Appendix B Project Level Air Quality and Greenhouse Gasses Emissions Analysis

Transcription

1 Appendix B Project Level Air Quality and Greenhouse Gasses Emissions Analysis

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3 DRAFT PROJECT-LEVEL AIR QUALITY AND GREENHOUSE GASES ANALYSIS PROPOSED PROJECT: Butte County Area Governments Acquisition, Maintenance Yard, Transit and Administration Facility BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 2012 PREPARED FOR: NORTHSTAR ENVIRONMENTAL 111 Mission Ranch Blvd, Suite 100 Chico, CA PREPARED BY: GAIL WILLIAMS Air Quality Consultant

4 BCAG Transit Center Table of Contents I. Introduction... 3 A. Project Location... 3 B. Project Description... 3 II. Environmental Setting... 4 A. Climate and Meteorology... 4 B. Sensitive Receptors... 5 III. Types of Emissions... 5 A. Criteria Pollutants... 5 B. Toxic Compounds... 6 C. Greenhouse Gasses... 6 IV. Air Quality Standards... 7 A. Attainment Status... 8 V. Standards for Analyzing Potential Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impacts... 8 A. State Significance Criteria... 8 B. BCAQMD Evaluation Criteria... 9 C. BCAQMD Special Conditions D. Evaluation Criteria for Greenhouse Gas Emissions VI. Methods of Analysis VII. Impact Analysis A. Construction Emissions B. Operational Emissions C. Area Emissions D. Greenhouse Gas Emissions E. Toxic Air Contaminants Emissions F. Cumulative Emissions VIII. Recommendations A. Construction Emissions B. Operational and Area Source Emissions C. CalEEMod Operational and Area Source Mitigations D. Greenhouse Gas Emissions E. Toxic Air Contaminants Emissions F. Cumulative Emissions G. Other Emissions IX. Conclusion A. Cumulative Impacts B. Toxic Impacts Draft Air Quality and GHG Analysis i

5 BCAG Transit Center C. Construction Impacts D. Operational Impacts E. Greenhouse Gas Impacts F. Other Impacts References List of Tables Table 1: Federal and State Criteria Pollutants... 5 Table 2: Criteria Pollutants and Attainment Standards... 8 Table 3: Butte County Attainment Status... 8 Table 4: BCAQMD Emission Thresholds Table 5: 2022 and 2032 Construction Emissions Table 6: 2022 and 2032 Operational Emissions Table 7: 2005 BAU and 2022 Operational Emissions Appendices Appendix A: BCAQMD Standard Mitigation Measures Standard Mitigation Measures for Residential and Commercial or Industrial Projects Standard Site Design measures Standard Energy Efficiency Measures Appendix B: BCAQMD Construction Activity Mitigation Measures Construction Equipment Dust and Particulate Emissions Appendix C: Diesel Emission Estimates Attachment Attachment: CALEEMod Emissions Calculations Attachment A Transit Center 2022 Attachment B Transit Center 2032 Attachment C Transit Center Baseline 2005 Draft Air Quality and GHG Analysis ii

6 BCAG Transit Center I. Introduction As requested, NorthStar Environmental conducted an Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analysis for the proposed Butte County Area Governments Acquisition, Maintenance Yard, Transit and Administration Facility (Transit Center). The Butte County Air Quality Management District (BCAQMD) has established emissions thresholds for reactive organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter. The county is a designated non-attainment area, based on state and federal standards, for ozone and fine particulate matter less than 2.5 microns. In March 2010, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was amended to provide regulatory guidance as found in CEQA Guidelines Section Lead Agencies are required to consider potential impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change during the CEQA review process. The City of Chico adopted a new 2030 General Plan in April The 2030 General Plan includes a Sustainability Element which includes a Greenhouse Gases (GHG) discussion and set goals and policies to reduce emissions within the City of Chico. The potential emissions of criteria pollutants and GHG emissions were calculated using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) Version A. Project Location The proposed project site is located in the southwest portion of the City of Chico in the Hegan Lane Business Park. The project can be accessed from Hegan Lane, an east west collector roadway that connects to Park Avenue/Midway to the east and Dayton Road to the west, which are north south arterial roadways providing access to freeways and other arterials within Chico and to adjacent jurisdictions. The proposed project would expand and replace the existing BCAG Transit Facility, located at 326 Huss Lane, within the southwestern boundary of the City of Chico; north of Hegan Lane, west of Huss Lane, south of Comanche Creek, and east of the Union Pacific Railroad. The project site consists of an existing 2.6 acre project parcel, APN and 10 acres of an adjacent 34 acre parcel, APN The eastern project boundary is fronted by Huss Lane and the western boundary by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). B. Project Description The proposed project will provide administration, operations, and maintenance buildings for the B Line Transit operations as well as offices for BCAG s administrative operations. The proposed facilities building total 51,975 square feet in 2022 and increase to 67,770 square feet at future buildout in The proposed parking spaces total 162 spaces in 2022 and increase to 175 at future buildout in The project Draft Air Quality Analysis 3

