Call To Order

Download the complete agenda here.

• 1. Approve Minutes of March 6, 2020 Board Meeting

  Faye Thomas

  (909) 396-3268
  

• 2. Set Public Hearings May 1, 2020 to:

  Wayne Nastri

  (909) 396-3131
  Jain (909) 396-2804
  
  A. Adopt Executive Officer’s FY 2020-21 Proposed Goals and Priority Objectives and Proposed Budget
  
  The Executive Officer's Proposed Goals and Priority Objectives, and Proposed Budget for FY 2020-21 have been developed and are recommended for adoption. The Budget and Work Program for FY 2020-21 represents input over the past several months from Board members, staff, and the public. This year’s process will include meetings of the Budget Advisory Committee and two budget workshops, one for the public to be held on April 7, 2020 and the Board on April 10, 2020. The Proposed Budget incorporates, pursuant to Rule 320, an increase of most fees by 2.8 percent consistent with the Consumer Price Index; however, staff is proposing to credit back this year’s automatic CPI increase to counter the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This action is to adopt the Executive Officer’s Proposed Goals and Priority Objectives, and Proposed Budget for FY 2020-21. (Review: Special Board Meeting/Budget Study Session, April 10, 2020)
  
  
  Rees (909) 396-2856
  
  B. Determine That Proposed Amendments to Rule 445 – Wood-Burning Devices, Are Exempt from CEQA and Amend Rule 445
  
  Proposed amendments to Rule 445 will satisfy U.S. EPA contingency measure requirements and Control Measure BCM-09 from the 2016 AQMP. The threshold for no-burn days would be incrementally lowered automatically for each subsequent final determination by the U.S. EPA of a failure to meet an applicable Clean Air Act milestone. The proposed amendments would also reduce ambient PM2.5 by expanding the criteria for Basin-wide wood-burning curtailments. Other minor amendments include additional definitions for terms used in the rule, and revisions to improve rule implementation and clarify existing requirements. This action is to adopt the Resolution: 1) Determining that the proposed amendments to Rule 445 – Wood Burning Devices, are exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act; and 2) Amending Rule 445 – Wood-Burning Devices. (Reviewed: Stationary Source Committee, March 20, 2020)

• Budget/Fiscal Impact

  
  
  

  3. Recognize Revenue and Execute Contract to Assess Emissions Impacts of Hydrogen-Natural Gas Fuel Blend on Natural Gas Engines

  Matt Miyasato

  (909) 396-3249
  Past studies have shown that the addition of hydrogen in natural gas may result in lower engine emissions when combined with optimized engine calibration. The University of California, Riverside (UCR)/CE-CERT, along with SoCalGas and Cummins Westport Inc., has proposed a research project to assess the criteria pollutant and GHG impacts of hydrogen-natural gas fuel blends on near-zero emissions NOx heavy-duty natural gas engines. These actions are to recognize revenue up to $305,000 from SoCalGas into the Clean Fuels Program Fund (31) and execute a contract with UCR/CE-CERT in an amount not to exceed $535,000 from the Clean Fuels Program Fund (31). (No Committee Review)

• 4. Recognize Revenue, Implement Truck Trade Down Program and Amend Award

  Matt Miyasato

  (909) 396-3249
  In July 2019, the Board recognized $1,500,000 in FY 19 U.S. EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funds and awarded those funds to a Market Acceleration Program (MAP) for near-zero emissions heavy-duty natural gas trucks. Subsequently, U.S. EPA advised that an additional $789,581 in funds was awarded to the South Coast AQMD. In December 2019, the Board approved a contract with Metropolitan Stevedore Company dba Metro Ports to replace one diesel switcher locomotive using Community Air Protection Program funds, noting FY 18 DERA funds were anticipated to cost-share this project. These actions are to recognize $789,581 in FY 19 DERA funds into the Clean Fuels Program Fund (31) and $719,500 in FY 18 DERA funds into the Advanced Technology, Outreach and Education Fund (17), implement a Truck Trade Down Program, and amend an award for replacement of one diesel switcher locomotive. (No Committee Review)

