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R-98-04-09-10D1 - 4/9/1998X:\ WPOOOR \RBBOLOTI\AR04O9O1.WPO /BC9 RESOLUTION NO. R- 98- 04- 09 -10D1 WHEREAS, the citizens of the City of Round Rock value clean and healthy air, and WHEREAS, the City of Round Rock is dedicated to providing a clean environment for its citizens, and WHEREAS, in July, 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted new national ambient air quality standards for ozone, which provide greater protection for public health and welfare, and WHEREAS, ozone levels in the Williamson /Travis /Hayes County area during 1995 -97 exceeded the allowable concentrations under the new EPA standard, and WHEREAS, ozone at the levels experienced in the metropolitan area during 1995 -97 are known to have adverse health effects, especially on children and individuals with respiratory problems, and WHEREAS, actions which reduce emissions of ozone - causing pollutants may have other environmental and health benefits, such as reduced fine particulate levels and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, and WHEREAS, the City of Round Rock is a contributor to the Clean Air Force, a non - profit public - private organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions for healthy air in Central Texas, and WHEREAS, the Clean Air Force had developed a flexible, voluntary, and broad -based Early Action Plan that uses market incentives to encourage individuals and organizations to measurably reduce emissions of air pollutants which cause ozone, Now Therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, That the City of Round Rock will support the implementation of the Early Action Plan. To that end, the City Manager, or his designee, is authorized to evaluate and implement cost - effective measures that (1) reduce emissions of ozone - causing pollutants from facilities and equipment owned or operated by the City of Round Rock or its contractors, or (2) rely on the City's purchasing and facilities to provide incentives for others to reduce their emissions of ozone - causing pollutants. The City Manager, or his designee, is also authorized to work with the Clean Air Force to publicize the Early Action plan, publicly recognize entities that make emissions reductions under the Plan, and promote its implementation by other public and private entities in Central Texas. The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of the meeting at which this Resolution was adopted was posted and that such meeting was open to the public as required by law at all times during which this Resolution and the subject matter hereof were discussed, considered and formally acted upon, all as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended, and the Act. ATTEST: RESOLVED this 9th day of April, 1 98. -cTEADFAH3--EaltNB, City Secreta CileISTiNE fl 7,NEZ 455T. 2 CHARLES CUL•E••ER, Mayor City of Round Rock, Texas 04/07/1998 09:19 5123800296 PAUL HELLIKER A Non -Profit Partnership Promoting lnnovanve Solutions for Healthy Air APR -07 -1998 10 22 Clean Alr Force CLEAN AIR FORCE OF CENTRAL TEXAS February 16, 1996 PAGE 02 EARLY ACTION PLAN FOR CLEAN AIR IN THE AUSTIN METROPOLITAN AREA 5123800296 99% P.02 04/07/1998 ,09:.15, 5123800296 Summary • PAUL HELLIKER PAGE 03 CENTRAL TEXAS Regional Clean Alr Early Action Plan February 16, 1998 Air pollution levels in Austin and the Central Texas region exceed the recently - revised health - based standard for ozone smog. Central Texas thus faces the prospect of becoming designated as a non - attainment area for ozone under the Clean Air Act. This early action plan is intended to provide healthy air quality conditions for the residents of this region, thereby avoiding the regulatory program required in non - attainment areas by the Clean Air Act. This plan is based on a voluntary approach, but could also serve as the foundation of an air quality management plan for a transitional area, should the Austin metropolitan area continue to violate air quality standards for ozone in 1998 and 1999. This plan emphasizes flexibility, market incentive measures, and a high - visibility recognition program for entities taking early actions to reduce emissions of ozone - forming compounds. This plan will be continuously refined as new information as new information is obtained about the relative magnitude of emissions of ozone - forming compounds from different sources, the impact of these emissions on ozone concentrations, and the costs of controlling these emissions. Background In July 1997, the Enviromnental Protection Agency revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone and particulate matter, to reflect updated scientific information indicating that more protective standards were necessary to protect public health and the environment. The new requirement is that ambient concentrations of ozone must be below 0.08 parts per million (ppm). Areas in which the 3 -year average of the fourth - highest ozone reading exceeds this level will be designated by the EPA as non - attainment areas for ozone, and will be required to implement measures to control the emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - pollutants which