Sac Metro Air Qual Mgmt Dist Flashcards
1
Q
Where does SMAQMD get its funding?
A
44% - Stationary and area source air pollution permitting fees
28% - Motor vehicle registration fee surcharges
13% - Federal, state, and local subsidies
9% - Sales tax and other sources.
2
Q
Describe AB 617, the part that does NOT have to do with air monitoring.
A
AB 617 was signed into law in July 2017. Among its provisions, California Health and Safety Code (HSC) section 40920.6 was amended to require each air district that is a nonattainment area for one or more air pollutants to adopt an expedited schedule for implementation of Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BARCT). This requirement applies to each industrial source subject to the California Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade regulation.
3
Q
Describe all the colors of the AQI.
A
0 to 50. Good. Green
51 to 100. Moderate. Yellow
101 to 150. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Orange
151 to 200. Unhealthy. Red
201 to 300. Very Unhealthy. Purple
301 to 500. Hazardous. Maroon
4
Q
Explain the Air Toxic “Hot Spots” Act.
A
California enacted The Air Toxics “Hot Spots” Information and Assessment Act in 1987. The Act establishes a formal air toxics emission inventory risk quantification program, which is managed by California air districts.
The program goals include:
collection of data on the emission of toxic air contaminants
identification of facilities having localized impacts
health risk assessment
public notification on health risks
reduction of the risks of “significant-risk facilities” below the level of significance
5
Q
Define MACT.
A
Maximum achievable control technology.
6
Q
Describe the Carl Moyer Program.
A
It provides grant funding for cleaner-than-required engines and equipment. Local air districts administer these grants and select which projects to fund.
7
Q
Name Regulation 10
A
Mobile Sources
8
Q
Describe the ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ data sets in Purple Air.
A
The PurpleAir sensor has two ‘channels’ that measure data. Channel A and Channel B. Each channel has a ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ data set:
Primary Data: measured in µg/m3
Secondary Data: measured in particles/deciliter
µg/m3 is the particle mass concentration - the popular method of measuring particulate matter.
Particles/deciliter is a particle count per volume measurement.
9
Q
Describe AB 32.
A
The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 is a California State Law that fights global warming by establishing a comprehensive program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sources throughout the state.
AB 32 requires CARB to develop regulations and market mechanisms to reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year of 2020, representing approximately a 30% reduction statewide, with mandatory caps beginning in 2012 for significant emissions sources.
10
Q
Who is John Angi?
A
Program Supervisor, Field Operations, Stationary Sources.
11
Q
What exactly am I applying for?
A
The position of Air Quality Specialist, in the Field Operations section of the Stationary Sources Division.
12
Q
Describe SECAT.
A
Sacramento Clean Air and Transportation Program.
This is a Truck Replacement program, designed to help get out of ozone non-attainment status.
13
Q
Tell us about yourself, and why you are an ideal candidate.
In other words, what would you bring to the position?
A
- MS in a scientific field (quantitative).
- Work at CSU Stanislaus on an air quality project, briefly describe it.
- Volunteer in local county.
- Continuing education.
14
Q
Name one source of extremely fine PM, and why this is problematic.
A
Diesel exhaust is a source of extremely small PM. This is a problem, because smaller particles penetrate more deeply into the lung.
15
Q
Name and describe Rule 107.
A
Name: Alternative Compliance.
This Rule deals with alternative compliance from certain emissions standards that may be granted to a source, if the source provides emission reduction credits.
16
Q
What is your thinking about lean management?
A
Seems like a good idea, but I don’t have direct experience with it.
17
Q
Name Regulation 8
A
New Source Performance Standards
18
Q
How is the SMAQMD governed?
A
It is overseen by a Board of Directors (all 5 Sac County Supervisors, and additional members from City Councils, for a total of 14 people).
19
Q
Why do you want to be an Air Quality Specialist at SMAQMD?
A
- Opportunity to help a lot of people (County population = 1.5 million).
- Very passionate about air quality, because after moving to CA, I realize how important it is.
- My skills and experience are a close match (particularly my love for science and quantitative reasoning).
- Continuing education.
20
Q
What is your biggest weakness?
A
I did not choose an academic / career path early enough.
21
Q
What’s your favorite Excel function?
A
- Conditional formatting, with =TODAY() and formula for due dates.
- Linear regression.
22
Q
Name the 2 ways that ozone formation can be limited.
A
NOx limited and VOC limited.
23
Q
Name Regulation 5
A
Agricultural Burning
24
Q
Name and describe Rule 101.
A
Name: General Provisions and Definitions.
