Air Quality, General Conformity & Class Exercise Thurs., Dec. 10 th, 2009 (8:00 12:00) Ed Melisky Environmental Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration, Airports Planning and Environmental Division, edward.melisky@faa.gov Sam Hartsfield Environmental Specialist Air Quality & Planning, Port of Portland Aviation Division sam.hartsfield@portofportland.com Mike Kenney Air Quality Scientist, KB Environmental Sciences, Inc., mkenney@kbenv.com
Session 1: Air Quality & Conformity 8:00 Terms & Concepts (Mike) Guidance Materials (Ed) Tools & Techniques (Mike) General Conformity (Ed) Greenhouse Gases & Hazardous Air Pollutants (Mike) NEPA Documentation (Sam) -9:45 Case Studies (Sam) Break (30 min.)
Session 2: Class Exercise 10:15 - Session 1 Review (Sam) Set Up (Mike) Design & Approach (Ed) Conduct Assessments (Class) Prepare Reports (Class) Present Findings (Class) - 12:00 Review & Q/A (All) Lunch
Terms & Concepts (The Pollutants) Air Pollutants Emissions from stationary or mobile sources that may reasonably be expected to endanger public health or welfare. Criteria Pollutants Six (6) compounds for which the U.S. EPA has established air quality standards (e.g., CO, NO 2, SO 2, O 3, Pb, PM 10/2.5 ). Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) Substances for which there are no air quality standards (a.k.a., air toxics). Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Compounds that can cause climate change (e.g., CO 2, methane, water vapor).
Terms & Concepts (Assessment Methods) Air Quality Monitoring Sampling and measurements of air pollutant concentrations in real time. Emissions Inventory Estimates mass (i.e., tons, kg.) of air emissions based on source activity levels and emission rates. Dispersion Modeling Estimates of air pollutant concentrations (i.e., mg/m 3, ppm) based on emission densities, time and meteorology. Santa Monica Emissions & Dispersion Modeling System (EDMS) The FAA model for preparing airport emission inventories and conducting dispersion modeling.
Terms & Concepts (The Benchmarks) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Concentrations of criteria pollutants that are deemed safe by the EPA. Non-Attainment / Maintenance Areas Signifies areas with measured NAAQS violations. State Implementation Plan (SIP) A set of plans, timeframes and control measures for bringing a non-attainment / maintenance area into compliance with the NAAQS. De-minimis Levels In non-attainment/maintenance areas, nominal amounts of emissions that automatically conform to the SIP.
Terms & Concepts (Conformity) General Conformity The process of ensuring that federal non-roadway/transit projects conform to the SIP. o o o o Applicability Test Determines if General Conformity applies based upon a comparison of project/action emissions to the de-minimis levels. Direct / Indirect Emissions Caused by the federal project/action (a.) at the same time and place or (b.) at a different time and place. Reasonably Foreseeable / Practicably Controllable Conditions that direct / indirect emissions must meet for agency responsibility. Presumed to Conform Agency projects/actions predetermined to automatically conform to the SIP. Transportation Conformity The process of ensuring that federal roadway/transit projects conform to the SIP.
FAA NEPA Air Quality Guidance Materials Ed Melisky
Air Quality Management Cycle Start - EPA establishes healthbased standards (NAAQS) State monitors air quality EPA implements rule & designates areas Maintenance Area Nonattainment Area State implements the plan State submits plan to EPA States/locals develop plan (SIP)
Criteria Pollutants (NAAQS) Lead (Pb) From leaded aviation fuel for piston engines. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) From burning sulfur-containing fuels. Carbon monoxide (CO) From incomplete engine combustion. Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) From high temperature / high pressure engine combustion. Ozone (O 3 ) (precursors: volatile organic compounds/nitrous oxides) From evaporative emissions, engine combustion. Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) From construction (dust), incomplete engine combustion. Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) From incomplete engine combustion.
