Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) State Air Resources Board (ARB) San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJ APCD) and their effects on Kern County Bakersfield ASSE Safety Symposium March 28, 2012 Michael Geyer, PE, CIH, CSP Project Director KERNTEC Environmental WWW.KERNTECINDUSTRIES.COM
Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) U.S. Law authorized the U.S. EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and public welfare, and to regulate air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. Goals of the CAA was to set and achieve NAAQS in every state by 1975 in order to address the public health and welfare risks posed by air pollution. REF: http://epa.gov/oar/caa.html
State Air Resources Board (ARB) 2009 - Based on a new U.S. EPA methodology, the ARB determines that 9,000 people die annually due to the amount of fine particulate air pollution in California. The new methodology established that fine particulate matter has a causal link to premature mortality. REF: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/health.htm
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJV APCD) Despite documented air quality progress and the encouraging growth of zero-emission technologies and vehicles, substantial air quality challenges remain for the Valley. The Valley s bowl-shaped topography and consistently-stagnant weather patterns exacerbate the formation and retention of high levels of air pollution. Furthermore, the District does not have direct jurisdiction over the mobile sources that generate about 80% of the Valley s NOx emissions, the most critical precursor for PM2.5 and ozone attainment. REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJV APCD) Challenges will intensify under increasingly stringent National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) being considered by the EPA. The EPA has recently proposed several changes to the ozone and PM2.5 NAAQS. Under the anticipated NAAQS changes, even some of the Valley s cleanest counties could begin to record NAAQ S violations despite improving air quality here in the Valley. REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJV APCD) Valley businesses are subject to some of the most stringent air regulations in the nation. Since 1980, emissions from Valley businesses have been reduced by approximately 80-percent. However, new health-based standards established by EPA will demand further reductions in emissions; which will require new technologies that do not yet exist. REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJV APCD) When the Valley exceeded the federal 1-hour ozone standard on seven days in 2010, a $29-million per year non-attainment federal penalty was triggered; to be imposed on the Valley s businesses. This resulted in the District s Governing Board devising a creative solution that minimized individual impact on Valley residents and ensured these funds would return to the Valley for investment in clean-air projects. Seyed Sadredin, Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, 2011 Report to the Community. REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
History of the CAA Legislation enacted by the U.S. Congress Law: U.S. Code Title 42, Chapter 85 Section 7401 to 7671 Regulation: Code of Federal Regulations: 40 CFR 50 to 97 Clean Air Act pre-1970 (1955, 1963 and 1967) Clean Air Act of 1970 Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 REF: http://epa.gov/oar/caa/caa_history.html
History of the CAA (CONTINUED) Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 First federal legislation involving air pollution. Provided funds for research in air pollution. Clean Air Act of 1963 First federal legislation regarding air pollution control. Established a federal program within the U.S. Public Health Service. Authorized research into monitoring and controlling air pollution. Air Quality Act of 1967 Enacted in order to expand federal government activities. Enforcement proceedings were initiated in areas subject to interstate air pollution fate and transport. First legislation to conduct extensive ambient monitoring studies and stationary source inspections. Expanded studies of air pollutant emission inventories, ambient monitoring techniques, and control technologies. State of California got a waiver to set and enforce its own air standards
History of the CAA (CONTINUED) Clean Air Act of 1970 Resulted in a major shift in the federal government's role in air pollution assessment and control. Authorized the development of comprehensive federal and state regulations to limit emissions from both stationary (industrial) sources and mobile sources. Four major regulatory programs affecting stationary sources were authorized: National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), State Implementation Plans (SIPs), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs). Enforcement authority was substantially expanded. Requirements for control of motor vehicle emissions.
History of the CAA (CONTINUED) Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 Major amendments added to the Clean Air Act. Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) of air quality in areas attaining the NAAQS. Contained requirements pertaining to sources in nonattainment areas for NAAQS. (A non-attainment area is a geographic area that does not meet one or more of the federal air quality standards.) Established major permit review requirements to ensure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS.
History of the CAA (CONTINUED) Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 Major amendments again added to the Clean Air Act. Substantially increased authority and responsibility of the EPA. New regulatory programs were authorized: Control of acid deposition (acid rain) Issuance of stationary source operating permits. NESHAPs were incorporated into a greatly expanded program for controlling toxic air pollutants. Provisions for attainment and maintenance of NAAQS were substantially modified and expanded. Other revisions: phase out of ozone-depleting chemicals, increased enforcement authority, and expanded research programs in human health risks of air pollution.
