PORT OF LONG BEACH AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM: SUMMARY REPORT CALENDAR YEAR 2009

Transcription

1 PORT OF LONG BEACH AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM: SUMMARY REPORT CALENDAR YEAR 2009 Prepared For: Prepared By: June 2010

2 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Table of Contents LIST OF ACRONYMS... II 1 INTRODUCTION MONITORING PROGRAM BACKGROUND Objectives of the Study Study Planning Location of the Monitoring Stations Implementation of the Monitoring Program The Monitoring Network Program Start Dates Development of Real-Time Data Presentation DATA ANALYSIS Data Summary Calendar Year CO Data Summary NO 2 Data Summary O 3 Data Summary SO 2 Data Summary PM 10 Data Summary PM 2.5 Data Summary Meteorological Data PM Measurements during Unusual Events Summer 2009 Wildfires Quality Assurance Procedures Data Recovery TRENDS ANALYSIS Trends in Gaseous Criteria Pollutants CO Concentrations NO 2 Concentrations O 3 Concentrations SO 2 Concentrations Trends in PM 10 and PM 2.5 Data CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES June 2010 i

3 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report List of Acronyms AQ BAM CAAP CAAQS CARB CFR CO DPM DRI EC FEM FRM GP NAAQS NLB NO 2 O 3 OC PCH PM PM 2.5 PM 10 POLA POLB Port PPM PAH QA ROI SB SC SCAB SCAQMD SFS SO 2 USEPA Air Quality Beta Attenuation Monitor Clean Air Action Program California Ambient Air Quality Standard California Air Resources Board Code of Federal Regulations Carbon Monoxide Diesel Particulate Matter Desert Research Institute Elemental Carbon Federal Equivalent Method Federal Reference Method Gull Park National Ambient Air Quality Standard North Long Beach Nitrogen Dioxide Ozone Organic Carbon Pacific Coast Highway Particulate Matter Particulate Matter Less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter Particulate Matter Less than 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter Port of Los Angeles Port of Long Beach Port of Long Beach Parts per million Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Quality Assurance Region of Influence Superblock Suspected Carcinogen South Coast Air Basin South Coast Air Quality Management District Sequential Filter Samplers Sulfur Dioxide United States Environmental Protection Agency June 2010 ii

4 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Air Quality Monitoring Program at the Port of Long Beach 2009 Summary Report 1 Introduction This report for the air quality monitoring program at the Port of Long Beach (Port or POLB) summarizes the data collected during calendar year 2009 (CY2009). There are four gaseous criteria air pollutants measured on a real-time basis under this program: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and ozone (O 3 ). In addition, particulate matter is measured at the 10 micron and 2.5 microns size thresholds (PM 10 and PM 2.5, respectively) using two methods: (a) traditional filter-based samplers which are the Federal Reference Method (FRM), and (b) on a continuous basis using beta attenuation monitors (BAM) which are a Federal Equivalent Method (FEM). In addition, meteorological parameters are continuously measured. Data from the program are available for public review at the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan website: The data collected at the Port s monitoring stations during CY2009 were averaged and compared to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) established for each pollutant on the applicable averaging periods. While such comparisons are presented, this report does not make any representations as to compliance with NAAQS or CAAQS and the information presented herein should not be construed to the contrary. NAAQS compliance determinations are made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) with input from state and regional air agencies. CAAQS compliance determinations are made by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). For the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB), which includes the Los Angeles metropolitan region, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for operating the air quality monitoring stations which are used for those demonstrations. While the Port s monitoring stations are operated in accordance with the same federal and state regulations and guidelines, the Port s stations are outside the official monitoring network and are not used in those determinations. Ambient air pollution levels near the San Pedro Bay are influenced by a number of factors including local pollutant emissions, regional air pollution levels, and meteorology. Several important criteria air pollutants (i.e., ozone, PM 2.5 ) are created (at least in part) by chemical reactions which occur after the release of emissions into the atmosphere. As such, concentrations from these pollutants are expected to be more regional. Other pollutants, like SO 2, are more localized in nature. June

5 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Emissions from goods movement are an important contributor to air pollution levels in the SoCAB region. Figures 1 and 2 compare the Port s contribution to the regional emissions for nitrogen oxides (NO X ) and diesel particulate emissions (DPM) in the SoCAB. DPM emissions, an important air toxic, are also an important contributor to PM 2.5 concentrations. As shown therein, port-related mobile source emissions are estimated to contribute about 3% of regional NO X emissions and 5% of regional DPM emissions in CY2009. Figure NO X Emissions in the SoCAB (mass percent) On-Road 50% Other Mobile 37% Stationary & Area 10% POLB 3% Figure DPM Emissions in the SoCAB (mass percent) On-Road 36% Other Mobile 56% Stationary & Area 2% POLB 5% Port-related air pollutant emissions were lower in CY2009 compared to prior years. 1 This decline was due to a number of factors including the successful implementation of 1 Port of Long Beach Air Emissions Inventory Starcrest Consulting Group LLC. ( June, June

