USEPA fines Huntington Beach wind energy firm for polluting Bolsa Chica wetlands

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently announced a settlement with Airtech International, Inc., related to Clean Water Act violations at its facility in Huntington Beach, CA. Airtech manufactures materials used in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and wind energy industries.

An interpretive panel at Bolsa Chica's south parking lot facing the pedestrian bridge spanning inner Bolsa Bay 

Photo Credit: Ca Dept of Fish & Game, Photo by Kelly O'Reilly

The violations were related to illegal stormwater runoff discharges from December 2014 to January 2019 into the Bolsa Chica Channel, which flows into the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve before entering the Pacific Ocean.

The settlement requires Airtech to pay a fine of $95,208, conduct five beach cleanup events, and complete a habitat restoration project, including an initiative to replenish native Olympia oyster shells in the Upper Newport Bay and a replanting of eelgrass.

“Stormwater discharges from the manufacturing industry are a major contributor to California coastal water pollution,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director Amy Miller. “This settlement will bring about improved stormwater management at the Airtech facility along with a much needed project to clean up local beaches and restore coastal habitat.”

More information on USEPA's Stormwater program may be found at the following link: NPDES Stormwater Program

CARB approves first ever AB 617 emission reduction plans for Fresno and Shafter

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced its approval of two emission reduction plans for the San Joaquin Valley. The plans will affect the communities of South Central Fresno and Shafter, two areas significantly impacted by air pollution.

AB 617 Target Areas, Photo Credit - CARB

Assembly Bill 617 requires that these Community Emissions Reduction Programs to identify, monitor and reduce air pollutants of specific concern to each location. 

“These two emission reduction plans are only the beginning of the focused efforts to cut air pollution in the communities of Shafter and South Fresno,” said CARB Executive Officer Richard Corey. “The next step is turning the plans into actions on the ground. CARB stands ready to work with the communities, air district and others to provide continued support and rigorous oversight to make sure the plans adopted today deliver on their promise of healthier air for all.”

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) helped gather together residents, businesses, air regulators, and other stakeholders to form steering committees that developed specific emissions reduction strategies for the two areas. 

“We applaud the action taken by the California Air Resources Board to approve the Community Emission Reduction Programs for the communities of Shafter and South Central Fresno,” stated Samir Sheikh Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. “We look forward to working closely with these communities to reduce air pollution and improve quality of life for community residents.”

Emission sources targeted include:

• Passenger cars
• Residential energy use
• Urban sources
• Heavy-duty trucks
• Industrial and agricultural sources including pesticides
• Oil and gas operations
• Fugitive dust

To address AB 617 requirements, CARB created the Office of Community Air Protection (OCAP). More information on OCAP may be found at this link: Community Air Protection Blueprint

CaHSRA Issues Draft 2020 Bullet Train Business Plan for Public Review and Comment

The California High Speed Rail Authority (CAHSRA) has just released its draft 2020 Business Plan and is seeking comments from the public.

Photo: CaHSRA

The plan emphasizes the CAHSRA's intent to use existing funding to complete a Central California interim line connecting Merced, Fresno, and Bakersfield. It also outlines major program progress in Northern California, Central California, and Southern California.

Estimated costs are consistent with the 2018 Business Plan and the 2019 Project Update Report.

“This plan outlines how this program will advance to meet California’s mobility, environmental and economic objectives,” said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “We are in an exciting time for this project and the electrification of transportation in California. In 2020, there will be 350 miles of electrified high-speed rail in development. In the next 18 to 24 months, we will work to environmentally clear the full Phase 1 system between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim. This transformation is well underway in California. Now is not the time to turn back,” Kelly said.  

The public comment period started February 12 and closes on April 12, 2020.

Further information on the draft plan can be found at this link: 2020 Draft Business Plan

CARB submits plan to USEPA for San Joaquin Valley PM2.5 compliance

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) just adopted a new plan to bring the San Joaquin Valley air basin into compliance with four federal standards for fine particulate pollution by the regulatory deadlines set by the US.Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). For more information: CARB PM2.5 Plan

Photo Credit: CARB

Measures for reducing emissions include:

• New regulations targeting emissions from heavy-duty trucks, including an inspection and maintenance program, a low-NOx engine standard and a low-emission diesel fuel requirement
• Tightened controls on residential wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, and enhanced incentives for cleaner-burning alternatives
• Enhanced incentives for purchase of cleaner agricultural equipment and commercial underfired charbroilers
• A suite of measures to reduce emissions of NOx from flares, including flares at refineries, oil fields and landfills, internal combustion engines and boilers, among other sources.

For more information: CARB PM2.5 Plan