NEPA vs. General Conformity Analysis NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) All Airports (where there s a Federal action) All criteria pollutants NAAQS (in concentrations) Analyze all reasonable alternatives Small GA and air taxi exemption: (i.e., < 180,000 annuals GA and air taxi ops) General Conformity (Clean Air Act) Airports in nonattainment or maintenance areas Examines criteria pollutants causing/that caused or State Implementation Plan (SIP) violations de minimis thresholds NAAQS ( in weight / year) GC Determination on preferred alternative No exemption
FAA NEPA Air Quality Guidance Sources Order 1050.1E, Appendix A, Chapter 1 o www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/order/ energy_orders/1050-1e.pdf Desk Reference for Airport Actions, Chapter 1 o www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/environ mental_desk_ref/media/desk_ref.pdf Air Quality Procedures for Civilian Airports & Air Bases, o www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/policy_gui dance/envir_policy/airquality_handbook/me dia/handbook.pdf AQ Handbook FAA AQ Handbook Env. Desk Reference
FAA NEPA Air Quality Guidance Sources (continued) New guidance on addressing greenhouse gases Recommended Text for Addressing Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases Affected Environment: Of growing concern is the impact of proposed projects on climate change. Greenhouse gases are those that trap heat in the earth's atmosphere.. Guidance on addressing hazardous air pollutants Mike will discuss more later HAPs Guidelines
FAA Air Quality Procedures (See Handout copy for details.)
Tools & Techniques Mike Kenney
Tools & Techniques Emissions & Dispersion Modeling System Emissions Inventory Dispersion Model FAA-required, EPA-preferred EDMS Ver. 5.1 (Sept. 2009) 6. Create & Set-up Study Specify runways, taxiways, taxipaths, gates 7. Criteria pollutants & HAPs ICAO, Mobile6.2, NONROAD, AERMOD Airport Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) Emission Rates 5. Pollutants 4. 3. 1. Identify Sources & Define Action 2. Input User-created Data Place receptors or grid 8. Input Meteorological Data 9. www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters _offices/aep/models/edms_model/ Operations & Activity Levels Concentrations (µg/m 3 )
Tools & Techniques Types & Amounts of Emissions CH 4 + 2O 2 E nergy +CO 2 + 2H 2 O Fuel Oxygen Products of combustion 6X10 23 molecules = 1 mole Mole of C = 12 grams Mole of O = 16 grams CO 1 C + @ NO12 g. = 12 g x + SO x + HC + PM Criteria 2 O @ Pollutants 16 g. = 32 Og 3 precursor/haps 1 mole of CO 2 = 44 g 44 g = 0.1 lbs.= 0.0001 tons
Tools & Techniques (Emissions Inventory) Applications NEPA EA/EIS: Emission sources & types Activity/operational levels Alternatives / Years Permit requirements SIP Emission Budget(s) Mitigation strategies General Conformity Requirements NO x Emissions (tons/year) 400 NO x Emissions (tons/year) NO x Emissions (tons/year) 350 Build No-Build Source 2008 2012 2020 2025 300 Operation Source Construction Aircraft 250 243 268 310 339 Aircraft 243 280 - GSE 200 & APUs 33 22 10 9 GSE & APUs 33 35 - Construction 150 - - 55 Motor Vehicles 12 7 Sta. 4 Sources3 Motor Vehicles GSE & APUs Totals 100 276 315 55 Differences 50-39 55 De-miminis Levels - 50 50 0 Gen. Conf. Applies 2007-2012 No 2020 Yes 2025 Stationary 3 4 Aircraft 4 5 Totals 291 301 328 356
Tools & Techniques (Dispersion Modeling) NO Applications x Contours When required by agencies Comparisons to NAAQS Risk assessments Hot-spot identification Community relations Concentrations (µg/m 3 ) Pollutant Existing Build No-Build NAAQS CO, 1-Hour Highest 5,676 5,741 5,771 40,000 CO, 8-Hour, Highest 2,734 2,739 2,768 10,000 NO 2, 1-Hour, Highest 255 252 254 320 NO 2, Annual, Highest 55 55 55 100 PM 10, 24-Hour, 2nd Highest 48 48 48 150 PM 10, Annual, Highest 24 24 24 50
General Conformity Rule Ed Melisky
Nonattainment Areas: Examples PM10 and PM2.5 156 of 527 Commercial Service Airports are in Nonattainment Areas 70% 30% Nonattainment (NEPA & General Conformity) Attainment (NEPA) 140 120 100 80 60 40 121 86 63 Ozone PM CO Pollutants of greatest concern 20 0
Nonattainment Areas: Example PM10 and PM2.5 PM 10 PM 2.5
NEPA vs. General Conformity Analysis NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) All Airports (where there s a Federal action) All criteria pollutants NAAQS (in concentrations) Analyze all reasonable alternatives Small GA and air taxi exemption: (i.e., < 180,000 annuals GA and air taxi ops) General Conformity (Clean Air Act) Airports in nonattainment or maintenance areas Examines criteria pollutants causing/that caused or State Implementation Plan (SIP) violations de minimis thresholds NAAQS ( in weight / year) GC Determination on preferred alternative No exemption
General Conformity Ensures Federal Actions do not interfere with SIPs - No new violations - No increase in the frequency or severity of existing violations - No delay in timely attainment Conformity Determination? Start analysis: Do we have a Federal Action? In nonattainment or maintenance area? Criteria pollutant(s)? Exempt? Are net of criteria pollutant in inventory above de minimis? Emissions Inventory for criteria pollutant(s) Presumed to Conform?