6 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report control measures under the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). Those measures have significantly reduced emissions rates from goods movement sources such as heavy duty trucks, ocean going vessels, and cargo handling equipment. The decrease in Port-related emissions was also affected in part by a sharp decline in goods movement activity at the San Pedro Bay ports. Container throughput at the Port experienced a significant drop due to the economic recession of , with traffic 30% lower in CY2009 as compared to CY2007. Monthly POLB container throughput (TEU) numbers for CY2009 are shown in Figure 3. Figure 3. POLB Container Throughput (TEU), TEU Lastly, meteorology can have a significant influence on regional air pollution levels from one year to the next. So while CAAP measures have improved air emissions levels, it is not presently known how much of any decrease (or increase) in Port ambient air pollutant concentrations can be attributed to goods movement-focused measures under the CAAP. For the gaseous air pollutants (i.e., O 3, CO, NO 2, and SO 2 ), ambient air concentrations measured at the Port s stations were below NAAQS or CAAQS levels during CY2009. PM 2.5 and PM 10 measurements at the Port s stations did exceed NAAQS or CAAQS levels during the reporting period. The measurements at the Port s stations were similar to data collected at stations operated by the SCAQMD. Figure 4 compares the ozone concentrations measured at the Port s stations to selected SCAQMD stations during 2009, while Figure 5 compares the PM 2.5 concentrations for the same period. June

7 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Average Monthly O 3 Concentration (ppm) Figure 4. Average Monthly Ozone Concentrations (ppm), CY2009 Superblock Gull Park North Long Beach L.A. Anaheim Burbank Azusa Figure 5. Average Monthly PM 2.5 Concentrations (µg/m 3 ), CY Average Monthly PM 2.5 Concentrations ( g/m3) Superblock - BAM Gull Park - BAM LA Anaheim Burbank 0.0 June

8 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report As shown in these figures, the ozone and PM 2.5 levels in the Port were within the range of other Southland monitoring stations. 2 Monitoring Program Background 2.1 Objectives of the Study The Port of Long Beach developed a monitoring program in 2005 and implemented it in 2006 to collect representative ambient air quality and meteorological data within the area of the Port s Harbor District. The Port s network consists of two monitoring stations, located in the Inner Harbor and the Outer Harbor areas. Data on the following parameters are being collected: Real-time measurement of ambient air quality concentrations for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), particulate matter (PM) less than 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter (PM 10 ), and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter (PM 2.5 ). Integrated 24-hour ambient measurement of PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations, using traditional filter-based samplers. Real-time measurement of meteorological parameters, including wind direction, wind speed, ambient temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation, and solar radiation. This annual report documents the findings of this program for January 2009 through December The goals of this program are to determine compliance of the area surrounding the Port with the National and State of California ambient air quality standards, and to communicate that information to the communities surrounding the Port. This monitoring program is an integral part of the Port s commitment to improve the air quality through the CAAP. The environmental information collected by this program will be used to better manage and provide feedback on the Port s air quality improvement efforts. 2.2 Study Planning After establishing the overall goal of the program, the Port held extensive discussions with their technical consultants to finalize the details of the monitoring program and to generate a preliminary work plan. This preliminary work plan also received input from both SCAQMD and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The preliminary work plan was revised to reflect the comments of these two agencies and a final copy of the work plan was then generated (Port 2008b). As outlined in the work plan, a siting analysis was conducted and the Port identified a number of sites that could potentially be used for the air quality (AQ) monitoring program. These sites were reviewed for site availability, security, proximity to the Port s emission sources and local environment, as well as regulations set forth in Title 40, June

9 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), Part 58 and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems. The results of the siting analysis identified two monitoring station sites, one in the Inner Harbor area, and one in the Outer Harbor area, that were considered to best fit the criteria established for the AQ monitoring program. These candidate sites were reviewed by SCAQMD, who concurred with the proposed locations. Additionally, both sites have been used to further expand on the other regional air quality monitoring efforts within the area, including those programs currently operated by the Port of Los Angeles (POLA), SCAQMD, and CARB Location of the Monitoring Stations The locations of the two monitoring stations are shown in Figure 6 and a description of each is given below. Superblock Inner Harbor Station (33 o N, 118 o W) This site is located near the intersection of Canal Avenue and 12 th Street, is owned by the Port and is known as Superblock. Superblock is a large paved area used as cargo storage (e.g. shipping containers and cars) and staging site and is heavily populated with mobile sources of air pollution (i.e. on-road diesel trucks); in addition the surrounding area is being used for commercial/industrial operations. There are several smaller container distribution sites and smaller stationary sources present at Superblock as well. The major roadways in the area are not adjacent to the site, minimizing near-field sampling bias from mobile sources on these roadways. The Superblock location is situated downwind of the Port during typical onshore air flow patterns, and is representative of the heavily industrialized setting that is the Inner Harbor area. Based on information gathered from the Port and from maps, photographs, and operations over the last three years, the site has adequate security and site access and no adverse geographical conditions. Navy Mole/Gull Park Outer Harbor Station (33 o N, 118 o W) The Gull Park site is located at the eastern end of the Navy Mole (i.e. eastern end of Nimitz Road), which is a peninsula that terminates at the Long Beach Channel. Unlike the Superblock site, there are no nearby stationary emission sources at the Gull Park site. However, sources that may impact the monitoring site at times include ocean-going vessels transiting the Long Beach Channel, as well as vessel and shore-side operations at the adjacent Sea Launch facility and other nearby Port terminals. The Gull Park site should have less impacts from Port related sources much of the time, and any impacts should be due primarily from ships and terminal operations, rather than on road trucks as is the case at the Superblock station. Based on information gathered from the Port and from maps, photographs and operations over the last three years, the site has adequate security and site access and no adverse geographical conditions. June

