The following are paraphrased excerpts to summarize the contents of an updated website, a new fact sheet, and table and document presenting a list of options local air quality management districts / air pollution control districts (AQMDs/APCDs) have for implementation of SB 656 (Sher, 2003) to reduce public exposure to coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) particles. All the documents are listed at the following CA Air Resources Board (CARB) website, last updated 3/8/05, http://www.arb.ca.gov/pm/pmmeasures/pmmeasures.htm,
and the three-page fact sheet (PDF) is available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/pm/pmmeasures/sb656_fact_sheet.pdf
In 2003, the Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 656 to reduce public exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 (or, together PM).
It requires CARB, in consultation with AQMDs/APCDs, to adopt a list of the most readily available, feasible, and cost-effective control measures that could be implemented.
The legislation recognized sources vary statewide.
SB 656 established a process for achieving near-term reductions in PM throughout California ahead of federally required deadlines for PM2.5, and provides new direction on PM reductions in those areas not subject to federal requirements for PM. This will ensure continuing focus on PM reduction and progress towards attaining California’s more health protective standards.
A list of control measures was adopted by CARB on November 18, 2004. Over 100 possible air district measures covering a broad spectrum of sources were listed.
CARB also developed a list of state PM control measures for mobile and stationary sources, including measures planned for adoption as part of CARB’s Diesel Risk Reduction Plan. The lists can be found at the following web site:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/pm/pmmeasures/pmmeasures.htm
AQMDs/APCDs must now develop implementation schedules by July 31, 2005.
The implementation schedules will identify a subset of measures from the list that are appropriate to the nature and severity of the PM problem in that area. Measures from the list will be prioritized based on the effect measures will have on public health, air quality, emission reductions, and cost-effectiveness. These local measures will build upon programs adopted by CARB as part of ongoing statewide efforts. Due to the special emphasis on reducing diesel PM exposure, CARB encourages AQMDs/APCDs to take full advantage of programs to reduce diesel PM emissions, such as incentive funding to replace diesel engines, and enforcement of school bus and heavy-duty vehicle idling restrictions.
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