Construction Emissions Will stay the same - EPA is reluctant to exempt them because States may not plan for Federal actions involving large or long-term construction. (Transportation conformity doesn t include construction emissions!) Other EPA ideas for construction emissions o Add to a facility-wide emissions budget o Add to an agency presumed to conform list
Ozone Classifications for 121 Airports
General Conformity (Summary View) 1. Emissions Below De Minimis Levels? No Yes Yes 2. Are Emissions Included in SIP? No Yes 3. Implement Feasible Mitigation Options or Emissions Offsets. No Project Conforms Yes 4. Can the SIP be Amended to Include Emissions?
Greenhouse Gases & Hazardous Air Pollutants Mike Kenney
Terms & Concepts (HAPS & GHGs) Hazardous Air Pollutants Hazardous vs. Toxic Potential to cause harm versus causes harm. Health Risk Assessment Analysis of HAPs on humans based on potency and exposure. Organic Gases Carbon-based gases (excluding CO, CO 2 ). Toxicity Weighting Assigning potency factor to HAPs. Greenhouse Gases Boundaries Geographic limits of GHG emissions inventory. CO 2 equivalents Normalized metric of GHGs based global warming potential. Scopes Categories of GHGs based on ownership (e.g., I, II, III)
Greenhouse Gases (FAA NEPA Documents) Current Approach Address qualitatively and semi-quantitatively equating project-related operations to U.S. aviation GHG totals. If: Project GHG <<< U.S. Aviation GHG (3%)<< Nationwide GHG Then: GHG (with project) Ops. (with project) / GHG (U.S. aviation) Qualitative when de-minimis. Draft Guidance* Quantitative when a significant impact or required legally. o o Compare Build to No-Build Use existing airport data when possible. * FAA AEE developing policy, subject to change.
Hazardous Air Pollutants (FAA Guidance) Aircraft, APUs, GSE, ground access vehicles, stationary sources, fueling, deicing, solvents/paint. Computed in EDMS. Emissions Inventory of total organic gases (TOG) Build vs. No-build No dispersion modeling, toxicity weighting, health risk assessment. No criteria or comparisons NEPA disclosure purposes only. Emission Factors HAPs Guidelines
Hazardous Air Pollutants (cont.) Recommended approach from FAA HAPs Guidelines. EPA/State/Local agency coordination. Exceptions on caseby-case basis.
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Sam Hartsfield
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Introduction o Brief overview Analyses performed Analyses findings/results Causes of findings Conformity applicability analysis result Conformity determination
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Air Quality Regulatory Context o Requirements air analyses will satisfy, for whom CAA, SIP conformity, special local issues EPA, state agencies, etc. o Local regulatory context Attainment status SIP status o Other regulatory details Thresholds of significance Conformity thresholds
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Methodology o Construction emission inventories o Operational emission inventories o Conformity applicability analysis o Conformity determination
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Existing Conditions o Local monitoring data State or local agencies EPA monitoring network o Planning documents SIP TIP State or regional emission inventories
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Environmental Consequences o Each reasonable alternative considered o Construction emission inventory o Operational emission inventory o Compare to emissions from no-action alternative
NEPA Air Quality Documentation General Conformity o If region subject to SIP o Applicability determination Combined annual construction + operation emissions De minimis levels for applicable pollutants Regionally Significant 10% regional emissions o Conformity determination Project included in SIP? Agency coordination Methods depend on pollutant Dispersion modeling, etc.
