01/23/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Mr. Arkell explained that PM10 is particulate matter that is less than ten micrometers in diameter. He said the problem with these small particles is that they penetrate deeply into respiratory passages of the lung. PM10 is present in high concentrations in smoke, fine dust, and aerosols. In July 1987 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a new Federal Ambient Air Quality Standard for fine particulates (PM10). The standard is based on human health effects. Federal law requires areas which do not meet new health-related standards to develop plans which demonstrate emissions reductions to the point where the new standards are attained. The demonstration must include enforceable rules as needed and any other measure which produces verifiable, quantifiable emissions reductions sufficient to reduce air pollution below the standard. Local air quality data and model results predict that Eugene-Springfield which presently violates the Federal standard will continue to do so. LRAPA is the lead agency for developing this plan and is in the process of doing so. LRAPA is also in the process of verifying the predicted violations through supplemental air sampling and source testing. Beyond the public health implications, there are also economic issues. If local or State plans are not developed or are inadequate, Federal plans may be instituted which could include limits on new industrial growth. e Mr. Arkell said there are a number of strategy alternatives available for dealing with this problem. He listed the following options: Do nothing, or adopt an inadequate plan, and deal with the consequences of State or Federal mandates. Improve the level of control on selected industrial sources. Institute indirect local measures such as fuel moisture restrictions, building code regulations governing, or prohibiting new wood stove installations. Require additional dust abatement measures. Adopt mandatory wood burning curtailment programs by ordinance. Seek change in State law to remove the home heating exemption, thus providing other options including DEQ- or LRAPA-operated mandatory curtailment program. Establish financial incentives, funded by local grants, to encourage individuals to switch to other conventional forms of heating or to replace their old-technology wood heaters with new-technology wood heaters. Seek home-weatherization programs. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Work Session January 23, 1989 Page 5