It has general definitions of terms.
25
What is Title V?
In 1990 the Federal Clean Air Act was amended to include a new section - Title V. Title V requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national, federally enforceable operating permit program.
"Major stationary sources" need a Title V permit.
26
How does PM2.5 concentration relate to the AQI?
The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration (µg/m3) determines the AQI number. This number can be found by using the AQI look-up table for PM2.5
27
Describe AB617.
Assembly Bill 617. Signed by Governor in August 2017. AB 617 requires CARB to develop a monitoring plan for the state, then select the highest priority locations to deploy community air monitoring systems. By July 1, 2019, air districts would be required to deploy monitoring systems in the selected locations, with data to be published on the CARB website. Air districts would also be authorized to require any stationary sources that emit air pollution in, or that materially affects the selected location, to deploy a fence-line monitoring system.
28
Describe AQI.
EPA calculates the AQI (Air Quality Index) for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: O3, PM, CO, SO2, and NO2. For each of these pollutants, EPA has established national air quality standards to protect public health. Ozone and PM are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in this country.
29
Define T-BACT.
Best available control technology for Toxics.
30
Define coarse PM.
Particles with an aerodynamic diameter between 2.5 and 10 μm.
31
Define CCAA.
The California Clean Air Act (CCAA) of 1988 requires the air districts to endeavor to achieve and maintain the state ambient air quality standards by the earliest practicable date and develop plans for attaining the state ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide standards.
32
Describe AB 134
The state Legislature adopted AB 134 to fund community air quality projects, specifically **clean vehicle and ports investments.** As a result, CARB allocated $250 million to California’s air districts in 2017-18 to support early actions in deploying cleaner technologies in impacted communities. The Sac Metro Air District has been allocated $3 million for the 2017-18 budget cycle to implement projects pursuant to the Carl Moyer Program.
33
How is tropospheric ozone formed?
It occurs when nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight, specifically the UV spectrum.
34
Name one piece of criticism that my manager would probably say about me / what is something that I need to work on.
1. That I seem too "rushed" = but I am doing it for their benefit.
35
Name Regulation 1
General
36
What is the exact definition of NOx?
The term NOx is chemistry shorthand for molecules containing **1** nitrogen and **1 or more** oxygen atoms.
37
Describe the Clean Air Act.
Passed in 1963, expanded in 1970 (EPA was created then too). Major piece of federal legislation that addresses air quality. Under the CAA, the EPA sets NAAQS for the 6 criteria pollutants.
38
Define HAPs.
Hazardous Air Pollutants. Defined by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
Includes:
1. Many VOCs.
2. Pesticides.
3. Herbicides.
4. Radionuclides.
This category does NOT include all known hazardous air pollutants.
39
What if your results are in a range of values, but your manager requires you to come up with one specific number/answer?
I would try to come up with a weighted average.
40
Define PERP.
The Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) is a statewide program created by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to register portable equipment as an alternative to securing a permit from one of the 35 local air quality control or management districts. CARB administers the PERP program and the Sac Metro Air District enforces the requirements of the program.
41
Describe PM.
PM = Particulate Matter. It consists of solid or liquid particles suspended in air, regardless of chemical composition. PM can be primary or secondary.
42
Who is Jorge DeGuzman?
Program Manager, Permitting, Stationary Sources.
43
What are the main pollutants described by the AQI?
There is an AQI for ozone and PM.
44
Define area sources.
Area sources include small pollution sources like dry cleaners, gas stations, and auto body paint shops. Area sources are defined as sources that emit less than 10 tons per year of a criteria or hazardous air pollutant or less than 25 tons per year of a combination of pollutants.
45
Describe NESHAPs.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. They are part of the Clean Air Act.
46
Define Watt.
1 Watt = 1 Joule / second
47
What is the primary cause of acid rain?
NOx and SOx
48
How are people exposed to mercury?
Mercury is naturally found in fossil fuels, especially coal. When airborne mercury is deposited on farmland, people ingest it. This is the most common route of exposure.
49
Define fugitive emissions. Where do they come from?
Undetected leaks (called fugitive emissions) are a significant source of pollution and can come from industry, refineries, energy production, and natural gas pipelines.
50
Name and describe Rule 202.
Name: New Source Review.
This Rule outlines the procedure for a **new or modified stationary source** to get an Authority to Construct, and a Permit to Operate.
51
Define fence-line monitoring system.
A real-time, on-site air monitoring system that is installed at a stationary source. AB 617 would authorize the air district to require a stationary source that emits air pollutants in, or that materially affect, the selected location to deploy a fence-line monitoring system.
