HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-050-03/17/1998-APPROVING THE AIR QUALITY ACTION PLAN UPDATE FOR 1999 RESOLUTION 98-50
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING THE AIR QUALITY ACTION PLAN UPDATE FOR 1999
WHEREAS, on March 16, 1993,the Council of the City of Fort Collins adopted Resolution
93-45, whereby the Air Quality Policy Plan was approved for incorporation into the City's
Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, on March 15, 1994, the Council adopted Resolution 94-47 approving the Air
Quality Action Plan which contained strategies to achieve the air quality objectives contained in the
Air Quality Policy Plan; and
WHEREAS, on April 18, 1996, the Council adopted Resolution 96-55, approving the Air
Quality Action Plan Update for 1996-1998; and
WHEREAS, the staff and the Air Quality Advisory Board have prepared and presented to
the Council for consideration an update of the Air Quality Action Plan which contains strategies for
the year 1999 to meet the objectives of the Air Quality Policy Plan, consistent with Principle ENV-1
and Policy ENV-1.1 of the City Plan Principles and Policies; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the proposed Air Quality Action Plan
Update is in the best interests of the citizens of the City and should be approved by the Council for
implementation by staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the Air Quality Action Plan Update for 1999, attached hereto and incorporated herein
by this reference, be, and hereby is, approved by the Council for implementation.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held this 17th day o arch,
A.D. 1998.
r'
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AIR QUALITY ACTION PLAN UPDATE
MARCH 1998
*PROGRESS REVIEW OF AIR QUALITY DATA
*PROGRESS REVIEW OF 196-198 ACTIONS
*UPDATED ACTION PLAN FOR `99
The purpose of this update is to Table of Contents
provide:
Air Quality Plan overview . 2
b A summary of the most current data Ambient Air Quality . . . . . . . . 3
pertaining to those pollutants of Vehicle Miles Traveled . . . . . . . 4
particular concern to Fort Collins, and Per-mile Vehicle Emissions . . . . . 7
where applicable, how these data have Total Vehicle Emissions . . . . . . . I I
been affected by the Air Quality Action Commercial and Industrial Emissions . 12
Plan, Wood Smoke Emissions . . . . . . . 15
Indoor Air Quality . . . . . . . . . 19
Current information on the Strategies Intergovernmental Partnerships . . . 25
adopted by Council in March 1996; Data Collection and Monitoring . . . 27
and; State Legislation . . . . . . . . . 29
b Strategies for implementation from
January through December 1999.
1
AIR QUALITY PLAN OVERVIEW The Air Quality Policy Plan, adopted by City Council
in March 1993 provides the framework for the City's Air Quality Program. The Policy Plan calls
for an Action Plan to be reviewed and updated every two years. The first Action Plan was
adopted in March 1994, and reviewed in 1996. This is a one year review, scheduled to bring us
in sync with the two year budget review process.
Action Plan, 1994 One year update, 1999
Policy Plan, 1993 ► Evaluate
► Implement
► Long-term short-term progress
guidance action ' Revise Action
strategies
Plan
The Policy Plan also includes the following guidance, which is repeated here to orient and assist
the reader of this Action Plan update.
bOne goal: Continually improve Fort Collins Air Quality as the City grows. This means
existing sources must be reduced to more than offset new growth.
bSevcn objectives: Reduce the growth of vehicle miles of travel; reduce per-mile tailpipe
emissions of high priority pollutants; reduce total emissions of high priority pollutants from
commercial and industrial sources; reduce area-wide wood smoke emissions; reduce the number
of non-certified wood stoves and conventional fireplaces; and increase the percentage of
residences and workplaces taking action to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution.
bProgress measurement: Use air quality indicators (example --miles driven per day), not just
ambient air quality data. "Indicators" are indirect measurements of air quality that focus on the
parts of the problem within our control, whereas ambient data include issues outside our control,
such as the effects of weather.
bFocus on sources, not pollutants: Action strategies aim at reducing all emissions from a
source category (e.g., motor vehicles) rather than at specific pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide).
bPriority for action is based on the amount of pollution generated by a source. Current
priority sources in order of importance: #1 motor vehicles, #2 commerce and industry, #3 homes
OPriority for achieving goals is based on the following hierarchy of actions: #1 actions the
City must take, #2 actions the City takes voluntarily to reduce emissions from its own operations,
#3 actions the City asks others to take (education, incentives), #4 actions the City requires
others to take (ordinances)
2
Carbon Monoxide is emitted mainly by motor Ambient carbon monoxide in Fort Collins
_
vehicles. Emissions continue to decrease nation-wide, zoo
mainly due to new car standards. Carbon monoxide a 'gam
concentration in Fort Collins is well below the federal J. 1oD
-77
standard, but would rise if growth in daily vehicle miles Mo so
traveled is not controlled.