• 5. Recognize and Transfer Funds, Execute and Amend Agreements for Installation and Maintenance of Air Filtration Systems, and Reimburse General Fund for Administrative Costs

  Matt Miyasato

  (909) 396-3249
  U.S. EPA is executing two Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) for school air filtration and CARB is executing three SEPS, one for schools and two for a residential air filtration pilot studies. Both agencies have asked South Coast AQMD to act as the SEP administrator to install and maintain air filtration systems at schools and residences in environmental justice communities. This action is to recognize up to $146,250 from U.S. EPA and $1,205,300 from CARB into the Air Filtration Fund (75) for these SEPs. These actions are to also execute agreements to install and maintain air filtration systems and to provide residential stipends in an amount not to exceed $1,283,973, execute or amend access agreements with local school districts, amend contracts to purchase additional filters using unspent administrative funds, and reimburse the General Fund for administrative costs up to $67,577 for SEP administration. (No Committee Review)

• 6. Recognize Revenue and Execute Contract to Perform Evaluation of Vehicle Maintenance Costs Between Natural Gas and Diesel Fueled On-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicles

  Matt Miyasato

  (909) 396-3249
  South Coast AQMD has been supporting the rapid deployment of near-zero emissions heavy-duty vehicles since near-zero NOx natural gas engines became commercially available in 2015. To determine total cost of ownership, a comparative evaluation of maintenance costs between natural gas and diesel trucks needs to be performed. These actions are to recognize revenue up to $150,000 from SoCalGas into the Clean Fuels Program Fund (31) and execute a contract to perform a comparative evaluation of vehicle maintenance costs for on-road heavy-duty vehicles in an amount not to exceed $250,000 from the Clean Fuels Program Fund (31). (No Committee Review)

• 7. Adopt Resolution Recognizing Revenue for Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions Program and Reimburse General Fund for Administrative Costs

  Naveen Berry

  (909) 396-2363
  For FY 2019-20, the State Legislature allocated $65 million to CARB for the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) Program. In October 2019, CARB issued a solicitation to air districts specifying a tentative allocation of $894,170 to the South Coast AQMD. These actions are to adopt a Resolution recognizing revenue up to $894,170 from CARB into the Carl Moyer Program Fund (32) for the FY 2019-20 FARMER grant award and to reimburse the General Fund for administrative costs up to $55,886. (No Committee Review)

• 8. Recognize Revenue, Amend Contract and Reimburse General Fund for Administrative Costs for Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program

  Naveen Berry

  (909) 396-2363
  Since 2015, the South Coast AQMD has been implementing an Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP), branded as Replace Your Ride. The program is administered with assistance from contractors providing case management and remote sensing technical support. For FY 2018-19, CARB has allocated $1.4 million in AB 118 funds to the South Coast AQMD for the continued implementation of the EFMP. These actions are to: 1) recognize up to $1.4 million from CARB; 2) approve vouchers and other alternative mobility options until all available funds are exhausted; 3) amend a contract with a consultant adding $400,000 for continued program support; and 4) reimburse the General Fund for administrative costs necessary to implement the EFMP. (No Committee Review)

• 9. Reallocate Funds, Execute Contract and Add/Delete Positions to Quantify and Characterize Fugitive VOC Emissions Near and Around Refineries

  Jason Low

  (909) 396-2269
  South Coast AQMD is conducting comprehensive air pollution measurements near refineries and surrounding communities as part of the AB 617 and Rule 1180 programs. The Community Emissions Reduction Plan for the Wilmington/Carson/West Long Beach community has a measure to reduce NOx, SOx, VOCs and other associated toxics emissions from refineries by 50 percent between 2020 and 2030. To assess this target, there is a need to quantify and characterize fugitive VOC emissions near and around refineries in 2020 as well as to assess progress in the future once a baseline has been established. As part of Rule 1180, staff will be operating and maintaining a network of community air monitoring stations throughout the Basin. These actions are to reallocate up to $500,000 to Science & Technology Advancement’s FYs 2019-20 and 2020-21 Budgets, execute a contract, and approve the addition and deletion of Rule 1180 positions to perform this work. (No Committee Review)