52
Explain the two nitrogen oxides that form an equilibrium mixture (talk about the color).
NO2 and N2O4 form an equilibrium mixture.
N2O4 is colorless, and is prevalent at low temperatures.
NO2 is brown, and is prevalent at high temperatures.
53
Describe the water-solubility of SO2 and NO2.
SO2 is soluble, but NO2 is NOT very solube.
54
Sacramento is designated to be a nonattainment area for which standards? Be specific.
The District is designated nonattainment for the state and federal ozone standards, the state
PM10 standard, and the federal PM 2.5 standard.
55
Name Regulation 2
Permits
56
Describe the annual engine survey.
By January 31st of each year, operators of diesel-fired engines shall submit to the Sac Metro AQMD the total number of hours each engine operated during the previous year for maintenance, emergency, and total (maintenance + emergency + other). This is required under the Air Toxics Hot Spots program under CalOEHHA.
57
Name 3 factors that affect a pollutant's ability to penetrate the respiratory system.
1. Physical and chemical characteristics (eg gas solubility).
2. The ambient concentration of the pollutant.
3. Ventilation rate of the person.
58
Name Regulation 3
Fees
59
Course vs fine - which are more likely to be primary vs secondary?
Fine = tend to be of secondary origin.
Coarse = tend to be of primary origin.
60
Describe the 2 main permits that businesses must receive from SMAQMD.
The Authority to Construct and Permit to Operate are separate documents granting you permission to build and then to operate equipment that will meet air quality standards.
61
Describe MSP.
The Sac Metro Air District Mutual Settlement Program (MSP) is a voluntary program adopted by its Board of Directors designed to settle violations without the time and expense of litigation.
62
Describe lean management.
Lean management is an approach to running an organization, that uses continuous improvement - a long-term approach that systematically seeks to achieve small increases in productivity.
Steps:
1. Define value, from the standpoint of the end customer.
2. Identify each step in a business process, and remove the steps that do not create value.
3. Repeat until all wasteful steps have been eliminated.
63
Name Regulation 6
Hearing Board
64
What are the main sources of energy for SMUD?
44% natural gas (Cosumnes), and 35% large hydroelectric (American River).
65
Who is Ali Othman?
Program Supervisor, Permitting, Stationary Sources.
66
According to the CARB Pollution Mapping Tool, what are the large stationary sources of pollution in Sacramento County?
SMUD Cosumnes Power Plant, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Hydrogen Plant, Asphault companies, Dairies, **Landfill** (Electricity generation), Proctor and Gamble (Organic Chemicals), SMUD Cogeneration projects, rendering plants, UC Davis Med Center (formaldehyde).
67
Define BTU.
BTU is a unit of **energy**, equal to about 1055 joules.
68
Name 4 types of control devices for PM, and another type (2 subtypes) to reduce air emissions.
1. Cyclonic separators.
2. Fabric filter collectors (baghouses).
3. Wet scrubbers.
4. Electrostatic precipitators.
Other: catalytic oxidizers and thermal oxidizers.
69
Define aerodynamic diameter.
The aerodynamic diameter of an irregular particle is defined as the diameter of the spherical particle with a density of 1000 kg/m3 and the same settling velocity as the irregular particle.
This allows you to compare particles with different sizes and densities, and irregular shapes.
70
Name Regulation 4
Prohibitory Rules
71
Describe RAAN.
The SJVAPCD's Real-Time Air Advisory Network (RAAN) is an automated tool that provides Valley residents with updates from the air monitor of their choice. By combining local air quality information with specific, concentration-based health recommendations, RAAN makes it possible for Valley residents to make informed decisions about when outdoor activities should be limited. RAAN provides actual air quality data from monitors throughout the Valley.
The use of community monitoring through the District’s implementation of AB 617 will serve as a compliment to the health protection already provided by District RAAN.
72
Define primary vs secondary pollutants.
Primary - emitted into the air directly. Example - Carbon monoxide.
Secondary - formed in the atmosphere, via conversion of precursors. Example - ozone.
73
Who is Angela Thompson?
Program Manager, Field Operations, Stationary Sources.
74
Describe linear regression.
In statistics, linear regression is a linear approach to modelling the relationship between a scalar response (or dependent variable) and one or more explanatory variables (or independent variables). The case of one explanatory variable is called simple linear regression.
75
Define fine PM.
AKA PM2.5 = All particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less.
76
Name and describe Rule 105.
Name: Emission Statement.