--T ,- -,
90 02 64 96 96 6o 92 94 66
Carbon monoxide concentration in Fort Collins continues to improve.
Am ble,nt PM-1 O In Fort Collins
2o0
Particles (PM-10) are emitted mainly
g '$� from roads, fields and construction sites.
' Particles are the main contributor to
S s0 _ ____ _-- _ -__ visibility impairment.
, � T -TT_,
no a2 sa an as 90 az sa 9e
PM-10 concentration in Fort Collins remains near 50% of the federal standard.
Amblant ozone in Fort Collins
200 --
Ozone is formed from nitrogen oxides and
hydrocarbons emitted mainly by motor vehicles. 'eo
Ozone concentration in Fort Collins remains below 1
the federal standard. So -_-_
0 1--7-_r --r.__ ., _. __r
80 82 84 88 ea 90 92 94 96
Ozone concentration in Fort Collins remains 20% below the federal standard.
Visibility in Fort Collins Visibility, a measure of how the air
200 — "looks,"has been monitored in Fort
„ 150 -' Collins since the fall of 1993.
Visibility exceeded the Colorado
A' standard about one-third of the time in
z' 50 -_ d a
1996.
In compliance not in compliance missing
1994 1995
- 1996 1997
Visibility impairment in Fort Collins may be increasing.
3
Objective#1: Reduce Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled. (VMT)
Current Conditions VMT expected to increase faster than population
The dotted line shows expected VMT
unconstrained by the proposed transportation a35 - - - - '
plans. The solid line shows the expected = ' - - �-
improvement if VMT goals are met through
implementation of the various transportation z ---- - - -
plans. The triangles mark the observed VMT
values for 1990 and 1995. The observed -
1995 VMT is halfway between the goal and 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
the uncontrolled:values. _ VMT Goal — VMT: unconstrained
-AL VMT: observed
Actions
Strategies: 1996- 1998 Strategies: 1999
1. Transportation Planning and Implementation
C>Regional Transportation Plan:
Adopted to achieve a 10%modal shift from "Evaluate progress and continue
single occupancy vehicles (SOV) to other implementation.
modes by 2015. Guides further
implementation.
bCongestion Management Plan:
Adopted policy, to limit VMT growth to the A-+Evaluate progress and continue
population growth rate. Guides further implementation..
planning.
OTransportation Master Plan:
Includes level-of-service criteria for transit, "Evaluate progress and continue
cycling, walking& automobiles; new street implementation.
design standards for all modes (that will, for
example, reduce traffic delay by improving
turning movements); and review procedures
for multi-modal traffic from new
developments.
4
Strategies: 19%- 1998 Strategics: 1999'`
1. Transportation Planning and Implementation (continued)
bTransportation Demand Management
Program:
Includes "mobility report card" to track "Evaluate progress and continue
progress, "SMARTTRIPS" marketing implementation.
program for alternative transportation,
employer-based transportation coordinators,
VanGo, carpooling and telecommuting.
bTransit Development Plan:
Plans for improved transit services and "Evaluate progress and continue
ridership. implementation.
'Bicycle Plan:
Includes construction of bike facilities, "Evaluate progress and continue
improved design and maintenance of bike implementation.
facilities, policy changes to support cycling,
and active promotion of cycling.
bPedestrian Plan:
Includes improved design, construction, "Evaluate progress and continue
connectivity, and maintenance of pedestrian implementation..
facilities.
2. Land Use Planning and Implementation
bCity Plan:
Sets a vision and goals for the community to "Evaluate progress and continue
manage development so as to become less implementation.
reliant on automobiles, complete with
supporting principles and policies, new
zoning districts, design guidelines, and City
land use regulations. Includes a capital
investment plan and a process for monitoring
alternative transportation usage and
construction of desired activity centers.
5
Strategies: 1996- 1998 Strategies: 1999'
3. Internal City efforts
bland Use, Transportation and Air Quality
Team (LUTRAQ): "Continue. Because the size of the future
Coordinates interdepartmental efforts within population is an important determinant of
City planning and operations. future vehicle miles of travel and future
City Don't Drive One in Five Program: vehicle emissions, the Team will work with
Annual program to increase use of alternative interested City Council Boards to review
transportation among City employees. population trends and population projection
methods.