7 BCAG Transit Center proposes an increase in diesel buses to 7, and the addition of a spray paint booth and fuel storage. Existing Building Demolition Once the new facilities have been constructed, operations and maintenance facilities associated with the B Line will be moved into the new facilities and complete demolition of existing structures and other associated uses on the 2.6 acre parcel will commence. The space currently occupied by the old facility will be converted to employee and visitor parking. The following structures and associated uses will be demolished/removed: Approximately 2,400 square feet of office, dispatch, training and driver s support areas Approximately 6,400 square feet of bus repair bays, other bays, repair shops, support areas, and parts room. Approximately 56,350 square feet of parking and support vehicle parking areas Approximately 17,220 square feet of employee and visitor parking areas II. Environmental Setting The Project site is located within the Northern Sacramento Valley Air Basin (NSVAB). The NSVAB is comprised of the seven counties: Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba. The NSVAB is bounded to the north and west by the Coastal Mountain Ranges, to the east by the southern portion of the Cascade Mountain Range and the northern portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Average elevations of these mountain ranges exceed 6,000 feet. The Project site is within the jurisdiction of the Butte County Air Quality Management District. A. Climate and Meteorology The primary factors that determine air quality are the locations of air pollutant sources and the amounts of pollutants emitted. Meteorological and topographical conditions are also important. Factors such as wind speed and direction, and air temperature gradients interact with physical landscape features to determine the movement and dispersal of criteria air pollutants. The project area has cool/wet winters and hot/dry summers with wind that normally blows from the south. Average precipitation in the area totals inches per year and the average high temperatures in the area range from 63.0 degrees Fahrenheit (F) in the winter to 87.4 degrees F in summer annually. The elevation of the site is approximately 191 feet above sea level (NorthStar, 2011). The concentration of air pollutants in the NSVAB varies from day to day depending on the ability of the atmosphere to disperse pollutants. Air flow and pollutant transport within the air basin is complex and largely influenced by surrounding topographic features. In general, the surrounding mountain ranges hinder air flow into and out of the Draft Air Quality Analysis 4

8 BCAG Transit Center Valley. The basin s weak air flow often becomes blocked vertically by high barometric pressure over the valley and renders the air basin susceptible to pollutant accumulation over time. Inversion layers produced when a warm layer of air traps cooler air close to the ground especially hamper dispersion by creating a ceiling over the area and trapping air pollutants near the ground. Inversion layers are common over the project area during summer mornings and afternoons. The combination of inversion layers and summer's longer daylights hours and plentiful sunshine provides the energy needed to fuel photochemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and reactive organic gases (ROG) and results in ground level ozone (O3) formation. In the winter, temperature inversions are common during night and early morning hours but frequently dissipate by afternoon. In addition, the presence of visibility-reducing particulates caused largely by dust from spring winds and agricultural operations can be a problem throughout the year B. Sensitive Receptors Land uses such as schools, hospitals, and convalescent homes are considered to be relatively sensitive to poor air quality because infants and children, the elderly, and people with health afflictions, especially respiratory ailments, are more susceptible than the general public. Residential areas are also considered to be sensitive to air pollution because residents (including children and the elderly) tend to be at home for extended periods of time, resulting in sustained exposure to any pollutants present. Industrial and commercial districts are less sensitive to poor air quality because exposure periods are shorter and workers in these districts are, in general, the healthier segment of the public. The area immediately surrounding the property to the south is designated as orchard/agricultural land use. The project is located within and directly adjacent to the Hegan Lane Industrial Park, which consists of light manufacturing business. The subject property is zoned Light Industrial (MI). The existing and proposed use is consistent with the zoning and surrounding land uses. Emissions associated with the project development would not expose sensitive receptors to increased health risks. III. Types of Emissions A proposed Transit Center project has the potential to generate a variety of emissions generated by vehicle exhaust, heating, cooling and energy use and landscaping and maintenance equipment. A. Criteria Pollutants The following examples of criteria pollutants have been identified to varying degrees at the federal and state levels: Table 1: Federal and State Criteria Pollutants Federal and State Criteria Pollutants: Additional State Criteria Pollutants: Lead (Pb) PM 10 microns Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) Sulfur dioxide (SO2) PM 2.5 microns Sulfates (SO4) Ozone (O3) Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) Visibility-reducing particles Draft Air Quality Analysis 5