10 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Figure 6: Locations of Air Quality Monitoring Stations at the Port of Long Beach June

11 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report 2.3 Implementation of the Monitoring Program As part of the final work plan, the Port developed an Air Quality Monitoring Plan that outlines the design of the ambient air quality and meteorological monitoring stations including the specifications for all of the monitoring equipment, calibration systems, and flow recorders (Port 2010). The monitoring plan also specifies the locations for probes and samplers in a manner consistent with 40 CFR, Part 58 and the USEPA Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems. The Port s AQ monitoring program also involved the development of a Quality Assurance (QA) Plan that includes all of the necessary quality assurance/control procedures for calibration and operation of the monitoring stations (Port 2010a). All QA methods are consistent with the USEPA requirements specified in Title 40 CFR, Part 58 and the USEPA Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurements Systems and the CARB Air Monitoring Quality Assurance Manual. Review and feedback on the draft monitoring and quality assurance plans were provided by the SCAQMD The Monitoring Network As mentioned above, the Port s AQ monitoring program collects three different types of data: (1) air pollutant concentrations measured by real-time analyzers, (2) particulate matter (PM) concentrations measured by filter-based samplers and (3) meteorological data from real-time measurements. Each of the monitoring stations has the following four components: Integrated 24-hour PM Monitoring PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations on a 24-hour integrated basis are determined using Federal Reference Method (FRM) monitors. FRM units operate on methods of sampling and analyzing ambient air that have been designated as a reference method in accordance with 40 CFR Part 53. These monitors have an operational certification to measure 24-hr average concentrations for compliance with the NAAQS and CAAQS. The Superblock site contains FRM PM 10 and FRM PM 2.5 monitors, and the Gull Park site contains an FRM PM 10 monitor. In order to further discern the types of particulates that make up PM 2.5, samples can be collected on different filter media (Teflon and quartz) using a Sequential Filter Sampler (SFS) fabricated by the Desert Research Institute (DRI). Samples collected on these SFS units permits a detailed PM 2.5 speciation analysis which includes the concentration determination of elemental carbon (EC)/organic carbon (OC), various metals, ions and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Detailed PM 2.5 speciation was performed at both air monitoring stations during the 2007 and 2008 sampling period, but was not conducted in this current 2009 reporting period. June

12 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Continuous Gaseous Pollutant Monitoring Each station is equipped with analyzers to determine real-time air pollutant concentrations for the gaseous pollutants (i.e. NO-NO 2 -NO x, O 3, CO, and SO 2 ). These analyzers are FRM- or Federal Equivalent Method (FEM)-designated monitors and include the following: Pulsed Fluorescence SO 2 Analyzer Chemiluminescent NO-NO 2 -NO x Analyzer Gas Filter Correlation CO Analyzer U.V. Photometric Ozone (O 3 ) Analyzer In contrast to FRMs, FEMs are methods of sampling and analyzing ambient air that have been designated as an equivalent method in accordance with 40 CFR Part Continuous Monitoring of PM In addition to the Integrated 24-hr PM monitoring described above, both of the Port s monitoring stations are equipped to continuously monitor PM 10 and PM 2.5 on a continuous and real-time basis. These data are collected with Beta Attenuation Monitors (BAMs) that measure real-time PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentration at hourly intervals. The data collected by these instruments are used to supplement the filter-based data produced by the FRM units Continuous Monitoring of Meteorological Parameters Because meteorology greatly influences the transport and dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere, each station is equipped with the necessary instrumentation to monitor various meteorological parameters such as ambient temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, and barometric pressure. These data are recorded in real-time and are then transmitted to a data logger which averages and stores the data. The Superblock station also has the necessary instrumentation to measure precipitation and solar radiation Program Start Dates The monitoring program officially began with the continuous monitoring of PM, gaseous criteria pollutants, and meteorological parameters at both the Superblock and Gull Park sites on October 1, The collection of filter-based (or gravimetric) samples from both of these sites started shortly thereafter, on November 22, The data from both of the Port s monitoring sites are compared to the neighboring SCAQMD monitoring sites located on Pacific Coast Highway in central Long Beach, and on Long Beach Boulevard in north Long Beach (PCH and NLB, respectively). June

