizations, and service organizations who have demonstrated acute awareness of the air quality problem in the South Coast Air Basin, and have taken some exemplary action to improve air quality. Nominations may be made by an individual or organization, and must be postmarked by Friday, June 27, 2008. Nominations for Clean Air Awards are accepted in five categories: Advancement of Air Pollution Control Technology; Innovative Transportation Projects; Model Community Achievement; Public Education on Air Quality Issues; and Promotion of Good Environmental Stewardship. The nomination form is available on the AQMD’s web site at www.aqmd.gov/pubinfo/CAA/2008_CAA_nomination_form.pdf. For more information, contact Lourdes Cordova Martinez at (909) 396-3214.

2 May 2008

Prop 1B Goods Movement Emission Reduction Funding Opportunity to be Announced in June P

roposition 1B, the wide-reaching transportation bond voters approved in 2006, included one billion dollars to fund projects that reduce air pollution associated with goods movement along California’s trade corridors. The first $25 million of that funding was allocated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in February, 2008 to “early start” projects that were ready for quick implementation. The remaining $225 million of this fiscal year’s funding is scheduled to be distributed in May of this year. This June, the AQMD plans to release a Program Announcement seeking proposals for funding projects that would reduce emissions from heavy duty diesel trucks, locomotives, ships, harbor craft, and cargo handling equipment operating within the South Coast Air Basin. These project proposals will be forwarded to CARB for funding consideration.

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Technical Advisory Group has been formed to solicit stakeholder feedback on initial design concepts for the new SoCal Climate Solutions Exchange proposed by Governing Board Chairman William Burke this past January. The new climate-protection tool would address the need for certified carbon-emission reductions for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mitigation and possibly for early reductions under the AB 32 Global Warming Solutions Act. The advisory group includes business and community stakeholders as well as representatives of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR), and other local governmental bodies. At the initial meeting, officials from CARB, CCAR and AQMD all emphasized that a well-designed Exchange can be mutually beneficial for all interested parties. A White Paper will be presented to the AQMD Governing Board in May or June, and if the Board directs staff to proceed, formal rule adoption is tentatively scheduled for September. For more information, contact Jill Whynot at (909) 396-3104.

International Maritime Organization Meets T he Marine Environ-

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Technical Advisory Group To Serve As Sounding Board on Design of New Exchange

ment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) met from March 31st to April 4th in London, England, to discuss proposed amendments to international shipping fuel and emissions standards embodied in the MARPOL Annex VI treaty. Progress was made in the negotiations between numerous nations and a proposal to amend Annex VI was crafted which would require reductions in the sulfur content of marine fuel and reductions in nitrogen oxides emissions from ships. This proposal, however, must first be adopted to take effect and will be considered at a MEPC meeting in October 2008. AQMD has taken an active role in the development of new regulations for marine vessels, which are mostly unregulated and a substantial source of pollutants. For example, AQMD is a sponsor of federal legislation, the “Marine Vessel Emissions Reduction Act,” by Senator Barbara Boxer and Congresswoman Hilda Solis, which would ensure that the emissions of ships utilizing U.S. ports are reduced. For more information, please contact Philip Crabbe (909) 396-2632.

For additional information, contact Dipankar Sarkar at (909) 396-2273 May 2008 3

AQMD to Sponsor Asthma Camp

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A t its April 4 meeting, the AQMD Gov-

erning Board awarded $100,000 to the California Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to sponsor an asthma camp in August 2008 for 130 children in the Southland with severe asthma. The week-long camp is intended to improve a child’s ability to manage asthma and teach children about factors related to air pollution and asthma. Poor air quality and other environmental factors exacerbate the occurrences of asthma attacks, especially in children. AAFA was initially created in 1976 with the objectives of providing asthmatic children with a camp experience. Children with asthma are not able to participate in regular camps since they require specialized medical attention due to the likelihood of experiencing an asthma attack during camp activities. Asthma camps provide children with an opportunity to experience camping while also learning about factors related to air pollution and asthma and how to manage their asthma. Children participating in the asthma camp will attend Camp Nawakwa in Big Bear. In addition to the asthma education activities, the camp activities include swimming and sport activities, nature study, and other fun activities for children. For more information, contact Lourdes Cordova Martinez at (909) 396-3214. 4 May 2008

A Conference and Expo on New and Emerging Clean Air Technologies and Innovations

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he Future is Green will cover a broad array of topics over two and a half days, ranging from clean fuel and vehicle technologies to green building and energy efficiency to green agricultural equipment and operations. The Future is Green will “teach” you something about green technologies and products and how you can apply them in your life and on the job. Hear directly from the experts about technologies and innovations emerging onto the marketplace and what’s on the horizon for tomorrow. Learn what’s worked for others and how you can make it work for you, too. Pre-conference events on Sunday, September 14, 2008 include the opening of the Expo showcasing more than 100 exhibitors sharing their green technologies and products from major auto manufacturers to eco-friendly consumer companies, two pre-conference workshops, and an Evening Reception in the Exhibit Hall. Monday, September 15, 2008, will offer five expert panels and a keynote speaker during the luncheon. The Expo Evening Reception in the Exhibit Hall will include round-robin guided tours offering attendees the opportunity to visit different green technology exhibits.