"Continue through SMARTTrips. Natural
Resources Department to assist and
coordinate air quality message with
SMARTTrips program.
6
Objective #2: Reduce Per-mile Motor Vehicle Emissions
Current Conditions
CO, grams per mile
50 - ---
Per-mile motor vehicle emissions* are
estimated in grams per mile using a special 40
USEPA computer model(1Vlobile5a), which
reflects age and type of vehicle typical in
Colorado, and takes into account the State 30
inspection/maintenance and anti-tampering
programs specific to Fort Collins. 20
Improvements in per-mile emissions have
come mainly from new-car emissions
standards,inspection and maintenance, and 1 C990 1995 20 - -
oxygenated fuels programs. 00 2005 2010 2015
*Per-mile emissions refer to any air pollution caused by operation of a motor vehicle, and
includes exhaust pipe emissions and road dust kicked up by automobile tires.
Actions
Strategies: 1990- 1998 Strategies: 19"
1. Emissions Sticker Ordinance
b Emissions Test Law:
Adopted State emissions test law into City H Completed.
Code in 1994 to simplify enforcement city-
wide, and to increase compliance among CSU
students. Campus compliance has risen from
75%to 85%. City initiated program in
cooperation with CSU Parking Services.
In 1997/98, Fort Collins is participating in a "Implement recommended methods to
NFRT&AQPC study to evaluate regional improve compliance.
emissions sticker compliance and recommend
options to increase compliance.
7
Strategies: 1996 - 1998 Strategies: 19"
2. Education on Emission Sticker Ordinance
binformation Campaign:
Conducted information campaigns on the CSU "Completed.
campus for last three years. Campaigns
included posters, letters to campus residents,
coupons for discounts on tests, warning
tickets, articles in the Collegian, and
information with parking permits. The City
turned this program over to CSU the fall of
1997.
3. Emissions Testing and Repair
bNon-Testing Strategies
A citizens' committee was convened in 1997 "Report on effectiveness of strategies
to recommend early actions the City could take conducted in 1997/98. Modify strategies if
to reduce per-mile emissions. Recommended needed. Continue with implementation of
strategies are to be implemented in 1997 and non-testing strategies such as public
1998. education, Tech Nights, campaigns using the
Remote Sensing Device, etc.
8
Strategies: 1996 » 1998 Strategies: 1999
3. Emissions Testing and Repair(continued)
'>Improved Inspection & Maintenance (I/M)
Program:
The City participates in a"Regional I/M "At the local and State level, promote new
Committee" (formed under the auspices of the I/M recommendations that best support the
North Front Range Transportation and Air City's air quality goal, e.g., build stakeholder
Quality Council (NFRT&AQPC)) to and political support; promote the City's I/M
recommend an improved local/regional I/M recommendations at the State legislature.
program to replace the existing program which
sunsets in December 2001, considering both
testing and non-testing issues.
The City of Fort Collins participates in the <-+Continue participation in CO Round Table
Colorado Department of Public Health& as needed.
Environment - Air Pollution Control
Division's (CDPHE-APCD) Carbon
Monoxide Round Table to explore CO
reduction strategies available, and to work
with other communities to craft a future I/M
program that is flexible enough to allow each
community to pursue its air quality goals.
4. Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV)
bC'ity Takes Leadership Role:
As of January 1998, the City had 103 AFVs. "Expand the City AFV fleet by at least 25
vehicles each year through 2001.
C>Regional Partnership- "Clean Cities"
The City of Fort Collins coordinated an AFV "Continue to coordinate the Weld-Larimer-
program with Weld and Larimer counties and RMNP Clean Cities partnership. Continue to
Rocky Mountain National Park (Weld/ track the emissions-reduction impacts of
Larimer/RMNP) to promote use of alternative AFVs in private and public fleets in the
fuels by fleets. Fort Collins was designated a region and throughout the corridor. Continue
Clean City by the U. S. Department of Energy to work with Denver and Colorado Springs to
in May 1996. During 1997, a clean fuels strengthen the Colorado "Clean Fuels"
corridor committee was established with sister corridor.
Clean Cities Denver and Colorado Springs.
9
Strategies: 1996 » 1998 Strategies: 1999
5. Street Sanding and Sweeping
bBest Management Practices
The City Streets Department continues to use "Continue to use advanced treatments for
the state of the art techniques to reduce ice and snow control.
particulate emissions from street sanding. All
of Streets staff have formal training in
particulate pollution reduction. The one
quarter cent sales tax for transportation
maintenance approved by voters in 1997
includes money for street sweeping
enhancements.