Clean Air Act - Terms & Conditions National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) This is a national one-size-fits all standard!!!! The practicality of which puts the U.S. southwest at a disadvantage, and the San Joaquin Valley in big trouble. State Implementation Plans (SIPs) California needs the EPA s approval to act New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs)
Clean Air Act - Terms & Conditions National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) This is a one-size-fits all standard!!!!
Clean Air Act - Terms & Conditions National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) The Clean Air Act, amended in 1990, requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. (40 CFR Part 50) The Clean Air Act identifies two types of national ambient air quality standards. Primary standards provide public health protection, including protecting the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards provide public welfare protection, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings. REF: http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) EPA has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six (6) principal pollutants, which are called "criteria" pollutants - listed below. Units of measure for the standards are parts per million (ppm) by volume, parts per billion (ppb) by volume, and micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m 3 ) Carbon Monoxide Ozone Lead Particulate Pollution Nitrogen Dioxide Sulfur Dioxide
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) REF: http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html AS OF OCTOBER 2011
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) REF: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/pm/s_pm_history.html
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) &!!" Particulate Matter (PM) Historical Standards TSP - 24hr Average %#!" %!!" $#!" PM10-24hr Average PM2.5-24hr Average $!!" TSP - Annual Average #!" PM10 - Annual Average PM2.5 - Annual Average!" $'($" $'(%" $'(&" $'()" $'(#" $'(*" $'((" $'(+" $'('" $'+!" $'+$" $'+%" $'+&" $'+)" $'+#" $'+*" $'+(" $'++" $'+'" $''!" $''$" $''%" $''&" $'')" $''#" $''*" $''(" $''+" $'''" %!!!" %!!$" %!!%" %!!&" %!!)" %!!#" %!!*" %!!(" %!!+" %!!'" %!$!" %!$$"
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) Particulate Matter in the Valley
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) Major Source Any stationary source or group of stationary sources located within a contiguous area and under common control that emits or has the potential to emit considering controls, in the aggregate, 10 tons per year or more of any hazardous air pollutant or 25 tons per year or more of any combination of hazardous air pollutants. The EPA Administrator may establish a lesser quantity, or in the case of radionuclides different criteria, for a major source than that specified in the previous sentence, on the basis of the potency of the air pollutant, persistence, potential for bioaccumulation, other characteristics of the air pollutant, or other relevant facto. REF: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/7412
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) Area Source Any stationary source of hazardous air pollutants that is not a major source. For purposes of this section, the term area source shall not include motor vehicles or non-road vehicles subject to regulation under Subchapter II of the CAA. Hazardous Air Pollutants A list of 314 chemicals and chemical compounds (40 CFR Parts 61 and 63) Stationary Source Any building, structure, facility, or installation which emits or may emit any air pollutant.
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) New Source A stationary source, the construction or reconstruction of which is commenced after the EPA Administrator first proposes regulations under this section establishing an emission standard applicable to such source. Modification Any physical change in, or change in the method of operation of, a major source which increases the actual emissions of any hazardous air pollutant emitted by such source by more than a de minimis amount or which results in the emission of any hazardous air pollutant not previously emitted by more than a de minimis amount. Adverse Environmental Impact Any significant and widespread adverse effect, which may reasonably be anticipated, to wildlife, aquatic life, or other natural resources, including adverse impacts on populations of endangered or threatened species or significant degradation of environmental quality over broad areas.
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) NSR New Source Review (new/changed source triggers NSR) ISR Indirect Source Review LAER Lowest Achievable Emission Rate RACT Reasonably Available Control Technology BACT Best Available Control Technology MACT Maximum Achievable Control Technology
CAA - Terms & Conditions (CONTINUED) Attainment An air district/basin that meets all Federal NAAQS for all 24-hr, 8-hr, and annual-average measurements. Non-Attainment An air-district/basin that does not meet one or more of the Federal NAAQS, thus triggering control and penalty actions by the EPA. The SJV is often in non-attainment for ozone and particulate matter
Areas of Non-Attainment - Nationally
History of Air Pollution in California Los Angeles Smog 1948 and 1996
History of Air Pollution Actions in California 1945 - City of Los Angeles began its air pollution control program. 1947 - Los Angeles County Air Pollution Control District is established. It is the first of its kind in the nation. June 10, 1947, California Governor Earl Warren (R) signs into law the Air Pollution Control Act, authorizing the creation of an Air Pollution Control District in every county of the state. 1955 - California Bureau of Air Sanitation is formed within the State Department of Public Health, and the Bay Area Air Pollution Control District is established. Federal Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 enacted
History of Air Pollution Actions in California (CONTINUED) 1959 - California enacted legislation requiring the state Department of Public Health to establish air quality standards and necessary controls for motor vehicle emissions. 1960 - The California Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board is established. Primary function was to test and certify pollutioncontrol devices for installation on cars for sale in California. 1961 - The first automotive emissions control technology in the nation, Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV), was mandated by the California Motor Vehicle State Bureau of Air Sanitation to control hydrocarbon crankcase emissions. Federal Clean Air Act of 1963 was enacted.