Concurrently with the panels on Monday and Tuesday, the conference will be offering an educational component for high school science students, including a visit to the Expo. Who Should Attend? Business leaders, policy makers, technology providers, environmental activists, procurement or vehicle fleet managers, logistics professionals, city or regional planners, investors or entrepreneurs, architects, students and teachers, farmers, or just concerned citizens. For more information and to register, visit the Conference website at www.capcoagreen.com or call toll free at (800) 993-0302.

The Future is Green Conference and Expo: New and Emerging Clean Air Technologies and Innovations Sept. 14-16, 2008 Long Beach Convention Center

Smog Season Begins W ith the beginning of smog season, from

May 1 until October 3, the AQMD reminds the public to pay close attention to air pollution forecasts and adjust their outdoor activities, as appropriate. It is a good idea for everyone to be aware of air quality, especially parents, coaches, and daycare providers, or anyone who supervises children or teenagers. Children are particularly at risk from smog because they breathe in more air in relation to their body weight and lung size, and they play outside more. The AQMD advises avoiding vigorous outdoor activities, like running, soccer or baseball, when unhealthful air quality conditions are forecast. AQMD issues unhealthful air quality notices when the 8-hour averaged ozone exceed 150 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale, or a concentration of 105 parts per million (ppm). Air quality is unhealthful for sensitive

groups when the 8-hour ozone concentration exceeds 100 AQI, which occurs at the federal standard concentration of .075. AQMD also issues an ozone health advisory when the one-hour ozone concentration reaches 150 ppm. The major ingredient in Southern California’s smog is ozone, a colorless and pungent gas that damages lung cells and may be linked to permanent lung damage, and can contribute to chest pain, coughing, nose and throat irritation, and increased symptoms for those with asthma and bronchitis. Smog forecast information is available on the AQMD’s web site at www.aqmd.gov/smog/CurrentAirQuality.html, or by calling 1-800-CUTSMOG (288-7664). For more information, contact Joe Cassmassi at (909) 396-3155.

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(Continued from page one) Locomotives region, EPA’s inaction will make it impossible to achieve the PM2.5 (fine particulate) federal standard deadline of 2015. Sulfur oxide emissions are a precursor to PM2.5 formed in the atmosphere. In addition, while the rule represents a modest acceleration of timelines compared to a proposal announced last year, the chief requirements for locomotives will not take effect until after 2015, too late to achieve the PM2.5 standard deadline that year. EPA’s rule: • • •

includes no emission controls from ocean-going marine vessels; proposes nitrogen oxide and PM2.5 emissions standards for locomotives that are too late to help the region achieve the PM2.5 standard by 2015; and needlessly delays locomotive idling controls when anti-idling devices already exist and can readily be retrofitted onto existing locomotives.

Since EPA has failed to take action on the critical issue of air pollution from ocean-going ships, AQMD has worked with U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and U.S. Representative Hilda Solis to sponsor legislation, Marine Vessel Emission Reduction Act (S.1499 and H.R. 2548), in Congress compelling EPA to steeply reduce sulfur in fuel used by such vessels. For more information, contact Peter Greenwald at (909) 396-2111.

Earth Day Events T

hroughout the District, from San Bernardino to Irvine to Santa Monica, AQMD staff participated in over 20 Earth Day events held in April. Staff participated as speakers and also distributed information and displayed clean fueled vehicles at various environmental fairs hosted by community and business organizations. Following is a partial list of Earth Day events:

• Los Angeles County Sanitation District Earth Day Celebration • 19th Annual Earth Day Celebration in Diamond Bar • Green Valley Earth Festival at Dos Lagos, Corona • UC Irvine Earth Day 2008 • San Bernardino Earth Day Fair May 2008 5

UPDATE

The following proposed and amended rules and regulations are tentatively scheduled for hearing at upcoming Governing Board meetings. To verify whether scheduling changes have occurred, visit the AQMD Web site at www.aqmd.gov/hb/ gb_cal95.html and check the Rule and Control Measure item on the Governing Board meeting agenda or call the Clerk of the Board’s Office at (909) 396-2500. Copies of AQMD rules and regulations can be downloaded from the Web site at www.aqmd.gov/rules/rules.html or provided by AQMD’s Public Information Center, (909) 396-2039.