Persuant to the 1990 amendments to the federal CAA, the owner or operator of any stationary source which emits twenty-five (25) tons or more per year of either NOx or VOCs shall, annually, provide the District with a written emission statement showing actual emissions of NOx and VOCs from that source.
77
Name 4 sources of PM.
1. Burning of fuel.
2. Driving on unpaved roads.
3. Industrial activity.
4. Natural sources.
78
Describe NATA.
The National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) is EPA's ongoing review of air toxics in the United States.
79
Who is Amy Roberts?
Division Manager, Stationary Sources.
80
Describe SACOG.
The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is an association of local governments in the six-county Sacramento region. Its members include the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba and the 22 cities within.
SACOG provides transportation planning and funding for the region, and serves as a forum for the study and resolution of regional issues. In addition to preparing the region’s long-range transportation plan, SACOG approves the distribution of affordable housing in the region and assists in planning for transit, bicycle networks, clean air and airport land uses.
81
Describe boilers. What are they used for?
Boilers burn fossil fuels in order to heat water to make steam. The steam can be used for heating, power generation, food processing, in schools, hotels, etc.
82
What will SMAQMD do in the future to protect California air?
Near-term - get out of nonattainment status. Also, more community monitoring (AB 617).
Long-term - Switch over to electric, and make sure they are being charged with "green electrons".
83
Define criteria pollutants.
A group of key outdoor air pollutants defined by the Clean Air Act.
CO, O3, NO2, SO2, Pb, PM. The US EPA regulates these via NAAQS, in order to protect human health and welfare.
84
Name and describe Rule 108.
Name: Minor Violations.
Describes the process of how a Notice to Comply may be issued during an inspection, **OR** during any review of the stationary source by the District.
85
Define TSP.
Total Suspended Particles. Refers to almost all particles in the air. Typically measured as PM up to about 45μm aerodynamic diameter.
86
Name Regulation 9
NESHAPs
87
Who is Brian Krebs?
Program Supervisor, Permitting, Stationary Sources.
88
Define BACT.
Best available control technology.
89
Name all 8 Strategic Goals of SMAQMD.
1. Maximize program effectiveness while **balancing environmental and economic considerations**
2. Provide **regional leadership** in protecting public health and the environment
3. Integrate air quality consideration into **transportation and land use decisions**
4. **Develop and enhance diverse partnerships**
5. Recruit, **develop**, and retain **excellent staff**
6. Influence, develop and **implement innovative programs, and promote sustainability**
7. **Increase the public's role** and responsibility in improving air quality
8. **Ensure fiscal responsibility** and viability
90
Define stationary source.
A stationary source in air quality terminology is any fixed emitter of air pollutants, such as fossil fuel burning power plants, petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, food processing plants and other heavy industrial sources.
91
How does ozone concentration relate to the AQI?
The 8-hour average ozone concentration (ppm) determines the AQI number. This number can be found by using the AQI look-up table for ozone.
92
Describe how SMAQMD monitors air quality.
Since 1960, the Sac Metro Air District has been monitoring outdoor air pollution in Sacramento County and now operates 8 air quality monitoring stations across the county. An additional station is operated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
93
How is ozone concentration measured?
Because ozone absorbs light in the UV spectrum, the most common way to measure ozone is to measure how much of this light spectrum is absorbed in the atmosphere.
94
Define BARCT.
Best available retrofit control technology.
95
What do you know about our regulations?
There are 10 Regulations, numbered 1 through 10.
The shortest Regulations have only 1 Rule each.
The longest Regulation (#4 - Prohibitory Rules) has 45 Rules.
They are written by 2 people in the Rule Development section (Kevin Williams and Marc Cooley). They present their proposed changes to the Board of Directors, who then approve the changes.
96
Define RACT.
Reasonably available control technology.
97
Name 4 sources of naturally-occuring pollutants.
1. VOCs from vegetation.
2. Pollen.
3. Volcanic gasses.
4. Dust from deserts.
98
Name Regulation 7
Emergency Episode Plan
99
What exactly does SMAQMD do, according to the CA Health and Safety Code?
The Sacramento district is the local agency within the boundaries of the Sacramento district with the primary responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of air pollution control strategies, clean fuels programs, and motor vehicle use reduction measures, and shall represent the citizens of the Sacramento district in influencing the decisions of other public and private agencies whose actions may have an adverse impact on air quality within the Sacramento district.
100
Explain the seasonal variation in air quality in Sacramento.
In Sacramento County, the majority of air pollution during the summer comes from mobile sources, which are the cars, trucks, buses, agriculture and construction equipment that are used every day. In the winter, the majority of air pollution comes from wood burning in residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
101
How water-soluble is ozone? What does this mean about where in the airway it is removed?