California Air Resources Board (ARB) 1965 - The Federal Clean Air Act of 1963 is amended by the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act of 1965. Direct regulation of air pollution by the federal government is now mandated. 1966 - Auto tailpipe emission standards for HC and CO were adopted by the California Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board. First of their kind in the nation. 1967 - The Mulford-Carrell Air Resources Act was signed into law by Governor Ronald Reagan (R) and the California ARB was created by merging: the California Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board and Bureau of Air Sanitation and its laboratory. 1967 Federal Air Quality Act of was enacted
ARB (CONTINUED) 1969 - California air quality standards were set by the new ARB for total suspended particulates, photochemical oxidants, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. 1970 Federal Clean Air Act Amendments were enacted 1970 U.S. EPA was created to protect all aspects of the environment. 1970 - ARB adopted guidelines to control agricultural burning. 1971 - ARB adopted the first automobile NOx standards. 1971 First Federal NAAQS are published. 1972 - California submitted its State Implementation Plan (SIP) to the U.S. EPA, and it was rejected.
ARB (CONTINUED) 1975 - The first two-way catalytic converters came into use as part of the ARB's Motor Vehicle Emission Control program, and the ARB limited lead in gasoline. 1977 Federal Clean Air Act Amendments were enacted. 1979 EPA changes the NAAQS definition for Ozone. 1984 California s Smog Check Program went into effect. 1986 - ARB adopted regulations effective on 1994-model cars requiring they be equipped with on-board computer systems to monitor emission performance. 1987 EPA reduces the NAAQS for Particulates, and changes the definition. 1988 California-CAA was signed by Governor Deukmejian (D). The Act set forth the framework for how air quality will be managed in California for the next 20 years.
ARB (CONTINUED) 1990 The Federal CAA Amendments were signed into law by President George H.W. Bush (R). These amendments relied largely on elements of the California CAA of 1988. 1990 ARB approved standards for cleaner burning gasoline, and low and zero-emission vehicles. 1992 - ARB requires oxygenates in gasoline to cut carbon monoxide emissions by 10%. 1993 - ARB enacted new standards for cleaner burning diesel fuel. 1996 - California's SIP for ozone was approved by the EPA 1996 California s Phase II Cleaner Burning Gasoline (CBG) came to market.
ARB (CONTINUED) 1997 EPA makes two significant changes to NAAQS: The definition of the Ozone standard, and The definition and standard for Particulates. 1998 ARB s marine engine regulations were adopted. - ARB amended off-road engine regulations for lawn mowers, weed trimmers and other small engine power tools. - ARB identified diesel particulate emissions as a toxic air contaminant. 1999 ARB adopted consumer products rules cut smog-forming emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from an estimated 2,500 common household products.
ARB (CONTINUED) 1999 - ARB adopted regulations to reduce smog-forming emissions from portable gas cans. 2000 - ARB amended the state's agricultural burning guidelines. - ARB approved a comprehensive plan to reduce harmful particulate matter emissions from diesel powered equipment. 2001 - New standards were passed to reduce diesel soot and smog forming emissions by 90% from new large diesel engines. - ARB adopted new rules that limit public exposure to asbestosladen dust from construction and quarry sites. 2002 ARB adopted new, lower, particulate matter standards.
ARB (CONTINUED) 2003 - ARB adopted new diesel fuel standards, 95% reduction in sulfur content. 2004 - ARB adopted Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks idling controls the 5-min shut-down rule. - ARB adopted the nation's first "Greenhouse Gas" rule that requires automakers to begin selling vehicles with reduced greenhouse gas emissions by model year 2009. - ARB adopted low-sulfur diesel fuel rules for intrastate locomotives and harbor craft. 2005 - ARB defines "large" confined animal facilities.
ARB (CONTINUED) 2005 ARB adopted regulation requiring engine manufacturers to install on-board diagnostic systems on heavy diesel duty trucks (HDDT) engines beginning in 2010. - ARB adopted regulations limiting unnecessary idling of HDDT. 2006 EPA reduces the NAAQS of PM-2.5 s to 35-ug/m 3. 2006 - ARB identified environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or second hand smoke, as a toxic air contaminant. - ARB implemented the Lower Emission School Bus Program. - California switched to new ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. - AB 32 is signed. A first-in-the-nation greenhouse gas regulation. ARB is responsible for monitoring and reducing GHG emissions.