In 1998, the City will implement a joint project
with Larimer County to identify and reduce
UGA street dust emissions, including
sweeping paved roads and paving or
controlling dust from unpaved roads.
6. Diesel vehicles
Diesel regulations
A recommendation will be made to the City "Continue implementation of recommended
Manager on how to best enforce vehicle- actions.
related air pollution laws.
"Participate in Transportation Department
studies that have the potential to reduce truck
emission impacts in Fort Collins.
7. Signal Timing
bFine-tuning of existing signal network
The 1998 benchmark study will identify best "Evaluate the feasibility of implementing
practices among survey respondents for traffic the recommended best practices.
signal optimization. A recommendation will
be made to incorporate the best practices that
are applicable to Fort Collins into the City's
signal re-timing procedures.
10
Objective #3: Prevent Total Motor Vehicle Emissions
from exceeding Low Point
Current Conditions
Total dailymotor vehicle I emissions are estimated by multiplying daily vehicle.miles
traveled (see Objective)#1).by per-mile emissions(see Objective#2). The figures below
show per-mile and total iemissions of carbon monoxide in Fort Collins. Other pollutants
from motor vehicles include hydrocarbons,nitrogen oxides, particulate?and toxic$.
Actions
FSee Objectives#1 and#2
VMT,millions CO, grams per mile CO,metric tons
4 50 90
40 80
3
30 70':
20 60
?9 - 000 5p,
1 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 90 1995 2 2005 2010 2015 990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
If VNIT growth is reduced ...and if technology cuts ...then total CO levels will
to 2.8% per year... CO emissions to half of meet our objective through
1990 levels... 2009.
This analysis assumes that Emissions per mile are Although reduced rate of
the Transportation Plan goal expected to drop due to VNIT growth will still out-
for VNIT growth is met, federal new car standards pace technological
dropping levels from the and state inspection and improvements after the year
current 3.8% down to 2.8% maintenance and oxygenated 2000, we will meet our
per year(VMT growth rates fuels programs, and local use objective, shown as a
expressed as linear non- of alternative fuels. If a local horizontal line, through
compounded percentage). inspection and maintenance 2009. Stricter new car
program is implemented, standards or a local
emissions will drop further inspection and maintenance
than shown. program, if adopted, would
improve this picture.
11
Objective #4: Reduce Total Emissions from Commerce
and Industry
Emissions from selected Fort Collins businesses
350
Current Conditions
Commercial and industriaL emissions are 300
compiled in tons per day using State data in 250
the Aerometrie Information Retrieval System r200
(AIRS).The chart at right shows emissions of Or
high priority pollutants in tons per year. C 150
Businesses selected are, Colorado State ° 100
University,Anheuser-Busch,Hewlett 50
Packard,Poudre Valley Hospital,Port Collins
City Wastewater, and Symbios Logic. ° Noe voc co PM-10
1993 . 1994
. 1995 1996
Hazardous Air Pollutants p
reported by Fort Collins businesses The chart at left shows emissions of
too---- - ---- ---- hazardous air pollutants(HAP) from Fort
99 �, �,,�.:tl_ Collins businesses'. HAP include
� r
chemicals like formaldehyde,benzene,
69
hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen fluoride,
0 40 which increase the chance of serious
20 . -- , i health problems, such as cancer and
01 = _� 't '� 1P neurological diseases. Businesses that
emit HAP include electrical shops, wood
l 1995 ■ 1997 products shops,dry cleaners, gas stations
and print shops.
The chart at right shows the number of
businesses that changed,HAP emissions'. Fort Collins businesses that emit HAP
Decreases in HAP emissions were caused by 50 -
impro-vements in operating procedures
(resulting in emissions falling below reporting ,ao - -
thresholds) and,closings_ Increases in m
.=_3oi — —
pemissions roduction t e caused by increased
existing businesses and the a 20 __ j
inclusion of new businesses in the HAP'
E p h
E
inventory. Z 10
r +
0
Ll no change 0 emission decrease . emission increase
12
Actions
Strategies: 1996 - 1998 T Strategics: 1999
1. Pollution Prevention (P2)
LVoluntary Program:
The P2 program fosters community-wide 4-+Continue quarter-time staff assignment on
adoption of practices that reduce pollution, P2 community outreach. Implement
waste, and energy use at the source. Initially, WasteWi$e reduction plan. Implement
the City provided supplemental funding for updated"green"purchasing practices.
Larimer County's Pollution Prevention Implement program to encourage P2 practices
Coordinator, who has focused on the wood among start-up and expansion businesses.
finishing, automotive, and hospitality sectors.