9 BCAG Transit Center Vehicle exhaust emissions are the principal source of long-term emissions generated by the proposed project. As such, the following criteria pollutants will be the focus of this air quality analyses: Ozone (O3): Ozone is often the product of a photochemical reaction between reactive organic gasses (ROG) and nitrogen oxides. While vehicle exhaust does not contain ozone, the ozone precursors (ROG and nitrogen oxides) are primarily generated by motor vehicles. Carbon monoxide (CO): Carbon monoxide is most commonly a product of incomplete combustion. Vehicle emissions are the most common source. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Nitric Oxide (NO): These gasses commonly referred to as oxides of nitrogen (NOX), can cause breathing and respiratory difficulties. Peak NOX readings often occur in areas that have a high concentration of combustion sources (motor vehicles, power generation facilities, refineries, et cetera). Finally, as mentioned previously, ozone is produced by a photochemical reaction between ROG and NOX. Thus, oxides of nitrogen are considered ozone precursors. Particulate Matter <10 Microns and <2.5 Microns ( & ): Particulate matter 1 is comprised of extremely small particulates that can create or exacerbate respiratory problems. Particulate matter is generated from a variety of sources such as road dust, farming operations, agricultural and residential burning and vehicle emissions. B. Toxic Compounds These compounds, which can generate a broad range of respiratory complications, tend to pose high carcinogenic risks. They are often categorized into three sub-groups: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): These are a broad range of toxics, such as acetone, benzene, MTBE and styrene, which are sometimes sub-categorized as aromatic and non-aromatic VOCs. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: These are semi-volatile compounds that, as the name implies, are aromatic. Metals: Metals, with varying volatilities, range from arsenic, cadmium and selenium to the less recognized chromium hexavalent compounds that are a common bi-product of coating and plating processes. C. Greenhouse Gasses The following classes of emissions are the four principal greenhouse gas constituents: Carbon Dioxide (): Human-produced is most commonly the result of combustion (fossil fuels, solid waste, trees and wood) and other chemical reactions 1 Particulate matter is commonly referred to as respirable (PM 10 ) or fine (PM 2.5 ) Draft Air Quality Analysis 6

10 BCAG Transit Center resulting from industrial activities (e.g. cement production). It is removed from the atmosphere (sequestered) by vegetation as part of the carbon cycle. Methane (CH4): Methane emissions are associated with coal, natural gas and oil production and transport. Other sources include livestock/agriculture and decaying organic waste in landfills. Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted primarily during agricultural and industrial activities. It is emitted to a lesser degree during fossil fuel and solid waste combustion. Fluorinated Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic gases with far greater greenhouse effects than the above-listed gasses. Flourinated gasses are emitted during some industrial processes and are frequently used as substitutes for ozone-depleting compounds, such as CFCs and HCFCs. They are sometimes referred to as having a High Global Warming Potential (High GWP). IV. Air Quality Standards Attainment standards for criteria pollutants have been established at both the state and federal levels. The standards are based on specific concentration levels, which must be calculated using specific techniques. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for O3, CO, SO2 (1-hour and 24- hour), NO2, and visibility reducing particles are values that are not to be equaled or exceeded. The national standards are not to be exceeded more than once a year. The exceptions to the once-per-year criterion are the standards for ozone and annual averages. Attainment of the federal O3 standard is the result of the expected number of days per calendar year with maximum hourly average concentrations above the standard is one (1). The following table 2 identifies criteria pollutants and the applicable state and federal attainment standards: 2 Recreated from Appendix B of the CEQA Handbook (BCAQMD, 2008) Draft Air Quality Analysis 7