• 10. Approve Transfer of Funds to Conduct Rule 1118.1 Technical Assessment

  Susan Nakamura

  (909) 396-3105
  On January 4, 2019, Rule 1118.1 – Non-Refinery Flares was adopted. Rule 1118.1 establishes requirements to reduce NOx and VOC emissions from non-refinery flares and encourages alternatives to flaring such as beneficial use of gas such as energy generation, transportation fuels, or pipeline injection. The Board Resolution for the adoption of Rule 1118.1 directed staff to conduct a technical assessment to further investigate beneficial uses of gas as an alternative to flaring at non-refinery facilities. Funding is needed to contract with an engineering consultant that will be selected through a competitive bidding process to conduct this technical assessment for an amount not to exceed $75,000. This action is to transfer funds from the General Fund Undesignated (Unassigned) to Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources’ FY 2020-21 Professional and Special Services Account. (No Committee Review)

• 11. Appropriate Funds and Amend or Execute Contracts with Outside Counsel and Specialized Legal Counsel and Services

  Bayron Gilchrist

  (909) 396-3459
  This action is to appropriate $460,000 from the General Fund Undesignated (Unassigned) Fund Balance to Legal’s FY 2019-20 and/or FY 2020-21 Budgets and amend or execute contracts for legal counsel for specialized, environmental, and other litigation. (No Committee Review)

• 12. Audit Reports of AB 2766 Fee Revenue Recipients for Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2016 and 2017

  Sujata Jain

  (909) 396-2804
  Health and Safety Code §44244.1 requires any agency that receives fee revenues subvened from the Department of Motor Vehicles to be audited once every two years. This audit of South Coast AQMD’s share, MSRC’s share, and local governments’ share of such subvened funds, performed by independent Certified Public Accountants, has been completed. (No Committee Review)

• 13. Remove Various Fixed Assets from South Coast AQMD Inventory

  Sujata Jain

  (909) 396-2804
  South Coast AQMD Administrative Policies and Procedures No. 20 requires each organizational unit to review fixed assets for obsolescence and disposal every six months. This action is to approve removal of surplus equipment and motor vehicles determined to be obsolete, non-operational and not worth repairing. (No Committee Review)

• 14. Establish List of Prequalified Legal Counsel to Provide Employee and Labor Relations Legal Services

  John Olvera

  (909) 396-2309
  On January 10, 2020, the Board approved release of an RFP to prequalify outside legal counsel with expertise in handling employee and labor relations matters. This action is to establish a list of prequalified counsel to advise and represent South Coast AQMD in employee and labor relations matters. Funds for these services have been included in the FY 2019-20 Budget and will be requested in successive fiscal years. (No Committee Review)

• 15. Establish Prequalified Vendor Lists Relating to Fleet Services and Building Maintenance

  John Olvera

  (909) 396-2309
  On January 10, 2020, the Board approved release of an RFQ for automotive mechanical repair and service for South Coast AQMD’s vehicle fleet. On September 7, 2018, the Executive Officer released an RFQQ for interior painting contractors for future projects. This action is to approve these prequalified vendor lists, to be used for the next three years. Funds for services using these prequalified vendor lists have been included in the FY 2019-20 Budget and will be requested in successive fiscal years. (No Committee Review)

• 16. Authorize Purchase of Maintenance and Support Services for Servers and Storage Devices

  Ron Moskowitz

  (909) 396-3329
  The servers and storage devices are used by enterprise-level software applications that currently support the Clean Air Support System for all South Coast AQMD core activities. Maintenance support for these systems will expire on April 30, 2020. This action is to obtain approval for the sole source purchase of hardware and software maintenance and support services for servers and storage devices from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company for one year, in an amount not to exceed $120,000. Funds for these purchases are included in Information Management's FY 2020-20 Budget. (No Committee Review)

• 17. Amend Contract to Provide Short- and Long-Term Systems Development, Maintenance and Support Services