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Mitigation o Minimizing emissions even if not significant o Best management practices Limit idling Construction employee shuttles Alternative/clean fuels Modern engines Dust suppression
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Appendices o Calculations o Detailed methodologies o Monitoring results o Meteorology o Model details o Detailed inventories o SIP and Conformity details
NEPA Air Quality Documentation Considerations in developing approach o Level of documentation Ex: EIS & EA require more extensive analyses than CatEx o Regulatory framework Attainment status SIP requirements Airport inclusion in SIP o Extent of impact
Case Studies Sam Hartsfield
Case Study 1: Runway Extension / Runway Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment Maintenance for CO Project components o Fill and surcharge o Construct extensions o Rehab runway
Case Study 1: Runway Extension / Runway Rehabilitation (continued) ~750,000 cubic yards fill for extension o Offsite fill hauling up to 35 TPY CO o Used onsite stockpiles for surcharge/fill o 36 TPY CO for all construction (including fill hauling) Operational emissions up to 66 tons CO greater for build alternatives No General Conformity analysis o De minimis 100 TPY o Included in SIP
Case Study 2: New Administrative Headquarters Building (Landside) Documented Categorical Exclusion Maintenance for CO Project components: o Construct building o Reroute 1500 feet of airport access road o Demolish hangars o Remove storage tanks o Altered commute patterns o Build parking garage
Case Study 2: New Administrative Headquarters Building (Continued) Air impacts: o 3 years of demolition and construction up to 86 TPY CO o Operational impacts Increased employee commute distance 6 TPY CO o Indirect Source Construction Permit No General Conformity analysis o De minimis 100 TPY o Included in SIP
Case Study 3: Construct Third Runway Environmental Impact Statement Maintenance for O 3 (1-hr)* and CO Project components o Property acquisition o Embankment and fill Construct special highway on/off ramps o Construct runway and associated taxiways o Extensive environmental mitigation o Terminal and Roadway Improvements
Case Study 3: Construct Third Runway (Continued) Import 26 million cubic yards of fill 1.5 million truck trips Up to 166 trucks/hour at peak Fill import = main air issue Dispersion analyses EDMS CAL3QHC Estimated construction emissions = 118 TPY Exceeds NOx de minimis
Case Study 3: Construct Third Runway (Continued) Roadway and terminal improvements accelerated Result in 28 TPY NOx reduction Offset construction emissions Now de minimis (90 TPY) Full conformity determination still required Airport required to demonstrate annual de minimis Submit annual construction EI 10 years ~ $10,000/year $100,000 for inventories alone
Break 30 minutes
Session 2: Class Exercise 10:15 - Session 1 Review (SM) Set Up(MK) Design & Approach (EM) Conduct Assessments (Class) Prepare Reports (Class) Present Findings (Class) - 12:00 Review & Q/A (All)
Review of Session 1 Sam
Class Exercise Set-Up Mike
Class Exercise Severe O3 Nonattainment Area PM2.5 Maintenance Area Runway Extension New Emergency Generator Expanded Air Carrier Service New Boiler New Parking (private) New ILS New Interchange
Class Exercise Set-Up Master Plan Information I.B. Project Schedule (pg. 2) I.C. Activity Levels (pg. 2) Air Quality Information II.A. Attainment/Non-Attainment Status (pg. 3) II.B. State Implementation Plan (pg. 4) II. C Airport Emissions Inventories (pg. 4)
Design & Approach Ed
Step 1: Conduct Assessment (Class) Assignment Using the acquired information and resources: o o Identify and evaluate the proposed airport projects and actions. Determine and assess their potential air quality impacts following FAA guidelines. Timeframe 15 minutes
Step 2: Prepare Reports (Class) Assignment Using the acquired information and resources and based upon the assessment: o Document your findings in accordance with NEPA and other regulatory requirements. Timeframe 15 minutes
Step 3: Present Findings (Class) Assignment Using the acquired information and resources and based upon the assessment: o o Present your findings in accordance with NEPA and other regulatory requirements. Respond to questions from stakeholders. Timeframe 15 minutes
Review & Q/A