cause ozone. Measured air pollution levels for ozone "smog" in Central Texas already exceed these new, health -based standards established by the EPA. Ozone poses a serious threat to public health, especially to children. When inhaled, even at low levels, ozone can cause acute respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, decrease lung function, cause inflammation of lung tissue, lead to hospital admissions and emergency room visits, and impair the body's immune system defenses. Areas that met the previous standard for ozone, but that violate the new standard, have the option to seek a "transitional" classification, instead of being designated as non - attainment. The transitional classification promises more flexibility in developing plans to come into compliance with the new ozone standard. To be eligible for the transitional classification, areas must have developed and begun implementing an air pollution control plan by the time that EPA makes non - attainment determinations in mid -2000. Central elements of any air pollution control plan include an inventory of emissions of NOx and VOCs from various sources, air quality monitoring data from sites throughout a metropolitan region, and a model that integrates the emissions, chemistry and meteorology to predict ozone concentrations and the consequences of different control measures. In 1994, the City of Austin RPR -07 -1998 10:22 5123800296 99% P.03 Emission Category Description Major Contributors NOx Emissions (tons /day) VOC Emissions (tons /day) On - Road Vehicles Vehicles operated on public roadways Cars, Trucks, Buses 68 52 Non -Road Vehicles Vehicles not operated on public roadways Boats, Construction/ Agricultural, Planes, Trains 22 16 Equipment Sources All internal combustion equipment used by the private, public or residential sectors Lawnmowers, Forklifts, Generators, Compressors 16 40 Area Sources Miscellaneous residential, commercial and institutional sources of emissions Gasoline distribution, Paint, Consumer Products (toiletries, cleaners, etc.) 5 45 Point Sources Generally more than 25 tons /year emissions Industrial sites, Power plants, Waste incinerators 13 5 Biogenic Vegetation Crops, Trees and bushes NA 17 04/07/1998 , 09 :19 5123800296 FAUL HELLIKER PAGE 04 CENTRAL TEXAS Regional Clean Alr Early Action Plan February 16, 1998 developed an emissions inventory for the Austin metropolitan area, based on information current through 1992. The Texas legislature has provided funding to update this information and develop an air quality model for the Austin area (as well as for other "near non - attainment" areas), which the University of Texas is conducting. This work will form the foundation of the baseline emissions inventory, which EPA requires states to submit by August of 1998. Approach This plan targets key sources that emit ozone precursors (NOx and V005) in the Austin metropolitan area, through a voluntary, pro- active and flexible approach. The inventory of emission sources developed by the City of Austin in 1994 will be the starting point, with new information added and the focus refined as the emissions inventory is updated in August, 1998. The 1994 inventory identified the following source categories of NOx and VOC emissions in the Austin metropolitan area: Because of the potential of Austin becoming a non - attainment area, the typical control strategies used in non - attainment areas will be used as guides for defining potential cost - effective measures that can be taken in the Austin area to reduce air pollution. Under the previous ozone standards, areas designated as "marginal" or "moderate" non - attainment areas (those with pollution levels similar to those projected for the Austin area) were required to implement the following pollution control measures: APR -07 -1998 10:23 5123800296 99: P.04 Sector Description Typical Organizations Potential Early Actions Target Pollutants Vehicles General Public Avoid trips, Telecommute, Use transportation alternatives (bicycle, public transportation, carpooling) NOx, VOCs 04/07/1998 09:19 5123800296 PAUL HELLIKER PAGE 0b CENTRAL TEXAS Regional Clean Alr Early Action Plan February 16, 1998 • Stage 1 and Stage 2 Gasoline Vapor Recovery Systems • Low Reid Vapor Pressure Gasoline during Ozone Season/State Option to Require Reformulated Gasoline • Inspection and Maintenance Programs for Cars and Light -Duty Trucks • Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) • New Source Review Program and Offset Requirements for Major Sources (100 tons /year and higher) • Transportation Conformity Analysis for all FHWA and FTA Actions • General Conformity Analysis for all other Federal Actions • 15% Rate of Progress Reduction in VOC Emissions • Additional Contingency Measures (which automatically begin if standards are not met by required date) Incentives and Trading To provide motivation to participate in the Regional Clean Air Early Action Plan, organizations will be urged to take advantage of the emission reduction credit trading program operated by the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC). This program allows individuals or organizations to create, bank and sell credits for