June

PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1146

Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Industrial, Institutional, and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators and Process Heaters – Would reduce the allowable NOx emission limits from 30 ppm to 12, 9 or 5 ppm depending on equipment size and operational characteristics. For more information, contact Gary Quinn at (909)396-3121 or gquinn@aqmd. gov.

PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1146.1

Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Small Industrial, Institutional, and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators and Process Heaters -Would reduce the allowable NOx emission limits for equipment subject to Rule 1146.1 below the current level of 30 ppm and would phase-in increasingly lower NOx emission limits over a five year period beginning January 1, 2011. For more information, contact Gary Quinn at (909)396-3121 or [email protected].

PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1186.1 – Less Polluting Sweepers and PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1196 – Clean-On-Road

Heavy-Duty Public Fleet Vehicles – Would add provisions allowing for approved technical infeasibility certification request (TICR) approval based on the unavailability of alternative-fuel stations within five miles of the affected fleet’s storage area or maintenance yards. Specifically, it is proposed that the sunset dates for both provisions be extended by two years from June 30, 2008 to June 30, 2010. For more information, contact Wei Li, Ph.D at (909)396-2768 or [email protected]

PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1610

Old – Vehicle Scrapping – Would re-instate the vehicle residency requirement in the District to 24 months from 120 days and revise language to improve consistency with the state regulation. For information, contact David DeBoer at (909) 396-2329 or ddeboer@ aqmd.go

July

PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1158

Storage, Handling, and Transport of Coke, Coal and Sulfur – Would modify language for clarity and add provisions for railcars to clarify the intent that they should be treated the same as trucks for the purpose of controlling emissions, such as covering or wetting the material. For more information, contact Pamela Perryman at (909)396-3103 or [email protected].

6 May 2008

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n April 14, 2008, a Breathmobile Dedication Ceremony was held in front of the Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley. The $2 million program was funded in part through funds allocated through a BP/ARCO settlement. AQMD Board Member Jane Carney addressed the audience and commented on the importance of having the Breathmobile available for children in Riverside County. “This project will help bring us closer to the day when improved air quality helps guarantee improved quality of life”, she said. The newly initated Breathmobile program was made possible through a partnership between county health officials, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The mobile clinic, dubbed Breathmobile, is a specially equipped and staffed mobile unit that visits Inland schools to diagnose and treat children with breathing problems. When you diagnosis asthma at an early age, and get the children into a program to manage the disease and stabilize it, that, in turn, reduces visits to the emergency room for acute episodes. Students miss less school time, and school districts benefit from state funding for improved attendance. The mobile clinic will be able to treat as many as 80 patients a month.

Recent Events

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RULE

Riverside Breathmobile Dedication Ceremony

PEOPLE

Air

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Clean

Meet the diversely talented people who work at the AQMD

Tom Chico

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om Chico began his AQMD career as an Air Quality Specialist in Regional Modeling. He had joined the, then new, team that Chung Liu was starting up to work on the development of the 1991 Air Quality Management Plan. Tom now works as a Program Supervisor three programs: AB 2588, which is a statewide right-to-know program providing the public notice regarding risk factors from industrial sources; Point Source Modeling which reviews impact assessments and health risk assessments submitted as part of AQMD permits;

and Air Quality Evaluation which includes review and summary of ambient air quality samples collected by AQMD. These programs are under Emissions Reporting in the Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources Division. Tom received a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Oceanography from New York University, and a Master of Science in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Arizona. Prior to coming to the AQMD, Tom worked at the Minerals Management Service in the U.S. Department of Interior. Tom and his wife of 28 years have a

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f you or your company have ever applied for Carl Moyer funds, then you must know Connie Day. She’s “Mrs. Carl Moyer,” AQMD’s Carl Moyer fund program supervisor. As Connie explains, “the Carl Moyer program offers financial incentives to do the right thing when it is not mandated.” Connie often deals, on paper, with tens of millions of dollars. This very successful program is just entering its tenth year and Connie is the go-to person for answers on anything “Moyer.” Connie Day joined the AQMD in November 1990 as a Program Supervisor in Planning. Connie now works in Science & Technology Advancement, overseeing the Carl Moyer program. Prior to joining the AQMD, Connie worked as a City Planner in Moreno Valley. She received her Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning at Cal Poly Pomona. Connie also served in the military – Air Force that is. She was a sergeant and worked as a medical specialist in neonatal, intensive care and labor and delivery. She has been married for 32 years to Randy and they have two grown daughters. Connie commented that “here at the AQMD, I get to do a lot of different things which is good since I get bored easily. I thought that the AQMD would eventually find itself obsolete, but the opposite is true. It will be a never ending job, and very exciting!”