It is NOT very water-soluble, so it penetrates deep into the lungs.
102
Name some of the incentive programs that SMAQMD has.
1. Community CarShare Program
2. Wood Stove / Fireplace Change Out
3. Agricultural & Construction Equipment Replacement
4. The Carl Moyer Program provides funds to replace, rebuild, or repower locomotives.
103
Define CAPP.
Community Air Protection Program. Established by CARB in response to AB 617. The Program’s focus is to reduce exposure in communities most impacted by air pollution. How:
1. targeted incentive funding to deploy cleaner technologies
2. grants to support community participation
3. new requirements for accelerated retrofit of pollution controls on industrial sources
4. increased penalty fees, and greater transparency and availability of air quality and emissions data
104
Name NO. What role does it play in air pollution?
Nitric oxide.
It contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain.
105
Define PM10.
PM10 = All particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less.
106
Name N2O. What role does it play in air pollution?
Nitrous oxide.
It plays no role in air pollution, but it may affect the ozone layer, and it is a greenhouse gas.
It is used as an anesthetic, propellant for sprays, and as an oxidizer in engines.
107
Name NO2. What role does it play in air pollution?
Nitrogen dioxide.
It contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain.
108
Describe FEM and FRM.
FRM = Federal Reference Method = This refers to an air pollution measurement device that has been developed to a clearly defined standard for a specific criteria pollutant.
FEM = Federal Equivalent Method = Air pollution measurement devices incorporating new technologies are tested and evaluated through the equivalent method process.
109
How do Field Operations staff enforce rules?
A Notice of Violation (NOV) or a Notice to Comply (NTC) may be issued when Sac Metro Air District Field Operations staff observe a violation of air quality **PERMITS OR RULES**. Any individual or business receiving an NOV or NTC from a representative of the Sac Metro Air District should immediately take all reasonable and prudent steps necessary to get back into compliance.
After the case is reviewed, written notification will be sent of the Sac Metro Air District decision to either:
1. Offer the opportunity to resolve the violation through the Mutual Settlement Program
2. Refer the case to Sac Metro Air District legal counsel
3. Refer the case to the District Attorney
110
Name the 4 substances that have a California standard, but no federal standard.
1. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
2. Sulfates
3. Visibility-reducing particles
4. Vinyl chloride (aka chloroethene)
111
How water-soluble is sulfur dioxide? What does this mean about where in the airway it is removed?
It is very water-soluble, so it is removed by the upper airway.
112
Name and describe Rule 207.
Name: Title V - Federal Operating Permit Program.
This Rule establishes an operating permit system that is consistent with federal Title V requirements.
113
How do you evaluate pollution threshold?
Organisms and ecosystems tend to tolerate pollutants up to a critical amount of pollutant accumulation, responding slowly up to the critical threshold. Beyond the threshold, scientists observe undesirable, and sometimes rapid, changes. The best limits are set at these thresholds, the authors say.
114
What is the **name AND title** of the leader of SMAQMD?
Dr. Alberto Ayala
Air Pollution Control Officer / Executive Director
115
Did CARB select any AB 617 communities within SMAQMD?
On September 27, 2018, CARB selected 10 communities across the state to be the first communities to develop and implement a community emission reduction plan and/or an air monitoring plan. The South Sacramento - Florin community was one of the 10 to be selected.
The South Sacramento - Florin community was identified for air monitoring. In future years, the information collected from air monitoring will provide valuable information for the development of emission reduction strategies in the South Sacramento - Florin community to reduce air pollution burdens.
116
Define cogeneration.
the generation of electricity and other energy jointly, especially the utilization of the steam left over from electricity generation to produce heat.
117
Define SFNA.
Sacramento Federal Nonattainment Area
118
What certification would I be required to get, and what is the deadline?
CARB Visible Emissions Evaluation certificate, within 6 months (for inspection positions, which I assume this is).
119
Why does Sacramento have bad air quality?
1. poor atmospheric ventilation
2. a capping temperature inversion
3. bordering mountains
4. sunny days
These 4 factors enhance smog formation and effectively trap pollutants in the Basin.
120
Name some broad examples of stationary sources of pollution.
1. fuel combustion (e.g., space and water heating)
2. waste disposal (e.g., landfills and composting)
3. cleaning and surface coatings (e.g., auto refinishing and furniture coatings)
4. petroleum production and marketing (e.g., bulk gasoline storage and transfer)
121
Who is Darrell Singleton?
Program Supervisor, Field Operations, Stationary Sources.