11 BCAG Transit Center Table 2: Criteria Pollutants and Attainment Standards Pollutant Averaging State Fed Primary (Secondary) O3 1/ 8 Hr.09/ 07ppm --/.075ppm (--) 24Hr/Mean 50/ 20μg/m3 150μg/m3/-- (--) 24Hr/Mean --/ 12μg/m3 35/15μg/m3 (--) CO 8/1 Hr 9/ 20ppm 9/35ppm (--) NO2 Mean/1Hr.03/.18ppm.053/-- (--) SO2 Mean/24Hr --/.04ppm.03ppm (--)/(--) 3Hr/1Hr --/.25ppm.14ppm (.5ppm)/(--) Lead 30 Day 1.5μg/m3 -- (--) Quarter/ 3-Month --/ μg/.15μg/m3 (--) VRP 8Hr EC.23/km N/A Sulfates 24 Hour 25μg/m3 H2S 1 Hour.03ppm Vinyl Chloride 24 Hour.01ppm A. Attainment Status Relative to state and federal ambient air quality standards, Butte County s 2009 attainment status is identified by the BCAQMD as: Table 3: Butte County Attainment Status Pollutant State Federal NOx Attainment Attainment SO2 Attainment Attainment CO Attainment Attainment 1-hour Ozone Non-Attainment -- 8-hour Ozone Non-Attainment Non-Attainment Non-Attainment Attainment Non-Attainment Non-Attainment V. Standards for Analyzing Potential Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impacts A. State Significance Criteria Public Resources Code ( 21083) states that OPR shall prepare and develop proposed guidelines for the implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act. The following air quality factors are set forth in the Initial Study Checklist (Appendix G) of the CEQA Guidelines: Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors) Draft Air Quality Analysis 8

12 BCAG Transit Center Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people The CEQA Guidelines was amended In March 2010 to add specific language to Appendix G for analyzing GHG emissions. Section VII includes the following: Generate greenhouse gas emission, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases B. BCAQMD Evaluation Criteria The BCAQMD has established the following evaluation categories, which are used to identify a project s potential impacts and significance levels: 1. Comparison of calculated project emissions to District emission thresholds 2. Consistency with the most recent Air Quality Attainment Plan (AQAP) for Butte County 3. Comparison of ambient pollutant concentrations to State and Federal health standards 4. Evaluation of special conditions such as public exposure to toxic air contaminants Section 1.2 of the BCAQMD CEQA Handbook states: In general, any proposed project which has the potential to emit greater than 25 lbs/day of reactive organic gases (ROG) or oxides of nitrogen (NOx), or greater than 80 lbs/day of particulate matter less than 10 microns () should be submitted to the District for review. Projects that may result in a significant public exposure to toxic air contaminants (such as diesel particulate matter, exhaust, and asbestos) require separate analysis, as discussed in Section 2.4. The BCAQMD has established three thresholds that serve as guidelines when determining the level of environmental review to which a new project should be subjected. Level A projects would be expected to emit less than 25 pounds per day of NOX and ROG and less than 80 pounds per day of. Level B projects would be expected to emit between 25 and 80 pounds per day of NOX and ROG and between 80 and 137 pounds per day of. Level C projects would be expected to emit more than 137 pounds per day of all three criteria pollutants. Relative to criteria pollutant emissions, Level A projects would normally be subject to a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Per the BCAQMD, Level B projects may require a Mitigated Negative Declaration or an EIR, depending on the nature of the project and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures imposed. Most Level B projects would be expected to reduce emissions to less than significant levels through adherence to a Draft Air Quality Analysis 9