13 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report 2.4 Development of Real-Time Data Presentation As part of the Port s air quality monitoring program, the Port has also developed a public web site to allow the public to see the data collected as part of this program. The web site ( allows the public to review the local air quality on a real-time basis and to see the effects of unusual environmental conditions (e.g. the southern California wildfires, Santa Ana conditions, etc.). The data on the program s web site is automatically uploaded on an hourly basis directly from the station data logger. Consequently, it is important to note as stated on the web site that the data on the web site should be considered as preliminary and has not been through a quality assurance review. 3 Data Analysis Air quality can be characterized as the concentration of various pollutants within the ambient atmosphere. Comparison of these pollutants with the federal and state ambient air quality standards is often made to evaluate air quality conditions in an area. The USEPA has established the NAAQS, and maximum pollutant limits shall not be exceeded more than once per year (other than ozone, PM, and those based on annual averages). Annual pollutant averages are never to exceed the annual NAAQS. The CARB has established a set of state standards (CAAQS) that are often more stringent than the NAAQS. Table 1. California and National Ambient Air Quality Standards National Standards California Pollutant Averaging Times Primary Secondary Standards Standards Standards 8-hour 0.07 ppm Same as Ozone (O 3 ) 1-hour 0.09 ppm --- Primary Carbon Monoxide (CO) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) Lead Respirable Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) 8-hour 9.0 ppm 9 ppm hour 20 ppm 35 ppm --- Annual 0.03 ppm ppm 1-hour 0.18 ppm ppm* Same as primary 24-hour 0.04 ppm hour ppm 1-hour 0.25 ppm ppm** day 1.5 µg/m 3 Calendar Quarter µg/m 3 Same as primary Rolling 3-Month Average µg/m 3 Annual 20 µg/m hour 50 µg/m µg/m 3 Same as primary Annual 12 µg/m 3 15 µg/m 3 Same as primary 24-hour µg/m 3 Notes: National Primary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary, with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health. National Secondary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary to protect the public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects of a pollutant. *This standard was promulgated on January 22, ** The new one-hour SO2 standard was promulgated on June 3, June

14 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report The following analytical summaries of the data collected during January 2009 December 2009 draw comparisons to the NAAQS and CAAQS. These summaries include the following parameters: [1] CO, [2] NO 2, [3] SO 2, [4] O 3, [5] PM 10, and [6] PM 2.5. The wind speed and direction measurements collected during 2009 are also summarized. In addition to these written summaries, the data are presented in several ways: 1. Presentation of wind roses, which visually depict the distribution of winds at each site showing their speed, direction and frequency (Figures A-1 to A-2). 2. Presentation of the air quality data in graphs (Figures A-3 to A-18). 3. Presentation of the air quality data in tables (Tables A-1 to A-14). Since the tabular and graphic data presentations are quite extensive, most of the figures and many of the graphs are included in Appendix A. The figures and tables that have been included as part of Appendix A are denoted by the letter A in front of the number designation; for example, Figure A-1 and Table A-1 can be found in Appendix A. 3.1 Data Summary Calendar Year CO Data Summary During the 12-month reporting period, none of the Port s monitoring sites recorded any exceedances of the CAAQS and NAAQS for CO. The CO data are presented in Tables A-1 and A-2. The following maximum CO concentrations were observed: Maximum 1-hour average CO concentrations were 4.7 and 3.3 ppm for the Superblock and Gull Park stations, respectively. These are well below the 1-hour NAAQS and CAAQS of 35 and 20 ppm, respectively. Maximum 8-hour average CO concentrations were 3.3 and 2.4 ppm for the Superblock and Gull Park stations, respectively, compared to the 8-hour NAAQS and CAAQS of 9 ppm. Figure A-3 shows the average monthly concentration of CO over the period of record (the graphs of average monthly pollutant concentrations have been selected as a convenient scale for illustration of the main features in the data set, rather than as a direct comparison against the NAAQS and CAAQS regulatory standards). The highlights of this graph are: Average CO concentrations are low for this pollutant throughout the period. There is a slight increase in CO concentrations during the winter months, presumably due to the light wind conditions and surface-based temperature inversions commonly present during this time of year, which tend to trap pollutants in the lower atmosphere. June

