Analysis of Air Quality Impacts from Development Projects Aeron Arlin Genet, Planning Manager Januar

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Analysis of Air Quality Impacts from Development
Projects Aeron Arlin Genet, Planning
ManagerJanuary 28, 2004
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APCDs Development Review

• California Environmental Quality Act APCD
  responsible agency to evaluate air quality
  impacts from development
• APCDs Project Review Process
• 4 Planning staff to review comment on proposals
• 200 - 250 projects reviewed annually
• Type of Projects
• Commercial / Residential - Tract Maps
• General Plan Updates - Site Plans / Area Plans
• Evaluate construction operational impacts
• Provide mitigation recommendations when necessary

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What We Evaluate

• Site preparation activities
• Vehicle trips generated
• Site design
• Potential permit or rule requirements (e.g.
  equipment requiring permits, fireplaces, etc.)

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Criteria for Significance

• Projected construction and operation emissions
• ROG, NOx, SO2, PM CO
• Consistency with Clean Air Plan
• Special conditions
• toxic emissions (AB3205 requirements, diesel)
• project location (sensitive receptors, nuisance
  potential, environmental justice, etc.)
• asbestos (demolition or grading)

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What We Like to See

• Focus development in URL
• Compact mixed-use development
• Bicycle pedestrian friendly
• Increased access for all transit modes
• Improved job / housing balance

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CEQA Air Quality Handbook

• Originally published in 1995 updated in April
  2003
• Provides guidance to lead planning agencies,
  consultants project proponents
• Outlines how air quality impacts are evaluated
• Screening criteria
• Emission thresholds
• Project emission calculations
• Mitigation measures
• State requirements NESHAP, NOA

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Tools Used to Streamline Evaluation

• OIS Database
• tracking projects reviewed
• Standard Language File
• Electronic file used to maintain consistency in
  APCD response letters
• URBEMIS
• Emissions model developed to quantify vehicle
  emissions generated from land use development
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Mapping technology to assist with review

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OIS
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OIS Cont.
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OIS Cont.
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URBEMIS
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URBEMIS Cont.
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Example of GIS Application
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Interagency Coordination

• Work with lead planning agencies to assure air
  quality analysis mitigation
• Assure mitigation is appropriate adequately
  reduces overall impact
• Monitor mitigation measures
• Work with developers consultants to collaborate
  on air quality recommendations in projects
• Interagency exchange -- discuss Handbook changes
  identify ways to improve

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Related Efforts

• Regional Solutions Committee
• Continue efforts of the It Takes Our Region
  conference
• GIS Users Group
• Participate in Countywide Community of Interest
  Committee to maximize resources application
• PLACE3S Model
• Development of comprehensive land use model --
  led by SLOCOG
• Regional Traffic Demand Model
• Work with SLOCOG to develop a forecasting tool
  for VMT, trips, speed, etc.
• Strategic Action Plan
• Air quality impacts from growth identified as a
  critical issue facing the APCD

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Overall Effectiveness

• 15 40 reduction in emissions for most projects
• Projects submitted with air quality mitigations
  incorporated
• Important tool for reducing air quality impacts
  of growth -- less burden to industry
• Increases public awareness of smart growth and
  transportation impacts alternatives

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Construction
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Operation
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Site Design
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Permits
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