As of 1998, the City has a quarter-time
position dedicated to P2 community outreach.
The City is a partner in a multiple-agency
pilot project to provide P2 assessments at five
selected businesses, and is also a charter
government partner in USEPA's WasteWi$e
program with a commitment to adopt and
implement a waste reduction plan. The City
sponsored a successful charrette to enhance
networking and partnerships among P2
practitioners along the Front Range. In 1998,
the City will update its "green"purchasing
practices that call for the purchase of recycled
products, and will also design a program to
encourage P2 practices among start-up and
expansion businesses.
13
Strategies: 1996 - 1998 T Strategies: 1999'
2. New Source Review
bNew Sources of IndustriaUCommercial
Emissions
The City has begun to take an active role in "Continue to take an active role in the State
the State permit review process by helping to permit review process.
register local sources with the State health
department that are not now registered,
tracking state regulatory revisions,
commenting on new source permit
applications, and providing citizens access to
State-collected data on the location, type, and
amount of point-source pollution emissions.
A staff issue paper is being prepared to "Implement development review
evaluate State new source review regulations requirements adopted by City Council.
and present options for City Council to adopt
development-review requirements that go
beyond the State rules. City Council action is
expected by December 1998.
3. Fugitive Dust
Fugitive Dust Law
Fugitive dust from land development Continue.
activities is subject to three separate
regulations: City nuisance code on dirt
tracked onto the streets, enforced by the
Engineering Department; City water/wind
erosion control guidelines, enforced by
Stormwater Utility; and State fugitive dust
control regulations, enforced by Larimer
County Health Department. These efforts are
coordinated through contacts among the staff
members involved. The Natural Resources
Department also assists with enforcement of
the State regulation by notifying land
development applicants about the required
fugitive dust controls and putting them in
touch with County staff for follow-up.
14
Objective #5: Reduce wood smoke emissions, and
Objective #6: Reduce the Number of Non-certified Wood
Stoves and Conventional Fireplaces
Current Conditions
This Chart shows,the decline in Carbon monoxide CO emissions decrease from wood fireplaces & stoves
emissions from wood burning. This change is 3000] —
due to conversion of wood burning fireplaces to` 2500— 3 i --
gas,the dismantling or upgrade of old,dirty-
zo00
burning wood stoves to new,certified units,and z
a declining trend in solid fuel usage. Carbon o lsoo
IE
monoxide(CO)emissions from wood burning p 10D0 ' ` r
have decreased 62%between 1984 and 1996, r . I
based on surveys of area residents. eDD
D
1984 1990 1994 1996
Almost 90%of Fort Collins residents report satisfaction
with wood smoke in their neighborhood
100 - — -- ------ Since 1992, the number of Fort Collins residents
9D __.._.___ - -- — who are bothered by wood smoke has declined
60 from 18%to 4%, with 95%of residents
surveyed in 1996 saying wood smoke is about
0. 40 right or not noticeable.
20 ral
don't notice about right too much don't know
1990 M 1994 ■ 1999 Residents are using fewer wood burning units
100- —
Fort Collins' ZILCH program,wood smoke 8° — — -- —--
complaint line, and information program may be -
credited with having an additional effect on
Wood'burning emissions, with a,steady decline a 40
in the number of wood burning fireplaces and sD
older,non-certified wood stoves since the program began'in 19901. D
use wood fireplacefstove own neither don't use gas fireplacelstove
199D . 1994 . 1096
15
Actions
Strategies: 1996-1998 Strategies: 1999
1. ZILCH - Zero Interest Loans for Conservation Help
bProgram:
Zero interest loans are provided to Fort Collins
residents to help them convert wood burning
fireplaces to gas, or upgrade or dismantle non-
certified wood stoves to cleaner-burning, certified
units. The repayment schedule and loan cap were
reduced in 1996 to make payback quicker and loans
more available. Over 300 wood burning units have
been upgraded or dismantled since the program
began in 1990.
During the winter of 1997,the ZILCH program
was restructured to target wood stoves and wood
stove inserts where turnover is slowest and use is
highest. The loan cap was raised to a maximum of
$2,300 and the percentage loaned was directly tied
to the amount of air pollution-reduction achieved.
During 1998, a plan will be developed to "Implement the newly restructured ZILCH
incorporate radon mitigation for low-income loan program.
households into the ZILCH loan program. A
portion of the ZILCH money will continue to be
used for wood stove/insert dismantlings and
upgrades. The woodburning program will also
target low-income families. A moratorium will be
placed on wood fireplace upgrades.
rJLoan Fund:
The revolving loan fund is capped at$90,000. "Request an additional $60,000 in the 2000-
Money is reloaned as it is paid back. 2001 budget, to bring the ZILCH loan fund to
$150,000.