15 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report NO 2 Data Summary During the 12-month reporting period, none of the Port s monitoring sites recorded any exceedances of the CAAQS and NAAQS for NO 2. NO 2 averages are provided for the Superblock and Gull Park sites in Tables A-4 and A-5. The following maximum NO 2 concentrations were observed: The annual average NO 2 concentrations were and ppm at the Superblock and Gull Park stations, respectively. These concentrations are below the NO 2 annual average NAAQS and CAAQS of and ppm, respectively. EPA established a new 1-hour NAAQS for NO 2 concentrations on January 22, This standard is met when the 3-year average of the 98 th percentile of the daily maximum 1-hour NO 2 concentrations at each station does not exceed ppm. In 2009, these values were and ppm at the Superblock and Gull Park stations. For comparison, the 98 th percentile NO 2 concentrations were and ppm at the North Long Beach and downtown Los Angeles SCAQMD monitoring stations. Compliance with this new standard will continue to be monitored in future years. Figure A-4 shows the average monthly concentration of NO 2 over the period of record. The highlights of this graph are: The NO 2 concentrations follow an annual cyclical pattern during the reporting period. As shown in Figure A-4, average monthly NO 2 concentrations fell to a minimum during the summer months and gradually increased into the winter. There are two possible explanations for this pattern: o The surface-based temperature inversions commonly present during the winter months may trap the NO 2 closer to the ground, thereby increasing the ground level concentration of this pollutant. o The lower concentrations in the summer may be due to the complex series of atmospheric chemical reactions that exist between NO 2 and ground-level O O 3 Data Summary During the 12-month reporting period, none of the Port s monitoring sites recorded any exceedances of the CAAQS and NAAQS for O 3. The O 3 data are presented in Tables A-7 and A-8. The following maximum O 3 concentrations were observed: Maximum 1-hour average O 3 concentrations were and ppm for the Superblock and Gull Park stations, respectively. These are below the 1-hour CAAQS of 0.09 ppm. The O 3 standard is met when the fourth-highest 8-hour concentration in a year, averaged over three years, is equal to or less than ppm. In 2009, these values were and ppm at the Superblock and Gull Park stations, respectively. For comparison, the fourth-highest O 3 concentration was ppm at both the North Long Beach and downtown Los Angeles SCAQMD monitoring stations. Compliance with this standard will continue to be monitored in future years. June

16 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Figure A-5 presents the annual average monthly concentrations of O 3. The graph shows that O 3 concentrations peak during the summer months at each station, because the photochemical reactions required to produce O 3 are stronger during the summer (O 3 is a secondary pollutant formed from VOCs and NO x in the presence of sunlight) SO 2 Data Summary During the 12-month reporting period, none of the Port s monitoring sites recorded any exceedances of the CAAQS and NAAQS for SO 2. SO 2 averages are provided for the Superblock and Gull Park sites in Tables A-10 through A-12. The following maximum SO 2 concentrations were observed: The maximum annual average SO 2 concentrations were ppm at both the Superblock and Gull Park stations. These concentrations are well below the SO 2 annual average NAAQS of ppm. However, on June 2, 2010 EPA revoked the annual primary NAAQS for SO 2. The maximum 24-hour average SO 2 concentrations were and ppm at the Superblock and Gull Park stations, respectively. These concentrations are below the SO 2 maximum 24-hour average NAAQS and CAAQS of 0.14 and 0.04 ppm, respectively. However, on June 2, 2010 EPA revoked the 24-hour primary NAAQS for SO 2. EPA established a new 1-hour NAAQS for SO 2 concentrations on June 2, This standard is met when the 3-year average of the 99 th percentile of the daily maximum 1-hour SO 2 concentrations at each standard does not exceed ppm. In 2009, these values were and ppm at the Superblock and Gull Park stations, respectively. Compliance with this new standard will continue to be monitored in future years. Figure A-6 shows that the average monthly SO 2 concentration remained relatively constant and well below the NAAQS PM 10 Data Summary PM 10 concentrations are measured by two monitoring techniques (discussed earlier); traditional filter-based integrated monitors (FRM monitors), and real-time particulate monitors (BAMs). Tables A-14 through A-17 show that the annual average PM 10 concentrations based on both the FRM and BAM monitors for 2009 were above the annual CAAQS of 20 g/m 3 at both of the sites. This is consistent with data collected throughout the South Coast Air Basin, which is designated as nonattainment for both PM 10 and PM 2.5. The data is also consistent with data collected at the closest SCAQMD monitoring station located at North Long Beach. In addition, both the FRM and BAM PM 10 data showed a number of exceedances of the PM Hr CAAQS of 50 g/m 3 at both stations (Tables A-14 and A-15), primarily during four periods: January 2009, May 2009, October 2009, and November There was one exceedance of the federal 24-Hr PM 10 NAAQS (150 g/m 3 ) observed at the Superblock station and one exceedance at the Gull Park station for the BAM data. The FRM monitors also measured high concentrations, but they did not exceed the June