13 BCAG Transit Center program of Standard and Best Available Mitigation Measures. Occasionally, Level B projects may not meet the BCAQMD reduction targets for emissions, which would trigger the need for an EIR. Level C projects are described by the BCAQMD as likely generators of significant criteria pollutant emissions, which must be analyzed in an EIR. The following table is recreated from the CEQA Handbook (BCAQMD, 2008): Table 4: BCAQMD Emission Thresholds Pollutant Level A Level B Level C NOX 25 lbs/day > 25 lbs/day > 137 lbs/day ROG 25 lbs/day > 25 lbs/day > 137 lbs/day 80 lbs/day > 80 lbs/day > 137 lbs/day Impact Potentially Potentially Significance Significant Significant Significant CEQA Doc. Negative Declaration Negative Declaration or EIR EIR The proposed Transit Center project in 2022 would result in the construction of 51,975 square feet of buildings and include the following: BCAG Administration, Operations, Maintenance and Shop Areas, Wash Areas, Service Island and Coverage Storage. The proposed project site in 2022 would also include 131,042 square feet to accommodate 162 parking spaces. At build-out in 2032 the proposed Transit Center buildings would occupy 67,770 square feet and 136,220 square feet for 175 parking spaces. C. BCAQMD Special Conditions The BCAQMD has established the following special conditions, labeled a through g in the CEQA Handbook, which should be considered during project-level analyses: If a project has the potential to emit toxic or hazardous air pollutants project proposed in close proximity to an existing source of air toxics or odors release of diesel emissions in areas with potential for human exposure If a project involves demolition and disposal of asbestos containing material If naturally occurring asbestos is found at the site If a project is located near a sensitive receptor If a project has the potential to cause an odor or other nuisance problem D. Evaluation Criteria for Greenhouse Gas Emissions In 2005, the Governor of California signed Executive Order S-3-05, which establishes statewide emissions reductions targets for greenhouse gasses to be achieved by the years 2010 and In 2007, following a series of notable lawsuits, Senate Bill 97 established broad standards for evaluating greenhouse gas emissions during the environmental review process required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Air Resources Board developed draft guidelines in 2009, which were published in the CEQA Guidelines in January Draft Air Quality Analysis 10

14 BCAG Transit Center The implementation of SB 375 involves setting GHG reduction goals for regions throughout the state. These regions are to be defined by the borders of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). CARB is currently coordinating a Regional Targets Advisory Committee (RTAC) to develop the GHG reduction goals, and they provided recommendations to CARB in 2009 that address methodologies, procedures and policies to establish the GHG goals. CARB adopted goals on September 23, The goals included a target for Butte County of a zero percent increase in GHG emissions by 2020 and a one percent reduction by Currently, there are no specific guidelines or significance thresholds at the state or county level, although the significance criteria for GHG must be considered during CEQA reviews. The BCAQMD does not currently have any regulations or thresholds related to GHG s emissions or mitigation. The BCAQMD currently recommends that project-specific analyses use the methodology established by other Districts to evaluate GHG emissions and impacts on global climate change. Other Air Quality Management Districts have begun processes to establish thresholds of significance for GHG emissions. These Districts include the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD), the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD), the Feather River Air Quality Management District (FRAQMD), and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). For this analysis, the procedures outlined by the SMAQMD were used. The SMAQMD recommends using a threshold that is 1) related to AB 32 s GHG reduction goals, or 2) determine whether a project is consistent with the State s strategy to achieve the 2020 GHG emissions limit. AB 32 s reduction of statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 would require an approximately 30 percent reduction in comparison to projected Business as Usual 2020 emissions. While the intent is to reduce criteria pollutant emissions, many of the mitigation measures ultimately implemented as part of the project approval process would also result in decreased greenhouse gas emissions through reduced vehicle trips, increased efficiency and so forth. The proposed project would implement project-specific measures to reduce criteria pollutant emissions, which would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Chico adopted a new 2030 General Plan in April The 2030 General Plan includes a Sustainability Element which includes a GHG discussion and set goals and policies to reduce emissions within the City of Chico. The GHG polices and goals are identified below. The City of Chico has not been waiting for State directives or programs to address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Below are early steps the City has undertaken on its own accord: Mayor s Climate Protection Agreement (2006) - In 2006, Chico s Mayor signed the U.S. Conference of Mayor s Climate Protection Agreement, adding Chico to a group of Draft Air Quality Analysis 11