16
Strategies: 1996- 1998 Strategies: 1999
2. Wood Smoke Survey
b Survey:
A wood smoke survey was conducted in April 1996 "The next wood smoke survey will occur in
to determine numbers of wood fireplaces and non- 2000.
certified wood stoves, and to calculate wood smoke
emissions and citizen attitudes. The survey
instrument was updated in 1997.
A wood smoke survey will be conducted in March
1998 and results will be incorporated into the 1999
Air Quality Action Plan update.
3. Clean Wood Burning Education
4>Seasonal effort.
The wood smoke education program runs from �->Continue education program, media
September through March. It encourages clean outreach, and articles.
wood-burning techniques through articles in
Environmental News and the Fort Collins
Coloradoan, and through displays at local retailers
and a traveling display..
Weekly reports on City Line and KCSU radio were
discontinued in 1996.
4. Complaint Line
b Wood smoke complaints: "Continue.
The wood smoke complaint line has operated since
1989. Wood smoke complaints are addressed by
informing all residents in the area of the complaint
about City wood burning ordinances and proper
wood burning practices. In stubborn cases, the
problem residence is contacted directly, and, if
needed, a smoke opacity reading is conducted by
the County.
17
Stategies: 1996- 1998` Strategies: 1999'
5. Regulations
The cottonwood burning ban was rescinded in "No further action.
October 1996.
b The solid fuel-burning appliances law was "No further action.
upgraded in February 1997 to clarify regulations
pertaining to installation of wood burning cook
stoves.
4z>An ordinance requiring upgrade or dismantling "No further action.
of wood stoves and fireplaces at point-of-sale was
proposed in 1996. Review of wood smoke
concerns among residents and turnover of existing
wood burning units indicated the current voluntary
program was working.
The point-of-sale ordinance will be reconsidered HComplete.
during the Air Quality Action Plan Update
beginning in 1998.
18
Objective #7: Increase Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Actions
Current Conditions
Radon actions increase The chart at left shows actions taken by
residents to reduce exposure to carbon
CO and Tobacco smoke actions fluctuate monoxide,tobacco smoke:and radon.
too- - _ --- -
,° as Since the IAQ program began in 1994,
°° it has focused heavily on radon testing
ao --- ---
60—` — sa as as- and mitigation,therefore,most
e improvement is seen in that area.
a 40 —
fi
as
20_
co* Tobacco+ Radon*
June'94 ■ Dec.'95 Dec.'97
* Residents who have their furnaces checked annually.
+ Residents who do not allow anyone to smoke in their homes.
# Residents who have installed radon mitigation systems in their homes after testing and
finding radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter of air or higher.
Since 1994, more residents have taken action
when radon levels exceeded 4 picocuries per Actions taken to reduce radon levels increase
liter of air(pCi/L), the level at which USEPA 100
recommends action. Fort Collins and most of 80
-_
Colorado are in a USEPA Zone radon area
where natural levels tend to be above 4 pCi/L.: -i: 60 t --- - -
The most effective way to reduce radon levels v
is to install a sub-slab soil depressurization a 40 — '° — 31 32 -
system that draws radon gas from beneath the 20 , " _. =0 3
13
house and exhausts it to the outside air. Other
o.os
actions, such as Caulking and plastic barriers, 0
can lower or dilute levels, but they are not as Sub Slab Caulked Plastic
effective as sub-soil systems. LJ June'94 N Dec.'95 0 Dec.'97
19
Strategies 199671998 T Strategies 1999
1. Indoor Air Quality Issue Paper
b Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)Issue Paper H No further action.
In 1997, staff wrote an issue paper outlining
"who is doing what" on indoor air quality in
government and private sectors. The paper
recommended an appropriate role for the City
that complements, rather than duplicates, the
efforts of others. Some specific problems and
opportunities considered by the IAQ Issue
Paper and subsequent recommendations:
1. Update of the tobacco smoke ordinance?
(Participate in any citizen initiative.)
2. Institute a Pollution Prevention program
for households patterned after the Master
Naturalist Program?
(Consider for inclusion into 2000-01 AQAP)
3. Continue to hold workshops on do-it-
yourself radon mitigation? (Yes)
4. Develop a computer model of IAQ health
risks by pollutant? (Being done by federal
and university researchers.)