17 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report NAAQS. The 24-hour PM 10 NAAQS is attained when the expected number of days per calendar year with a 24-hour average concentration above 150 µg/m 3 is equal to or less than one. Therefore, the monitoring stations met the NAAQS in Figure A-7 presents a graph of monthly average PM 10 concentrations from the filterbased data collected by the FRM monitors over the entire period of record. In addition, data from the particulate monitors at the SCAQMD s North Long Beach site are included for comparison. The most evident feature of the graph is the spike in PM 10 concentrations that occurred in the beginning (January) and at the end (November) of Figure A-8 presents a graph of the real-time BAM PM 10 concentrations, measured during the entire period of record, and averaged on a monthly basis to remove the day-to-day variations in the data. The real-time data show the same pattern in 2009 as the filterbased data, with strong peaks during January and November. The graphs show the high correlation between the PM 10 concentrations measured by the BAMs at the two monitoring sites, as well as at the North Long Beach station. Both graphs show that the PM 10 concentrations at the Superblock station are higher than at the Gull Park station. This is primarily a reflection of the surrounding conditions at the two sites: The Superblock station is in an industrial location, and there is an adjacent large container storage area and several smaller container distribution sites, all of which have considerable heavy diesel truck traffic throughout the day. The Gull Park station has no nearby emission sources, although there may be some impact from Port terminals that are located within a few hundred yards, and at times ocean-going vessels transiting the Long Beach Channel pass fairly close to the station PM 2.5 Data Summary PM 2.5 concentrations are measured by two monitoring techniques (discussed earlier); traditional filter-based integrated monitors (FRM monitors), and real-time particulate monitors (BAMs). Tables A-18 through A-19 present the results of the measurements. At Superblock, the annual average PM 2.5 concentrations measured by the monitors were 11.7 g/m 3 (FRM monitor), and 17.3 g/m 3 (BAM monitor). At Gull Park, the annual average PM 2.5 concentration measured by the BAM monitor was 14.1 g/m 3. The Gull Park station does not use a FRM monitor. These PM 2.5 concentrations measured with the BAM monitors at Superblock and Gull Park were above the annual CAAQS (12 g/m 3 ) for the 2009 sampling periods. The 2009 annual average PM 2.5 concentration measured by the Superblock BAM monitor was also slightly above the annual average PM 2.5 NAAQS of 15 g/m 3 ; however, the concentration measured at the Gull Park station was below the PM 2.5 NAAQS. The data show that the annual average PM 2.5 concentrations decreased from 2008 to 2009 at both the Superblock and Gull Park sites. The 24-hour PM 2.5 NAAQS of 35 g/m 3 was exceeded six times at Superblock and three times at Gull Park, as shown in Tables A-19 and A-20. All of these exceedances occurred during the winter months. The three-year average of the 98 th percentile for the June

18 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report PM 2.5 FRM at Superblock is 32 g/m 3. PM hour NAAQS of 35 g/m 3. Therefore, this value is in attainment with the Figure A-9 presents a graph of monthly average PM 2.5 concentrations from the filterbased data collected by the Superblock FRM monitor over the entire period of record. In addition, data from the particulate monitor at the SCAQMD s North Long Beach site is included for comparison. At both stations, there is a general tendency evident in the PM 2.5 data for higher concentrations in the winter seasons. Figure A-10 presents a graph of the real-time BAM PM 2.5 concentrations, measured during the period of record, averaged on a monthly basis to show the overall trend and to remove the day-to-day variations in the data. The real-time data show the same pattern as the filter-based data, with generally higher concentrations in winter months of the year. In addition, the graphs show the high correlation between the PM 2.5 concentrations at the two monitoring sites, indicating that regional influences affected the data at both sites. Both graphs show that the PM 2.5 concentrations at the Superblock station are higher than at the Gull Park station. This is primarily a reflection of the surrounding conditions at the two sites, as discussed above for the PM 10 results. 3.2 Meteorological Data The meteorological data collected at both monitoring stations are useful in interpreting the PM data collected at each of the sites. Additionally, these data sets can be used in air dispersion modeling and other data analyses. Wind roses were created for meteorological data collected at each station for calendar year 2009 and are shown in Figures A-1 to A-2. Wind roses graphically show the distribution of winds at a site, including speed, direction and frequency. By convention, winds are shown in the direction from which they came; for example, a west wind blows from the west. The wind roses for each monitoring station were also projected onto the Port base map in Figure 7. A review of these figures shows that the predominant wind patterns at each station is different, implying that the Port area experiences complex air flow patterns. 3.3 PM Measurements during Unusual Events The concentration of PM at the Port s monitoring sites can be influenced by sources near the Port as well as by regional air quality. For example, PM 10 measurements can be strongly affected by regional events such as wildfires and Santa Ana conditions. Alternatively, PM 2.5 concentrations can be influenced by emissions from diesel trucks operating near a distribution center that is close to the Superblock station. June

19 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Figure 7. Wind Roses for the Port of Long Beach Air Quality Monitoring Program, CY 2009 June