15 BCAG Transit Center over 600 cities united in pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This milestone led to the creation of the Sustainability Task Force, a committee that provides input to the City Council on sustainability issues. An early effort of the Task Force was to conduct an inventory of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (2008) - The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory measured the amount of heat-trapping gases that the community released to the atmosphere in the baseline year By quantifying emissions, this inventory established a benchmark against which emissions reductions can be measured. The inventory will be updated to measure emission changes over time, which helps guide the management of reduction strategies and policies. Also in 2008, the City Council approved a specific greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 25 percent below 2005 levels by the year Chico Climate Action Plan (2011) - The City will maintain a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that identifies programs and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Council s greenhouse gas reduction goal. Specifically, the CAP identifies the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and the sectors such as transportation, energy, and waste to be targeted for emissions reductions, and it provides emission reduction goals and strategies with an associated timeline and budget. The Sustainability Element provides goals, policies, and actions that address the City s role in statewide climate change mitigation efforts and that confirm the City s ongoing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Goal SUS-6: Reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions Citywide. Policy SUS-6.1 (Greenhouse Gas Reduction Efforts) Support local, regional, and statewide efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases linked to climate change. Policy SUS-6.2 (Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Action Plan) Maintain the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and implement the Climate Action Plan to make progress toward meeting the City s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal. Action SUS (Emission Reduction Actions) Use the Climate Action Plan to guide the City s actions to meet the City s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal. Action SUS (Greenhouse Gas Inventory) Update the Citywide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory at least every five years, and compare the results with previous inventories to evaluate progress towards the City s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal. Action SUS (Climate Action Plan) Review and revise as necessary the Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the City s 2020 emission reduction goal, and revisit the need for new goals beyond Draft Air Quality Analysis 12

16 BCAG Transit Center VI. Methods of Analysis The project criteria pollutants and GHG emission calculations were quantified using California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) version The model requires the user to identify project characteristics and land use settings such as location, wind speed, precipitation, climate zone, utility information and rural or urban area. The model has specific county and air basin parameters so that the users selection will load in the correct characteristics for any location in California. For any project the operational year and construction year are chosen as well as the land use types and subtypes. The model allows the user to input total lot acreage, square footage for buildings and divide asphalt and non-asphalt (concrete) areas. The model construction default information is based on survey of construction sites grouped by construction phase and lot acreage performed by South Coast Air Quality Management District. The default construction equipment list and construction schedules are based on the estimated actual time rather than fit into one year as some models do. Specific construction information can be used to override the defaults if available. Once all project information is selected the user can then apply mitigation measures to estimate the emissions after mitigation measures are implemented. The mitigation measures included in CalEEMod are largely based on the recent California Air Pollution Control Association (CAPCOA) Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures. Mitigations can be applied to several areas which include; construction, traffic, area, energy, water and solid waste mitigations. The method used to calculate project GHG emissions was to model the baseline emission estimates for 2005 Business as Usual (2005 BAU) Scenario, the CalEEMod baseline input parameters for modeling uses 2005 data for all the counties in the state). The 2005 BAU Scenario calculates the project s emissions if it were built out and operational in For the BAU analysis, construction emissions were not considered, as the focus was on long-term operational emissions, where GHG emissions can be readily mitigated. After calculating the baseline 2005 BAU GHG operational emissions, a second emissions estimate was modeled using the expected build year of 2013/2014 and an operational year of The comparison of the emissions estimates for the two data-sets presents the difference in emission estimates for doing Business as Usual under 2005 conditions with no mitigations compared to a 2013/ Mitigated Scenario. The mitigation measures included in CalEEMod are largely based on the recent California Air Pollution Control Association (CAPCOA) Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures (CAPCOA, 2010). Mitigation measures were applied in mobile, energy, area sources, waste and water. GHG emissions include both direct and indirect sources. Direct sources consist of mobile sources including construction equipment, motor vehicles, landscape equipment and stationary sources such as cooling and heating equipment. Indirect sources comprise electrical, potable water use and the generation of solid waste and Draft Air Quality Analysis 13