5. Discontinue IAQ strategy that focuses on
the workplace? (Yes)
6. Work through neighborhood organizations
to increase awareness and actions relating to
IAQ? (Provide information through articles in
various media.)
7. Provide public workshops on air toxics?
(Consider during 1999.)
c;>IAQ Action Plan
In 1998, staff developed an action plan based `—'Continue implementation.
on the issue paper. New actions
recommended by the IAQ paper:
Review Master Pollution Prevention Program "Continue review.
during 1998/99 AQAP review.
New: Consider conducting a limited number
of workshops for the general public dealing
with both indoor and outdoor air pollution.
20
Strategies 19964998 Strategies 1999'<
Solicit the assistance of a graduate student to
complete an IAQ resource list for use by
businesses and individual households. New: Establish a liaison with the state health
department and Larimer County Department
Form an ad-hoc committee to identify the top of Health and Environment to better utilize
three to five IAQ issues in Fort Collins and existing IAQ staff resources.
develop program recommendations for 2000-
01 AQAP.
Establish a liaison with Poudre Fire Authority
and Public Service Company to assist them in
(1)taking the lead in educating HVAC
contractors about carbon monoxide (CO) and
(2) providing residents with information and
assistance about indoor CO.
Find alternative outlets for radon kit sales
such as one or more of the City's customer
service counters and/or non-profits such as
the American Cancer Society and the
American Lung Association.
Encourage the state health department to seek 4--*Continue.
more funding for IAQ programs.
Encourage the state health department to E-- Continue.
develop registration/certification guidelines
for radon, asbestos and lead-paint remediation
contractors.
Identify and explore ways to better address "Begin implementation.
IAQ problems in rental property.
Continue to update radon potential mapping "Continue as needed.
data until stable results are achieved.
Review any citizen proposal to update "Continue as needed.
tobacco smoking ordinance. Participate in
advisory and support role.
21
Strategies 1996-1998 T Strategies 1999
2. IAQ Survey
,V1 IAQ Survey:
Continue biennial survey schedule. IAQ "Continue a biennial survey schedule. The
survey was conducted in the fall of 1997 to next survey is scheduled for 2000.
determine residents' knowledge of specific
IAQ issues and whether they were taking
appropriate actions to reduce exposure to
indoor air pollutants. Results will be used in
1998 to re-evaluate the program.
3. Regulations
U Radon Information Law
Council passed a radon law in March 1997, " Continue implementation
requiring radon risk, testing, and mitigation
information be provided to all residential
home buyers at point of sale.
Council also directed staff to reconsider "Complete re-evaluation.
mandated testing at point of sale and
mandated installation of radon mitigation
systems in new constructions during
subsequent Air Quality Action Plan biennial
review. Re-evaluation will begin in 1998.
In 1998, radon building standards for new " Continue to implement through building
constructions will be adopted into Building permit process.
Code.
In 1998, staff will begin working on radon <-4 Complete incorporation into Building
building standards for existing constructions. Code and implement through building permit
process.
22
Strategies 19964998 T Strategies 1999:
4. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Education and Information
bOverall Program:
Continued to inform residents and encourage "Continue.
actions pertaining to radon, carbon monoxide,
tobacco smoke formaldehyde, lead-based
paint, asbestos, and other household toxics.
Three radon workshops were held in 1996:
one on radon risk, testing and mitigation; the
other two on radon mitigation for do-it-
yourselfers.
Additional Radon workshops will be held in "Continue.
1998.
Radon-Education Committee:
The Education Committee, made up of " No further action.
realtors, radon inspectors, builders, citizens
and City staff, worked to increase the number
of houses tested for radon by educating
buyers at point-of-sale. The committee's
work was completed in 1997.
L>Radon mitigation in new homes:
In 1997,Natural Resources staff worked with " Continue.
building departments in Fort Collins and
Larimer County to encourage builders to
voluntarily install radon mitigation systems in
new homes. This will continue in 1998.
23
Supporting This section deals with two
Policy actions: (1) those that
strengthen our efforts to
Directions improve air quality; and, (2)
those that provide the
scientific basis by which we
measure our success to allow
for periodic resetting of goals
and strategies:
Specific activities:
b Intergovernmental
Partnerships at the state,
county and city levels;
D Data collection and
monitoring; and,
b Legislation.
24
Intergovernmental Partnerships
Strategies: 1996- 1998 Strategies: 1999
1. City, County, State Government
,Liaisons:
Liaison process will be completed in 1998 to "Continue.
annually coordinate air quality work plans of
the City with County and State health
departments,to increase effectiveness and
avoid duplication of effort.