reducing air pollution emissions. These credits can be generated and sold anywhere in Texas either outside of non - attainment areas, or within specific non - attainment areas. In addition, other incentives will be pursued for organizations taking early actions to reduce air pollution in the Austin area, such as longer duration for emission reduction credits than normally allowed, larger credits or lower discount levels for emission reductions, or reduced offset requirements for new sources under a non - attainment regulatory program. Emissions Sectors This Early Action Plan seeks participation from broad sectors of the Central Texas area community, including collections of businesses (e.g., microprocessor or electronics manufacturers), groups of sources (power plants, cement kilns, etc.), fleet owners (Capital Metro, City of Austin, etc.), geographical areas (e.g., organizations located in downtown Austin), and so on. The following sectors have been identified initially as high priority for analysis and recruitment: APR -07 -1998 10:24 5123800296 99% P.05 Sector Description Typical Organizations Potential Early Actions Target Pollutants Vehicles General Public, Fleet Operators Perform voluntary inspection and maintenance, Scrap high - polluting vehicles, Refuel vehicles during evening hours or not at all on high ozone days NOx, VOCs Vehicle Fleets State Agencies, City of Austin, Capital Metro Deploy low emission and altemative fuel vehicles, Purchase and use cleaner- burning gasoline NOx, VOCs Gasoline Refining Refiners, Gasoline Retailers Refine and sell cleaner- burning gasoline VOCs (NOx) VOCs Gasoline Marketing Gasoline Companies, Service Station Owners, Trucking Companies Install and operate Stage I and Stage II vapor recovery equipment Power Plants/Boilers City of Austin, LCRA, University of Texas Install emission controls, promote energy efficiency, deploy renewable technologies NOx Small Off -Road Engines Lawn Care/Landscaping Companies, Homeowners Deploy low - emission equipment, Avoid using equipment during mornings /early afternoons of high ozone days VOCs Large Off -Road Sources Construction Companies, Agriculture, Railroads Replace engines with low- emission diesel or alternative fuel engines NOx Consumer Products Groceries, Retailer Stores Stock and promote reformulated products VOCs 04/07/1996 69:19 5123800296 PAUL,HE'_LIKER CENTRAL TEXAS Regional Clean Alr Early Action Plan February 16, 1998 PAu6 6b Membership and its Benefits A regional Clean Air Partners program will be created, to recognize entities that take early actions to reduce air pollution in the Austin metropolitan area, and to promote the patronage of these organizations by area residents. To become a Clean Air Partner, individuals or organizations must commit to implementing specific actions from a menu of options. Generally, these early actions will be defined to achieve emission reductions on the order of 15 %. Members of the partnership will receive recognition at an annual Clean Air Partners ceremony, and through regularly- scheduled publicity events. Partners will receive official recognition materials to use in advertising, organizational publications or to display at their sites. APR -07 -1998 10:24 5123800296 99% P.06 64/07/1958 09:19 5123800296 PAUL HELLIKER HA(L 6/ CENTRAL TEXAS Regional Clean Air Early Action Plan February 16, 1998 Outreach, education and publicity events to promote and generate interest in the Early Action Plan will be conducted regularly by the Mayors of the Cities of Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, San Marcos and other Communities, county commissioners and judges in the metropolitan area, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and other members of the Board of Directors and staff of the Central Texas Clean Air Force. A media team has already been formed by members of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Clean Air Force, and their activities will be focused to provide maximum visibility to the Clean Air Partnership. Support/Coordination Support for this Early Action Plan will be sought in the form of formal resolutions from Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell Counties, as well as from the City of Austin and other municipalities in the metropolitan area. Approval of the TNRCC and other state agencies will be requested. Support will also be sought from the area Chambers of Commerce, other business associations, community groups, environmental organizations and other public interest organizations. Regional Effects The poor air quality in Central Texas is part of a larger regional pollution problem. The best available science shows that air pollution in Central Texas includes a significant contribution from sources outside the area. Recent monitoring indicates that, on days of particularly high ozone levels, up to half of the air pollution in Central Texas is transported from upwind urban areas and rural stationary sources (such as power plants). An effective air pollution control strategy for Austin will thus have to address both local emissions and transported pollution. The actions listed above in this plan represent the first component of a broader