17 BCAG Transit Center wastewater. GHG emissions are also identified as short-term construction emissions and long-term operational emissions. CalEEMod does not have a specific land use for a transit center so general office building was selected and the number of expected visitors per day was added. A parking lot was also selected using the number of parking spaces proposed. The model was not used to analyze the potential air quality impacts for the increase in diesel buses, the proposed spray paint booth or fuel storage. This analysis is discussed in the other impacts section. The method used in the project emission estimates was to model the proposed project in 2022 and future buildout in 2032 both with the same mitigations included. The estimates presented in this study are the annual criteria pollutant emissions, as converted into pounds per day. VII. Impact Analysis A. Construction Emissions The proposed project would result in surface disturbances such as grading, clearing and other earth-moving activities. The construction activities would attract vehicle trips, as workers associated with construction. Paving and coating activities would occur intermittently throughout the proposed construction. While emissions generated by construction activities are temporary in nature, these emissions can generate potentially significant air quality impacts if mitigation is not implemented. For example, the emissions can result in the exceedance of criteria pollutant thresholds, particularly if a monitoring station is in the vicinity of the construction site. In other cases, construction emissions can result in excessive localized concentrations, or hot spots, of criteria pollutants or toxic emissions. Relative to construction equipment exhaust emissions, the BCAQMD has established a series of Standard and Discretionary Mitigation Measures 3. Relative to fugitive dust emissions, clearing, grading and other earth-moving activities are the most likely sources during construction activities. All projects in Butte County must comply with BCAQMD Rules 200 and 205 (Nuisance and Dust respectively). Also, the Butte County Grading Ordinance (Chapter 13 of the County Code) establishes permit requirements and grading standards to which all projects must adhere. The proposed project at full buildout would result in the construction of 67,770 square feet of buildings. Construction activities would result in emissions of ozone precursors, fugitive dust and exhaust particulates. The emissions generated by construction activities shall be mitigated to the maximum extent practicable to ensure less than significant short-term emissions. Per BCAQMD guidelines, the construction activity mitigation measures would focus on ROG, NOx and reductions. 3 The program of construction activity mitigation measures developed by the BCAQMD is included with this report as Appendix B Draft Air Quality Analysis 14

18 BCAG Transit Center Demolition activities proposed as part of the project totals 82,370 square feet which includes office, repair shop, and parking areas. To the extent practicable demolition activities would be required to implement all applicable mitigation measures. This would ensure less than significant potential impacts generated by project construction and demolition. B. Operational Emissions The proposed project is not expected to result in operational emissions of particulate matter in excess of the daily threshold of 80 pounds, nor are the operational emissions expected to exceed 25 pounds per day for both ROG and NOx (Refer to Table 4 BCAQMD Significance Thresholds). C. Area Emissions As with the operational emissions estimates, the emissions generated by area sources would not be expected to exceed the Level A threshold. The area source emissions of NOx and ROG would not be expected to exceed the 25 pound per day threshold (Refer to Table 4 BCAQMD Significance Thresholds). The area source emissions show greater seasonal variation than the operational emissions. For example, the summertime emissions estimates for ROG and NOx are considerably less than wintertime estimates. Energy use and heating represent a large portion of the wintertime area source emissions. D. Greenhouse Gas Emissions The proposed project is not expected to result in significant increase in GHG emissions. The proposed project would result in short-term GHG emissions from the combustion of fuel during construction. The project will also generate emissions of GHGs primarily in the form of vehicle exhaust. Because the proposed project would replace the existing facility with a new transit facility, long-term GHG emissions from local traffic increases (mobile sources) would be minimal as there would be no substantial changes to the mobile sources, such as would be linked to the number of bus trips, trip length, or idling time. The proposed project is intended to reduce regional commuter trips by increasing mass transit use. While the total reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) has not been quantified, this reduction in VMT would contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions. E. Toxic Air Contaminants Emissions The area immediately surrounding the property to the south is used as orchard/agricultural land use. The project is located within and directly adjacent to the Hegan Lane Industrial Park, which consists of light manufacturing business. There is no demolition involving the likelihood of potentially significant asbestos emissions. However, a demolition permit will be required from the City of Chico and require the implementation of BMP s that would mitigate potential emissions these include: adequate and applicable dust control measures, during all phases of project Draft Air Quality Analysis 15