Connie Day

daughter who is a junior at San Diego State University studying pre-physical therapy, and a son who is a freshman in high school. In his spare time, Tom enjoys cycling and woodworking (he has actually made a small wooden sail boat). Tom commented that “our work has higher visibility now that the public is more interested in air quality issues. We’re able to show that we are an agency that uses wellestablished protocols, and is continuosly trying to improve, and it is fun to be apart of. ”

W ithout a doubt, she gets the

Grace Calungcagin

best deals. Grace Calungcagin is a Purchasing Assistant, who joined the District in 2002. She primarily supports the Laboratory and Public Affairs divisions for all of their purchases, and her job is to find the products needed, at the right price, and adhere to the AQMD’s purchasing guidelines. Grace had over twenty years experience in her previous job as a buyer and purchasing agent in the private sector dealing with men’s accessories. Grace received her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at Maryknoll College and a Certificate in Purchasing Management at UCR Extension. Married to a fellow employee for 25 years in July of this year, her husband, Rizaldy suggested that she apply for a job here. A bit reluctant at first, she decided to apply and has been very happy since. She commented “I work with a small group of people who are well matched, fun, and productive.” Further, she said “they are a very helpful group, open arms, and just a very good fit.” Grace and husband have two children, a son, 23 years old and daughter, 19. Both are in college and pursuing degrees in the medical field. Grace said that she and her husband are very dedicated to their children; with the creed that family comes first! Grace and Rizaldy are avid gardeners, and that is what they like to do on weekends. In addition she enjoys traveling with her husband and his three siblings to places outside the country and on cruises. Something tells us that she always gets the best deals.

May 2008 7

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PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Walnut, CA Permit No. 95

AQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District 21865 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182

Address Service Requested

Briefly... Rule Compliance Promotion Classes

Rule 403-Controlling Dust in the South Coast Air Basin • Every third Wednesday of the month This half-day class is held at AQMD’s Diamond Bar headquarters from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. To register, call toll free 1-866-861-DUST (3878) or email [email protected]. Rule 403.1-Controlling Dust in the Coachella Valley • Every third Thursday of the month This course is held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Room 119, 73-710 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, CA, 92260. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. To register, call toll free 1-866-861-DUST (3878) or email [email protected].

Rule 2202-Employee Transportation Coordinator Training • May 7, SCAQMD’s Diamond Bar Headquarters • May 29, OCTA, 600 S. Main St., Orange • June 5, SCAQMD’s Diamond Bar Headquarters • June 11, LAX, Flight Path Museum, 6661 W. Imperial Hwy, LA Classes are held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration fee is $61.70 per person. Enrollment is limited to 20 students and classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, call (909) 396-2777 or e-mail [email protected]. Rule 461-Gasoline Transfer and Dispensing All classes are held at AQMD’s Diamond Bar headquarters from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Daily class cost is $50, the Periodic class is $150 and the Tester class is $100. The Periodic Selfcompliance Class is a two - day class. Pre-registration is required for these classes. To register, call 909-396-2583 or email [email protected].

• May 8-9 Periodic Self- Compliance Class • May 16 Tester Orientation Class • May 30 Daily Maintenance Self-Compliance Class Rule 1403- Asbestos Demolition/ Renovation Activities Classes are from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., held in CC6 at the SCAQMD’s Diamond Bar Headquarters. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required. Please email ([email protected]) or phone (909-396-2053) your request with Company Name, Attendee Name, Date of class desired and Contact person’s phone number. Following is the schedule: • May 14 • June 11 • July 16 • August 13 • September 17 • October 15 • November 12 • December 17

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This bimonthly news publication is produced by the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) Public Affairs Office. AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange county and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. AQMD does not endorse or warrant any products, services or companies mentioned in this publication. To subscribe, send your name and address to: SCAQMD Advisor, SCAQMD, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182, or e-mail [email protected]. For news updates and other information, visit AQMD’s Web site at www.aqmd.gov. The SCAQMD Advisor is now available online at www.aqmd.gov/pubinfo/webpubs. htm or visit aqmd.gov and select “Quick Links” / “Advisor.”

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