20 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Summer 2009 Wildfires The wildfire known as the Station Fire, which occurred in late summer 2009, did not noticeably increase PM measurements at the Port monitoring stations or the SCAQMD North Long Beach Station. Although the Station Fire lasted for about a six-week period, the winds were blowing in a northerly direction during much of this time which carried the pollutants away from the Port monitoring locations. As a result, PM concentrations were not elevated during this period. 3.4 Quality Assurance Procedures Several quality assurance measures have been built into the monitoring program in order to ensure the integrity of the data. These QA measures include the following: All of the data are reviewed through a comprehensive quality assurance process by the Port s technical consultants, to check for periods when the data are not valid (e.g., during instrument calibrations or when an instrument is out of service), to check for conditional flags put on the data by the instruments or the data logging system, and to determine if the values being recorded are reasonable compared to other local monitoring programs (i.e., POLA, and SCAQMD North Long Beach). Data that has been determined to be invalid is removed from the data set. All continuous pollutant analyzers are automatically calibrated daily to ensure that the instrument is taking accurate measurements. To further ensure the validation of the collected results within the program, all of the analyzers are subjected to a biannual performance audit performed by an independent contractor. o Field blanks on all of the gravimetric samplers are periodically taken at each station to eliminate the systematic contamination of sampling filters. Monitoring checklists are routinely completed by field technicians during every station visit. 3.5 Data Recovery Data recovery for all instruments was greater than 95 percent, with two exceptions: the NO 2 instrument at Superblock had to be returned to the factory for repairs, and the PM 2.5 BAM at Gull Park required extensive troubleshooting with the factory support team to resolve technical problems with the instrument. Data recovery for these instruments was approximately 86 percent. 4 Trends Analysis With three years of records, a preliminary review of the trends in the data was developed. This analysis will use annual averages to assess the long-term trends in the data, even if there are no annual standards for that pollutant. Ambient air pollution levels near the San Pedro Bay are influenced by a number of factors including local pollutant emissions, regional air pollution levels, and meteorology. June

21 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report Several important criteria air pollutants (i.e., ozone, PM 2.5 ) are created (in whole or in part) by chemical reactions which occur after the release of emissions into the atmosphere. As such, concentrations from these pollutants are expected to be more regional. Others pollutants, like SO 2, are more localized and directly influenced by nearby emissions sources. As explained in the Introduction, Port-related air pollutant emissions were lower in CY2009 compared to prior years. 2 This decline was due to a number of factors including the successful implementation of control measures under the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). Those measures have significantly reduced emissions rates from goods movement sources such as heavy duty trucks, ocean going vessels, and cargo handling equipment. Additionally, the decrease in Port-related emissions was certainly affected by a sharp decline in goods movement activity at the San Pedro Bay ports. Meteorology can also have a significant influence on regional air pollution levels from one year to the next. So while CAAP measures have improved air emission levels, it is not presently known how much of any decrease (or increase) in ambient air pollutant concentrations measured at the Port can be attributed to the Port s goods movementfocused measures under the CAAP. 4.1 Trends in Gaseous Criteria Pollutants CO Concentrations Table 2 presents the annual average CO concentrations at the two stations in the Port s air monitoring network, over the three-year period of record. TABLE 2. Annual Average CO Concentrations Measured at the Port Stations Year Annual Average CO Concentrations (ppm) Superblock Gull Park Change from % 0% The table shows that the average CO concentrations at both stations were very low and exhibited no change during the period of record. Figure A-3 shows the average monthly concentration of CO over the three-year period of record. 2 Port of Long Beach Air Emissions Inventory Starcrest Consulting Group LLC. ( June, June

22 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report NO 2 Concentrations Table 3 presents the annual average NO 2 concentrations at the two stations in the Port s air monitoring network, over the three-year period of record. TABLE 3. Annual Average NO 2 Concentrations Measured at the Port Stations Year Annual Average NO 2 Concentrations* (ppm) Superblock Gull Park Change from -17% 0% * Annual Average NAAQS for NO 2 is ppm; Annual Average CAAQS for NO 2 is 0.03ppm. The table shows that the average NO 2 concentrations at both stations were low. At the Superblock station, there was a decrease of 17 percent in the annual average concentrations. In comparison, at the Gull Park station there was no exhibited change during the period of record. Figure A-4 shows the average monthly concentration of NO 2 over the three-year period of record. The Superblock and Gull Park stations follow a similar trend as the SCAQMD monitoring stations at Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Burbank as well as the CARB North Long Beach station. These monitoring stations have a high concentration at the beginning of the year which falls to a minimum during the summer months. The NO 2 concentration then gradually increases and then peaks in November, with a sharp decline in December. The SCAQMD monitoring station in Azusa however behaves slightly differently. The Azusa monitoring station has a sharp increase in the summer months with a sharp decrease in September to October, followed by another sharp increase from October to November, with another sharp decrease in December O 3 Concentrations Table 4 presents the annual average O 3 concentrations at the two stations in the Port s air monitoring network, over the three-year period of record. No long-term trend in the O 3 concentrations was evident at the Superblock station, while the Gull Park station had an increase of 12 percent. Because O 3 is a secondary pollutant that takes many hours to form, ozone concentrations are more reflective of air quality pollutant levels in the South Coast Air Basin rather than localized pollutant levels. Figure A-5 shows the average monthly concentration of O 3 over the three-year period of record. June