2. Local Government
C>Air Toxic Partnership:
Air Toxics Partnership, including health "Continue to maintain network of contacts.
officials from cities, counties, State and
federal agencies, reviewed City strategies and
programs to reduce risks from air toxics.
bLocal Environmental Government Staff.•
LEGS, an ad-hoc Front Range group, +--*Continue to maintain a network of contacts
considered improved interaction between city, with staff in other local government agencies,
county, State and federal agencies. especially along the Front Range, through
groups such as LEGS,National Association
of Local Government Environmental
Professionals (NALGEP), the Colorado
Municipal League (CML), etc.
25
Strategies: 1996- 1998 Strategies: 1999
3. State Implementation Plan Update (SIP)
L>Redesignation Status:
Although Fort Collins is designated"non- "No further action.
attainment" with respect to the federal carbon
monoxide (CO) standard, Fort Collins has "The State may initiate studies to determine
not violated the Federal air quality standard whether certain State regulation can be
for CO since 1991, and is therefore eligible to rescinded because they are no longer needed
apply for attainment status. If it is decided to to meet federal requirements. If so, the City
apply for re-designation,the application should participate in such studies.
would be prepared by the City in cooperation
with the North Front Range Planning Council
and the State Air Pollution Control Division,
and would be adopted by the Air Quality
Control Commission.
4. Benchmark Study
bSurvey
During 1997,the City began working with the "Evaluate the potential for future
Air Quality Advisory Board to identify "first benchmarking projects within the City.
class" air pollution control programs, and
where applicable, apply their techniques to
Fort Collins. This project is expected to be
completed in 1998.
5. Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
bParticipation
Join with other cities to reduce greenhouse "Implement the action plan.
gas emissions, mostly COz from energy use.
Council adopted a resolution in 1997 stating
the intent to conduct an energy audit, set a
reduction target, and develop an action plan to
meet the target. The energy audit, reduction
target and action plan are expected to be
completed in 1998.
26
Data Collection & Monitoring
Strategies: 1996- 1998 Strategies: 1999
1. Action Plan Update (this document)
z;Weview:
Review monitored data and air quality "Prepare 2000 - 2001 Action Plan Update.
indicators. Review implementation of
strategies and propose future actions.
2. Air Quality Monitoring Plan
4Z>Current identified needs include:
• Continue visibility monitoring, "Continue to update the Air Quality
integrate visual and optical data Monitoring Plan every two years.
• Special source apportionment study of
PM-2.5, followed by regular PM-2.5
monitoring
• Reevaluate the permanent CO and
PM-10 monitoring sites
• Study to determine if pollutants
concentrate in valleys.
3. Education
b Air Quality Data Reporting:
Report carbon monoxide, ozone, and visibility "Continue.
data in the Coloradoan and on channel 14.
Air quality data is no longer reported on
KCSU or City Line (the City's information
help line).
27
Strategies: 1996- 1998 Strategies: 1999'
3. Education (continued)
b Improve delivery of data
• Use pictures, not just data, to show " Completed.
visual air pollution levels.
• Simplify communication of air quality " Completed.
data and trends to increase awareness
and encourage behavior change.
• Publicize A.Q. actions the City takes " Completed.
on its own.
• Survey residents biennially to f. Conduct survey.
determine air quality awareness,
effectiveness of information program,
and basis of public's concerns
regarding air quality.
• Introduce new air quality logo and .> Completed.
theme.
• Promote Breathing Lessons as part of Continue.
new air quality campaign to encourage
residents to take action to improve
indoor and outdoor air quality.
4. Special Monitoring Studies
b Visibility Monitoring:
The City's visibility monitoring includes "Continue.
optical (attenuation from our transmissometer,
nephelometer and aethalometer) and visual
(scene monitoring and time-lapse video) data
collection.
4;>PM--2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5,um)
In 1998,the Northern Front Range Air "Determine if sampling equipment can be
Quality Study produced an estimated source borrowed from the State to conduct PM-2.5
apportionment for fine particles. monitoring on a temporary basis.
4;�Carbon Monoxide
In 1998, the City evaluated the location of the
permanent CO site relative to the changing " No further action.
traffic pattern over the next ten years, as part
of the CO redesignation process.
28
State Legislation
Strategies: 1996 - 1998 Strategies: 1999
Legislation
Monitor legislative actions "Continue.
The City will continue to follow pertinent
legislation and join forces with other
contistituents where appropriate. We
anticipate no major legislative efforts at this
time.
29