  Ron Moskowitz

  (909) 396-3329
  South Coast AQMD currently has contracts with several companies for short-and long-term systems development, maintenance and support services. These contracts are periodically amended as additional needs are defined. This action is to amend contracts previously approved by the Board to add additional funding for needed development and maintenance work in an amount not to exceed $210,000 for AgreeYa Solutions, $265,000 for Prelude Systems, $338,000 for Sierra Cybernetics, and $710,000 for Varsun eTechnologies. Funding is available in Information Management’s FY 2019-20 Budget. (No Committee Review)

• Action Item/No Fiscal Impact

  
  
  

  18. Amend Charter for Local Government and Small Business Assistance Advisory Group

  Derrick Alatorre

  (909) 396-3122
  The Board’s Administrative Committee currently serves as the Local Government & Small Business Assistance (LGSBA) Advisory Group’s liaison. This action is to amend the Charter granting the LGSBA Advisory Group the authority to present recommendations for action to the Board through the Administrative Committee. (No Committee Review)

• Items 19 through 25 - Information Only/Receive and File

  
  
  

  19. Legislative, Public Affairs, and Media Report

  Derrick Alatorre

  (909) 396-3122
  This report highlights the February 2020 outreach activities of the Legislative, Public Affairs and Media Office, which includes: Major Events, Community Events/Public Meetings, Environmental Justice Update, Speakers Bureau/Visitor Services, Communications Center, Public Information Center, Business Assistance, Media Relations and Outreach to Business and Federal, State and Local Government. (No Committee Review)

• 20. Hearing Board Report

  Julie Prussack

  (909) 396-2822
  This reports the actions taken by the Hearing Board during the period of February 1 through February 29, 2020. (No Committee Review)

• 21. Civil Filings and Civil Penalties Report

  Bayron Gilchrist

  (909) 396-3459
  This reports the monthly penalties from February 1, 2020 through February 29, 2020, and legal actions filed by the General Counsel's Office from February 1 through February 29, 2020. An Index of South Coast AQMD Rules is attached with the penalty report (Reviewed: Stationary Source Committee, March 20, 2020)

• 22. Lead Agency Projects and Environmental Documents Received

  Susan Nakamura

  (909) 396-3105
  This report provides a listing of CEQA documents received by the South Coast AQMD between February 1, 2020 and February 29, 2020, and those projects for which the South Coast AQMD is acting as lead agency pursuant to CEQA. (No Committee Review)

• 23. Rule and Control Measure Forecast

  Philip Fine

  (909) 396-2239
  This report highlights South Coast AQMD rulemaking activities and public hearings scheduled for 2020. (No Committee Review)

• 24. Report of RFPs Scheduled for Release in April

  Sujata Jain

  (909) 396-2804
  This report summarizes the RFPs for budgeted services over $100,000 scheduled to be released for advertisement for the month of April. (No Committee Review)

• 25. Status Report on Major Ongoing and Upcoming Projects for Information Management

  Ron Moskowitz

  (909) 396-3329
  Information Management is responsible for data systems management services in support of all South Coast AQMD operations. This action is to provide the monthly status report on major automation contracts and planned projects. (No Committee Review)

• 26. Items Deferred from Consent Calendar

  
  

• BOARD CALENDAR

  
  
  

  27. Stationary Source Committee

  Amir Dejbakhsh

  (909) 396-2618
  Chair: Benoit
  (Receive & File)

• Staff Presentation/Board Discussion
  
  
  

  28. Update on Proposed Rail Yard Indirect Source Rule (Presentation in lieu of Board Letter)

  Sarah Rees

  (909) 396-2856
  The proposed new regulation would reduce regional and local emissions from rail yards, consistent with the 2016 AQMP and the AB 617 Year 1 Community Emission Reduction Plans. Staff will present a status update on the proposed regulatory actions, including how these actions are being coordinated with CARB’s proposed rail strategies. (No Committee Review)
  
  
  

  CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES – (No Written Material)
  Under the approval authority of the Executive Officer, the District will enter into a contract with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (Contract No. C20248). The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation is a potential conflict of interest for Governing Board Members Kathryn Barger and Joe Buscaino, which qualifies for the remote interest exception of Section 1090 of the California Government Code. Governing Board Members Barger and Buscaino, both abstained from any participation in the making of the contract.