23 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report The Superblock and Gull Park stations follow the same trends as the SCAQMD monitoring sites in Los Angeles, Anaheim, Burbank, and Azusa as well as the CARB North Long Beach site. All of the monitors have lower O 3 concentrations at the beginning of the year. The O 3 concentrations increase and peak in the April-May timeframe and then slightly decrease and plateau in the June-July timeframe. The O 3 concentrations then slightly increase and then decrease towards the end of the year. TABLE 4. Annual Average O 3 Concentrations Measured at the Port Stations Year Annual Average O 3 Concentrations (ppm) Superblock Gull Park Change from % +12% The reason that O 3 concentrations peak during the summer months at each of the station is because the photochemical reactions required to produce O 3 are stronger during the summer months (O 3 is a secondary pollutant formed from VOCs and NO x in the presence of sunlight) SO 2 Concentrations Table 5 presents the annual average SO 2 concentrations at the two stations in the Port s air monitoring network, over the three-year period of record. The table shows that the average SO 2 concentrations at both stations were extremely low. At both stations, there was a small decrease in the absolute value of the annual average SO 2 concentration (shown as a large percentage decrease, because of the very low numbers). Figure A-6 shows the average monthly concentration of SO 2 over the three-year period of record. TABLE 5. Annual Average SO 2 Concentrations Measured at the Port Stations Year Annual Average SO 2 Concentrations* (ppm) Superblock Gull Park Change from % -25% * Annual Average NAAQS for SO 2 is 0.03 ppm. June

24 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report 4.2 Trends in PM 10 and PM 2.5 Data Three years of PM 10 and PM 2.5 data are now available from the monitoring stations, which provide an initial analysis of trends in the PM data within the network. Table 6 presents the annual average PM 10 and PM 2.5 data collected by filter-based monitors at the two stations in the Port s air monitoring network, over the three-year period of record. TABLE 6. Annual Average PM 10 and PM 2.5 Concentrations collected at the Superblock and Gull Park Stations by Filter-Based Monitors. Year Annual Average PM Concentrations* (µg/m 3 ) PM 10 at Superblock PM 10 at Gull Park PM 2.5 at Superblock Change from -9.0% -16.3% -26.4% * Annual Average CAAQS for PM 10 is 20 µg/m 3 * Annual Average NAAQS and CAAQS for PM 2.5 are 15 µg/m 3 and 12 µg/m 3, respectively. Note: 2007 PM 2.5 data was collected by a Sequential Filter Sampler filter-based monitor, which is similar to an FRM monitor; all other data sets were collected by FRM filter-based monitors. Table 6 shows that the PM 10 data at the Superblock station had a moderate decrease of 9.0 percent from 2007 to A larger decrease of 16.3% was recorded during this time period at the Gull Park station. These moderate decreases are likely due to a number of factors: o PM 10 concentrations are largely due to fugitive dust emissions, which typically result from wind erosion or resuspension of road dust by traffic. o During part of 2009, a large part of the 4-block open, paved parking/staging area known as Superblock was empty. The monitoring station is located at the edge of the Superblock site, and thus may have measured increased levels of resuspended dust (fugitive emissions) under higher wind conditions. o The Gull Park site is located at the end of the Navy Mole, a peninsula primarily surrounded by water. Therefore, its exposure to localized wind erosion effects should be minimal, and larger decreases from 2007 PM 10 levels could occur. Table 6 also shows that the PM 2.5 data at the Superblock station had the largest decrease of 26.4 percent from 2007 to 2009 (there is no filter-based PM 2.5 monitor at the Gull Park station). Figures A-7 through A-10 show the average monthly concentration of PM 10 and PM 2.5 over the three-year period of record. The Superblock and Gull Park monitoring stations follow a similar trend in PM 2.5 concentrations throughout the year. There is very little change in concentration throughout the first half of the year with PM 2.5 concentrations beginning to increase in June

25 POLB Air Quality Monitoring Program: CY 2009 Summary Report September and peaking in November. Then there is a sharp decline in concentration in December. In contrast, the Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Burbank SCAQMD monitoring stations follow a completely different concentration pattern than the Port s monitoring sites. The SCAQMD monitoring sites PM 2.5 concentrations continually fluctuate up and down during the first half of the year when they finally peak in concentration in May. The second half of the year is similar to the first of the year with concentrations declining toward the end of the year. 5 Conclusions This report presents a summary of the data collected during 12 months of the Port s air quality monitoring program: from January 2009 to December During this reporting period, the Port s monitoring program measured data was in accordance with the attainment status of the SoCAB; there were no exceedances of the NAAQS or CAAQS measured at the Port stations for CO, SO 2, NO 2, and O 3. Several exceedances were measured for PM 10 and PM 2.5. These results are consistent with concentrations measured at other SoCAB monitoring stations. The trends analysis for the period of 2007 to 2009 showed no change in CO levels at both stations, no change in NO 2 levels at Gull Park, and no change in O 3 levels at Superblock. The trends analysis for O 3 at the Gull Park station showed an increase between 2007 to Finally, the trends analysis for SO 2, PM 10 and PM 2.5 showed a decrease at both the Superblock and Gull Park sites, and a decrease in NO 2 at the Superblock station. Data recovery has been very good during this program, and the data are available for review on a real-time basis at the Clean Air Action Plan website: 6 References Port of Long Beach Port of Long Beach Air Quality Monitoring Plan. April 2010 Update a. Port of Long Beach Quality Assurance Plan for the Air Quality Monitoring Program. April 2010 Update. 2008b. Port of Long Beach Air Quality Monitoring Program Work Plan. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter, Volume I. EPA/600/P-99/002aF, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC. June