ARB (CONTINUED) 2007 ARB adopted lower standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ). - ARB adopted ATCM for formaldehyde in composite wood. - ARB approves the San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Management Districts strategies to improve air quality in the region. - ARB adopted the nation s first regulation to prohibit indoor air cleaners emitting more than 0.050-ppmv of ozone. - ARB adopts measure for annual GHG mandatory reporting requirements for the largest (emitters) facilities in the state. - ARB adopted GHG emissions limits to reflect 1990 levels 25% reduction by 2020.
ARB (CONTINUED) 2008 EPA reduces the NAAQS of Ozone to 0.075-ppm 2008 ARB offers rebates up to $5,000 to Californians who purchase or lease alternative fuel and electric vehicles. - ARB adopts new Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rules that requires up to 65,000 cleaner vehicles on the road by 2012. - Proposition 1B Bond funds in the amount of $5.6 million to SJV APCD to retrofit older diesel-fueled trucks with diesel particulate filters or engine replacement. - ARB adopts regulations aimed at HDDT emissions: requires installation of diesel exhaust filters or engine replacement, and installation of fuel efficient tires and aerodynamic devices.
ARB (CONTINUED) 2008 ARB adopts regulations to control, and phase-out GHG chemicals used in the manufacture of computer chips. ARB adopts the tire pressure regulation. ARB adopts the Low Carbon Fuel Standard aimed at diversifying fuels used for transportation ARB adopts new standards for car windows. ARB amends a landmark rule to reduce toxic emissions from the state s estimated 180,000 off-pavement diesel equipment. ARB adopts new limits for air fresheners, paint thinners and multipurpose solvents
ARB (CONTINUED) 2010 EPA changes the NAAQS definition for NOx 2010 ARB acts to reduce diesel emissions originating from four of the busiest railyards in the state. California adopts the Renewable Energy Standard - one-third of electricity sold in the state in 2020 must come from clean, green sources of energy. California regulations further reduce pollution-causing chemicals from consumer products including: bug sprays and a variety of household and professionally-used cleaners. ARB approves the State s cap-and-trade regulations. ARB makes new changes to diesel regulations for owners of on-road and off-road equipment.
California s Air Districts
San Joaquin Valley
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District The SJV APCD is made up of eight counties in California s Central Valley: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin portion of Kern County. This Air District is governed by an 15-member Governing Board consisting of representatives from the Board of Supervisors of all 8 counties, one Health and Science member, appointed by the Governor, one Physician, appointed by the Governor and five Valley city representatives.
SJV APCD Air Monitoring Locations in Operation
SJV APCD Sources of Valley Air Pollution REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD Sources of Valley Air Pollution REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD Sources of Valley Air Pollution REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD OZONE Ozone emissions have been reduced to historically low levels, however, Valley meteorology has become the predominant controlling factor in causing 1-hr ozone exceedances. 1997 ozone NAAQS - 84 parts per billion 2008 ozone NAAQS - 75 parts per billion Despite significant progress in reducing the Valley s 8-hour ozone Design Value and annual number of exceedances, attaining the NAAQS is proving to be more challenging in the San Joaquin Valley than in any other region in the nation. The enormity of this challenge is primarily due to the Valley s meteorology and topography; which create ideal conditions for generating and trapping ozone. Technology does not currently exist to achieve all emission reductions that are necessary to reach the Federal NAAQS. REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD PARTICULATES Federal health-based particulate matter standards Total Suspended Particulates no longer apply Changed to: coarse PM10 s and fine PM2.5 s Currently there are two 24-hour PM2.5 standards in effect 1997 at 65 micrograms per cubic meter 2006 at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. PM2.5 is more problematic in the more populous counties in the southern and central San Joaquin Valley and in areas influenced by adverse local conditions, e.g., topography and meteorology. REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD
SJV APCD PLANS, PROGRAMS & PERMITING The District has responsibility for issuing, approving or denying plans, programs, permits, and registrations for more than 30,000 non-mobile sources of air contaminants in the San Joaquin Valley, and for monitoring, tracking and assessing impacts of these sources annual pollutant emissions. Authorities to Construct and Permits to Operate ATC and PTO are separate! Federally Mandated Operating Permits (Title V) Conservation Management Practices (CMP) Plans Emission Reduction Banking Air Toxics Program REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD - PLANS, PROGRAMS & PERMITING (CONTINUED) Emissions Inventory California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Services Indirect Source Review (ISR) Employer Based Trip Reduction (etrip) Small Business Assistance (SBA) REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
