Air Quality Analysis and Regulations in California

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The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Air Quality Analysis and Regulations in California
Course ID: CAPOL-402 (2 days)
July 8-9, 2009, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Tsakopoulos Library Galleria - Sacramento Public Library
828 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814

Instructor: Joe O'Bannon

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Description: Air quality is an increasingly important factor in CEQA/NEPA analyses. With EPA's adjustments to the particulate standard, ARB's inclusion of and 8-hour ozone standard, global warming, indoor air quality, and the connection of air quality to environmental justice and children's health issues, environmental analyses of air quality issues have to be more exacting and comprehensive to fulfill the basic purpose of CEQA, to "inform governmental decision-makers and the public about the potential, significant environmental effects of proposed activities and to identify the ways that environmental damage can be avoided or significantly reduced."

Course Topics:

General background of air pollution including history, pollutants, meteorology, chemistry and inversions:

Criteria pollutants discussed will be ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride and visibility reducing particles.
Meteorological factors discussed will be wind speed & direction, atmospheric stability, turbulence, solar & terrestrial radiation, and topography.
Chemistry discussion will include local versus regional, primary versus secondary, and chemical formation of ozone and particulate matter.

Discussion of regulatory efforts including federal, state and local levels.

How air quality fits in to the CEQA/NEPA process.

The steps of doing an air quality analysis:

Background research including federal, state and/or local specifics and special conditions like naturally occurring asbestos, odors and hazardous air pollutants.
Data gathering, including emissions inventories, ambient air quality information and traffic information.
Determination of effects including construction, direct and indirect effects.
The use of models such as URBEMIS, EMFAC, OFFROAD, Caline and the CO Protocol.
Significance standards.
Mitigations.
Cumulative effects.

Implications of climate change on air quality CEQA/NEPA analyses.

Indoor air quality and "green buildings".

About the Instructor: Since 1980, Joe O’Bannon has obtained public and private sector air quality experience in such areas as emissions inventory, air quality planning, project management and coordination, government and community relations, public education, regulatory compliance issues, legislative review, committee participation, urban emissions modeling, and consensus building. He has worked in public and private sector CEQA/NEPA with an emphasis in air quality issues, including general conformity, climate change, environmental analysis, mitigation strategies, Native American issues, and expert testimony.

A recent project of Joe’s has recently been awarded the Association of Environmental Professional’s Merit Award for an Environmental Analysis Document. Each year the AEP recognizes those environmental professionals whose documents, achievements, and service have contributed to the enhancement, maintenance and protection of the natural and human environment. Last year Joe’s innovative air quality mitigation involving drought tolerant/low ozone forming potential trees won him another award from the Environmental Business Journal.

As Senior Air Quality Scientist, Joe is committed to keeping current, and sometimes leading the field, in greenhouse gas/climate change issues. Joe is an integral part of Michael Brandman Associates’ comprehensive air quality team.

Intended Audience: This course is designed for planning and environmental professionals.

Prerequisites: A general working knowledge of CEQA and/or NEPA.

Education Level: Introductory/Review

Course Materials: Participants will receive course proceedings, and reference materials.

CM | 15 | Law
AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity [or many activities at this event]. When CM credits are available, they are noted at the end of an activity description. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm.

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Lunch will be on your own. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day.

Registration: $495/$395*
*Reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members. You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.
Further discounts are available for group registrations; please call us or email info@nwetc.org for information.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.