State of California
AIR RESOURCES BOARD

Summary of Board Meeting
May 27, 1999

Air Resources Board
Board Hearing Room, Lower Level
2020 "L" Street
Sacramento, California




MEMBERS PRESENT: Hons. Alan C. Lloyd, Ph.D., Chairman
Joseph C. Calhoun, P.E.
Mark DeSaulnier
Lynne T. Edgerton, Esq.
C. Hugh Friedman
William F. Friedman, M.D.
Barbara Patrick
Sally Rakow
Barbara Riordan
Ron Roberts


AGENDA ITEM #

99-4-1 Public Meeting to Consider an Informational Report on the Health Impacts of Air Pollution

SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEM:

Staff summarized the nature of State ambient air quality standards and their scientific bases.

In addition, staff made a brief presentation to the Board on air pollution impacts on health. Special emphasis was given to particulate matter and ozone. Staff explained why certain groups were at special health risks, and discussed studies currently underway both nationally and in California to better understand the impacts of air pollutants on health.

ORAL TESTIMONY: None

FORMAL BOARD ACTION: None

Approved Resolution 99-10 by a unanimous vote.

RESPONSIBLE DIVISION: RD

STAFF REPORT: None


99-4-2 Public Meeting to Consider an Informational Report on Air Quality Status and Trends

SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEM:

The staff presented information on California air quality status and trends. From 1980 to 1997, the statewide population increased by 39 percent, and the number of vehicle miles traveled each day increased by 78 percent. Despite these large increases, peak ozone concentrations have declined 49 percent since 1980. In addition, statewide carbon monoxide concentrations have been reduced by 26 percent, and the state and national CO standards are now attained throughout California, except Los Angeles County and the city of Calexico, in Imperial County. Although, to date, California's emission control programs have placed the greatest emphasis on ozone, PM10 concentrations are dropping in most urban areas, likely because reduced emissions of ozone precursors in those areas resulted in less production of secondary aerosols.

Despite the progress achieved, ozone and particulate matter continue to pose challenges. California continues to have the highest ozone and PM10 concentrations in the nation, and over 90 percent of all Californians are still exposed to concentrations above the standards.

The air quality data is available to the public via publications, CD-ROMs, and the ARB's website. The presentation text and slides are available from the staff. In addition, they will soon be available on the Web at: www.arb.ca.gov/html/ds.htm.

ORAL TESTIMONY: None

FORMAL BOARD ACTION: None

RESPONSIBLE DIVISION: PTSD

STAFF REPORT: None


99-4-3 Public Meeting to Consider Proposals for the Air Resources Board's Innovative Clean Air Technologies (ICAT) Program

SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEM:

Staff gave a brief description of the ICAT program, including commercialization aspects, outreach, bidder assistance, the proposal review process, and an overview of previously funded projects. Staff then presented three new ICAT proposals for Board approval.

The first proposal was "Ultralow NOx Burner for Process Heaters and Industrial and Utility Boilers" by Altex Technologies Corporation. This technology reduces oxides-of-nitrogen (NOx) and carbon dioxide emissions from industrial boilers using natural gas-fired burners. The second proposal was "Commercial Cooking Grease Emissions Control: Microwave-Cleaned Ceramic Filter Technology Commercialization" by Industrial Ceramic Solutions (ICS). ICS is developing a microwave cleaned ceramic filter technology that will significantly reduce airborne grease and particulate matter from commercial food preparation facilities. The third proposal was "Advanced Zeolite Concentrator for Control of VOC Emissions" by Alzeta Corporation. Alzeta will bond zeolite to their patented graded cell structure in order to double the current volatile organic compound (VOC) adsorption capability. Their proposed technology will lead to a significant reduction in VOC and greenhouse emissions.

Ed Reynolds from the Reynolds Group discussed their biofilter technology. This technology is used to reduce ozone precursors, toxic air contaminants, and odorous sulfur compounds from sewage plants. After recently completing their project demonstration at a publicly-owned treatment works in Ojai, California, the Reynolds Group is beginning the commercialization phase.

Mike Simon from ISE Research Corporation provided an overview of their Hybrid-Electric heavy-duty vehicles that reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions. ISE Research displayed and demonstrated their hybrid-electric class 8 truck and 30 foot transit bus. ISE Research has sold their 30 foot hybrid-electric transit bus to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and will soon begin the project demonstration phase of the class 8 truck at Crown Disposal in Burbank.

ORAL TESTIMONY: None

FORMAL BOARD ACTION:

Approved resolutions 99-13, 99-14, and 99-15 by a unanimous vote.

RESPONSIBLE DIVISION: RD

STAFF REPORT: None


99-4-4 Consideration of Research Proposals

SUMMARY OF AGENDA ITEM:

The Board approved Resolutions 99-16 through 99-21 by a unanimous vote.