2010-2011 SJV APCD PERMITING ACTIVITY 4,995 Authority to Construct permits issued 577 new Permits to Operate 102 Permit-Exempt Equipment Registrations 1,010 new Title V permits to seven facilities 1,648 Title V permit renewals to 34 facilities 2,019 Title V permit modifications 573 Conservation Management Practices plans 298 of etrip plans approved 415 Emission Reduction Credit certificates issued 815 toxic air contaminant riskmanagement reviews 5,465 annual emissions inventory statements and surveys 1,416 California Environmental Quality Act review requests 775 C EQA comment letters and 47 CEQA documents reviewed 199 Indirect Source Review applications approved REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD A Rule-Making NGO September 2010: Glass Melting Furnaces (Rule 4354) September 2010: Adhesives and Sealants (Rule 4653) October 2010: Confined Animal Facilities (Rule 4570) April 2011: New and Modified Stationary Source Review Rule (Rule 2201) May 2011: Federally Mandated Ozone Nonattainment Fee (Rule 3170) May 2011: Boilers, Steam Generators and Process Heaters: 2 to 5 MMBtu/hr (Rule 4307) June 2011: Aerospace Assembly and Component Coating Operations (Rule 4605) June 2011: Prevention of Significant Deterioration (Rule 2410) June 2011: Polyester Resin Operations (Rule 4684) REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
SJV APCD Rule 4570 Confined Animal Facilities REF: http://www.valleyair.org/rules/currntrules/r4570_1010.pdf
Human Health Risk Assessments The District s Check Before You Burn program, which is based on District Rule 4901 (Wood Burning Fireplaces and Wood Burning Heaters), has been reducing harmful PM-2.5 s when and where those reductions are most needed: in impacted urbanized areas when the local weather is forecast to hamper PM dispersion. In 2008, the Central Valley Health Policy Institute found that District wood burning curtailments on high pollution days reduced annual exposure by about 13% in Bakersfield and Fresno, resulting in 30 to 70 avoided cases of annual premature mortality.
Valley Air Pollution Study Landmark Study Links Air Pollution to Valley Illness The District provided a grant to CSU-Fresno s Central Valley Health Policy Institute and UCSF-Fresno s School of Medicine to conduct an air quality epidemiological study of Valley residents. Using medical records and air quality data for Bakersfield, Fresno, and Modesto, the study examined whether daily emergency room (ER) or hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases rose in relation to increased PM-2.5 or ozone levels. Data on adults and those 19 and younger were examined separately. By looking at daily ER/hospital admission rates following the top 20% most polluted days vs. the cleanest 20% of days, researchers found the following
Valley Study (CONTINUED) Compared to winter days with clean air, during the Valley s worst wintertime PM2.5 pollution Youth are: 49% more likely to be admitted to an ER for asthma, and 67% more likely to be admitted to hospitals for asthma. Adults are: 29% more likely to be admitted to an ER for asthma, 80% more likely to be admitted to hospitals for asthma, 28% more likely to be admitted to an ER for acute bronchitis, and 13% more likely to be admitted to hospitals for heart attack. Compared to summer days with clean air, during the Valley s worst summertime ozone pollution Youth are 69% more likely to be admitted to an ER for asthma. REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
Direction of Federal NAAQS and SJV APCD s Response Clearly, the Valley faces unique and significant difficulties in achieving the anticipated NAAQS, which are approaching the Valley s naturally occurring background concentrations. Attainment of the new NAAQS will require transformative, new air pollution controls, including zero-emission technologies, alternatives to long-practiced development patterns and transportation systems, and perhaps even the elimination of fossil-fuel combustion in the Valley. REF: SJV APCD Annual Report: http://www.valleyair.org/general_info/pubdocs/annualreport2011-v6b_singlepages.pdf
In Summary The Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) is the most significant and furthest reaching of any environmental regulation to date. The CAA will affect. Where we live/work, How we live/work, What we can (or cannot) buy, The price we pay for commodities, and The taxes (they call them fees ) we will pay. RESULT.Higher prices and limited choices.
In Summary Given history of the EPA to reduce NAAQS, coupled with the arid southwest, coupled with the topography and meteorology of the San Joaquin Valley The SJV may not meet NAAQS attainment unless. Soil is not disturbed Fossil-fuel combustion ceases Dairies, farms and ranches cease to operate All roads are closed to automobile and truck traffic Then, maybe just maybe, the San Joaquin Valley might be a healthy place to live.
Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) State Air Resources Board (ARB) San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJV APCD) and their effects on Kern County THANK YOU! Michael Geyer, PE, CIH, CSP Project Director KERNTEC Environmental WWW.KERNTECINDUSTRIES.COM