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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2010-007 Sponsored by: Oates CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2010 -007 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, SUPPORTING A COMMUNITY -WIDE AIR MONITORING PROGRAM AND REQUESTING THE DIVISION OF AIR QUALITY ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (DEC) IMPLEMENT AN AMBIENT AIR MONITORING PROGRAM WITHIN CITY OF SEWARD WHEREAS, course particulate matter (PM10) is less than 10 micrometers in diameter and is primarily experienced in Alaska as airborne dust; and WHEREAS, it is important to establish a scientific measurement of our community's air quality, specifically in regards to particulate (airborne dust) matter; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward is interested in obtaining a minimum one year's worth of data using the Federal Reference Method for collection, laboratory analysis and reporting in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements; and WHEREAS, information collected through the monitoring program can be used in a variety of decision - making arenas to protect public health and welfare; and WHEREAS, the monitoring network will consist of an anticipated three monitoring sites equipped with mechanical samplers located within the populated areas around the small boat harbor, the downtown commercial district and a residential area north of the harbor; and WHEREAS, DEC will commit to assisting the City with the technical support for the monitoring effort including: loan of sampling equipment and parts, providing operator training with the Federal Reference Method for sampler operation and data collection procedures, providing sample supplies (filters, shipping envelopes and charts), conducting the gravimetric analysis in the Juneau weighing laboratory, calculating and reporting sample results, a DEC specialist would travel to Seward to perform monthly QC flow checks and another DEC specialist would travel to Seward quarterly to perform independent QA audits and DEC is willing to participate in a public meeting to discuss the monitoring program; and WHEREAS, the City will commit to providing site logistics support for the monitoring program, including: acquisition of the monitoring sites, power to each sampling site, year round safe site access and adequate security to protect the equipment and dedicated site operators to facilitate sample collection, recordkeeping and shipping. 4 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2010 -007 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA that: Section 1. The City Council supports a community -wide PM10 air monitoring system to assess the City's air quality. Section 2. The City Council requests the Division of Air Quality Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation implement an ambient air monitoring program for coarse particulates within the City of Seward. Section 3. This resolution shall take affect immediately upon its adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 25` day of January, 2010. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA illard E. Dunham, Mayor AYES: Valdatta, Bardarson, Smith, Keil, Shafer, Amberg, Dunham NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: CV SEA J if Le ; s �.•, • ° ° °r OBaEOp NO` •.� C ty Clerks .. �• °� :• •. • m, -, n (City Seal) : 0 ,� Y Y e b c gib• -"' i i • • ••. °j 4oa. i ° °° P s ••. OF AV , E � �. •..,f.... COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT Meeting Date: January 25, 2010 qo s ew Through: Phillip Oates, City Manager : �- _ _ a From: Christy Terry, Community Development Director qtA *-- Agenda Item: ADEC Air Monitoring Program BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION: The Division of Air Quality Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the City Administration conducted an initial air monitoring meeting in August to discuss a potential community -wide monitoring system to assess the City's air quality for coarse particulates. At that time, DEC provided an overview oftheir program and scouted potential locations and evaluated site characteristics for air monitor sampling locations. It is important to establish a scientific measurement of our community's air quality, specifically in regards to PM10 coarse particulate matter (airborne dust) to evaluate potential impact to the public health and welfare. Currently, Seward only has anecdotal accounts for air quality conditions. In order to develop scientific information, the City of Seward, with assistance from DEC, is interested in obtaining a minimum one year's worth of data using the Federal Reference Method for collection, laboratory analysis and reporting in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements. Based on their visit to Seward, DEC is proposing a monitoring network consisting of three monitoring sites equipped with mechanical samplers located within the populated areas around the small boat harbor, the downtown commercial district and a residential area north of the harbor. Based on DEC recommendations the City of Seward would be responsible for site preparation and acquisition. Specific sites suggested include: • Small Boat Harbor: Harbormaster Building, but preferably the lift station near the breakwater • Downtown: Fire Hall, Library or City Hall • Residential Area north of the Harbor: top of Elementary School or open area north of school buildings DEC has agreed to provide technical assistance and support to the City of Seward for the monitoring effort to include: loan o f the required sampling equipment and parts, providing operator training with the Federal Reference Method for sampler operation and data collection procedures, providing sample supplies (filters, shipping envelopes and charts), conducting the gravimetric analysis in the Juneau weighing laboratory, calculating and reporting sample results, a DEC specialist will travel to Seward to perform monthly QC flow checks and another DEC specialist would travel to Seward quarterly to perform independent QA audits. DEC will also conduct a work session with Council prior to this regular meeting. Council could also request additional public meetings once the program is approved and prior to implementation. 51 The City's commitment and support for their role in the project providing site logistics support for the monitoring program would include: acquisition of the monitoring sites, power to each sampling site, year round safe site access and adequate security to protect the equipment and dedicated site operators to facilitate sample collection, recordkeeping and shipping. INTENT: Obtain Council support for a community -wide air monitoring system to assess the City's air quality and request an ambient air monitoring program within the City of Seward. CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Where applicable, this agenda statement is consistent with the Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council Rules of Procedures or Other Plans or Policies. FISCAL NOTE: The on -going costs to the monitoring program will include: personnel costs and time associated with sample collection and recordkeeping; postage to ship the air monitoring filters to Juneau for testing; power to each sampling site; and maintaining year round safe site access and security to protect the equipment. Initial onetime costs could include acquisition and providing electrical service to each sampling site. Once these costs have a fully identified value, Administration will return to Council with an appropriation request. Additionally, if as a result of the data collected during the monitoring, the City is found to be in violation of the Clean Air Act air quality requirements, then the City could have costs associated with measures and controls identified in a subsequent "attainment" plan or a MOA with the EPA for a pollution reduction plan. The extent of these costs is unknown. Approved by Finance Department: ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes No X RECOMMENDATION: Approve Resolution 2010 - 007 supporting a community -wide air monitoring program and requesting the Division of Air Quality Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) implement an ambient air monitoring program within the City of Seward. J ;?