regional approach. In addition to these local efforts, the Clean Air Force will work with the TNRCC and other Texas cities to ensure that the regional NOx reductions contemplated in TNRCC's new Clean Air Strategy provide maximum benefits to air quality in Central Texas. Additional Research In 1995, the Texas Legislature approved funding for Austin and other near non - attainment areas in state, to conduct assessments of the nature and extent of the air pollution in their regions, and to identify the sources of that air pollution. In 1997, the legislature provided additional funding to continue this research. For the Austin metropolitan area, the University of Texas is currently in the process of preparing a grant proposal to the TNRCC for this second round of funding. The University of Texas is in the process of developing an urban airshed model for Central Texas, and is working jointly with the Alamo Area Council of Governments to develop the baseline information to calibrate and verify this model. The model covers Austin, San Antonio and a region around these two cities that extends approximately 75 miles from their centers. UT is also improving the information in the emissions inventory for Central Texas, with a principal focus on emissions from the transportation and biogenic (plants and trees) sectors. APR -07 -1998 10:25 5123800296 99% P.07 04/07/1998 09:19 5123800296 PAUL HELLIKER PAGE 08 CENTRAL TEXAS Regional Clean Air Early Action Plan February 16, 1998 This early action plan will be refined as this research improves our understanding of the relative magnitude of the sources or ozone precursors in the Central Texas area, and the potential benefits to be achieved by reductions in these sources. APR -07 -1998 10:25 5123800296 98% P.08 DATE: April 3, 1998 SUBJECT: City Council Meeting, April 9,1998 ITEM: 10.D.1. Consider a resolution supporting the implementation of the Clean Air Force Early Action Plan. The Clean Air Force is seeking the City's support of the Early Action Plan. The goals of the Action Plan are for cities like Round Rock to reduce emissions of ozone - causing pollutants from facilities and equipment owned or operated by the City, and for the City to provide incentives for others to reduce emissions from ozone- causing pollutants through such programs as telecommuting, rideshareing, and van pooling. Staff Resource Person: Amelia Sondgeroth r • RESOLUTION NO. R- 98- 04- 09 -10D1 WHEREAS, the citizens of the City of Round Rock value clean and healthy air, and WHEREAS, the City of Round Rock is dedicated to providing a clean environment for its citizens, and WHEREAS, in July, 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted new national ambient air quality standards for ozone, which provide greater protection for public health and welfare, and WHEREAS, ozone levels in the R:\ WPOOCS \RRSOLOTI \R8010901.WP0 /scg of Tr pan ty Rick area during 1995 -97 exceeded the allowable concentrations under the new EPA standard, and WHEREAS, ozone at the levels experienced in the 0§ to afa Round Roe area during 1995 -97 are known to have adverse health effects, especially on children and individuals with respiratory problems, and WHEREAS, actions which reduce emissions of ozone - causing pollutants may have other environmental and health benefits, such as reduced fine particulate levels and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, and WHEREAS, the City of Round Rock is a contributor to the Clean Air Force, a non - profit public - private organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions for healthy air in Central Texas, and WHEREAS, the Clean Air Force had developed a flexible, voluntary, and broad -based Early Action Plan that uses market incentives to encourage individuals and organizations to measurably reduce emissions of air pollutants which cause ozone, Now Therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, That the City of Round Rock will support the implementation of the Early Action Plan. To that end, the City Manager, or his designee, is authorized to evaluate and implement cost - effective measures that (1) reduce emissions of ozone - causing pollutants from facilities and equipment owned or operated by the City of Round Rock or its contractors, or (2) rely on the City's purchasing and facilities to provide incentives for others to reduce their emissions of ozone - causing pollutants. The City Manager, or his designee, is also authorized to work with the Clean Air Force to publicize the Early Action plan, publicly recognize entities that make emissions reductions under the Plan, and promote its implementation by other public and private entities in Central Texas. The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of the meeting at which this Resolution was adopted was posted and that such meeting was open to the public as required by law at all times during which this Resolution and the subject matter hereof were discussed, considered and formally acted upon, all as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended, and the Act. RESOLVED this 9th day of April, 1998. ATTEST: JOANNE LAND, City Secretary 2 CHARLES CULPEPPER, Mayor City of Round Rock, Texas