19 BCAG Transit Center development and construction. Dust control measures shall be consistent with the BCAQMD Guidelines. The proposed project would not be expected to result in a new or modified source of toxic air contaminants. Similarly, there are no known emitters of toxic air contaminants in the project vicinity. Thus, there would be no anticipated exposure to toxic contaminant emissions. F. Cumulative Emissions A project may result in potentially significant impacts related to cumulative emissions if it is inconsistent with the Air Quality Attainment Plan or State Implementation Plan or if it exceeds the district s thresholds. In addition, projects that increase development potential through changes to land use designations can generate potential cumulative emissions impacts. Finally, projects must comply with all applicable BCAQMD rules and regulations in order to ensure less than significant potential cumulative impacts. The proposed project does not include amendments to the existing General Plan land use designations. Relative to cumulative emissions standards, project alone emissions must be reduced below the district s significance thresholds in order to ensure compliance. The project would ensure less than significant potential cumulative impacts through implementation of project-specific mitigations addressing both construction activities and long-term operational and area source emissions, per the CEQA Guidelines. All projects are required to meet the applicable standard conditions of approval, which should not be confused with mitigation measures. For example, the following BCAQMD regulations are required for all applicable projects (BCAQMD, 2008), regardless of the applicability of other review procedures (such as the Subdivision Map Act or CEQA): Emissions must be prevented from creating a nuisance to surrounding properties as regulated under District Rule 200 Nuisance. Visible emissions from stationary diesel-powered equipment are not allowed to exceed 40 percent opacity for more than three minutes in any one-hour, as regulated under District Rule 201 Visible Emissions. dust emissions must be prevented from being airborne beyond the property line, as regulated under District Rule 205 Dust Emissions. District Rule 300 General Prohibitions and Exemptions on Open Burning, certain materials are prohibited from open fires for the purpose of disposing petroleum waste, demolition debris, construction debris, tires or other rubber materials, materials containing tar, or for metal salvage or burning of vehicle bodies. Any open burning requires approval and issuance of a burn permit from the District and shall be performed in accordance with the District Rule and Regulations. Portable equipment, other than vehicles, must be registered with either the Air Resources Board s Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP)6 or with the District in accordance with District Rule 440 Portable Equipment Registration. Draft Air Quality Analysis 16

20 BCAG Transit Center Architectural coatings and solvents used at the project shall be compliant with the District Rule 230 Architectural Coatings. Cutback and emulsified asphalt application shall be conducted in accordance with the District Rule 231 Cutback and Emulsified Asphalt. All stationary equipment, other than internal combustion engines less than 50 horsepower, emitting air pollutants controlled under the District rules and regulations require an Authority to Construct (ATC) and Permit to Operate (PTO) from the District. In the event that demolition, renovation or removal of asbestos-containing materials is involved, CARB must be contacted. The proposed project is expected to remain compliant with the Air Quality Attainment Plan through implementation of the applicable Standard Mitigation Measures and project-specific Best Available Mitigation Measures. The mitigation measures should reduce the project s emissions of criteria pollutants to levels below the district s project alone significance thresholds. Implementation of project-specific mitigation measures and adherence to all applicable BCAQMD rules and regulations should be made conditions of project approval. This would ensure compliance with the district s cumulative emissions standards. Through adherence to these standards, the proposed project would result in less than significant cumulative emissions impacts. VIII. Recommendations The acquisition of all necessary approvals, including a grading and demolition permits would require implementation of BMPs and/or mitigation measures that are considered functionally equivalent to many of the Standard and/or Best Available Mitigation Measures established by the BCAQMD. Therefore, the mitigation measures listed in this study should not, necessarily, be considered as the only mitigation recommendations. A. Construction Emissions Construction activities associated with the proposed project would include construction of administration and maintenance facilities, grading, and paving. These construction activities would result in temporary emissions of fugitive dust (measured as ). The proposed project would also result in temporary emissions of NOX and ROG from diesel fumes associated with operation of construction equipment during the construction phases. Because construction activities associated with the proposed project are below the BCAQMD s Level A daily emission threshold for NOX, ROG and, the proposed project would result in a less-than-significant construction air quality impact. Draft Air Quality Analysis 17

21 BCAG Transit Center Table 5: 2022 and 2032 Construction Emissions Construction Emissions Analysis Scenario ROG NOx Pounds Per Day Unmitigated Mitigated Reduction ROG NOx Unmitigated Mitigated Reduction Source: CalEEMod (Attachments A, B, & C) To the maximum extent practicable, the project should implement all applicable construction activity mitigation measures for air quality. These measures should focus primarily on the reduction of exhaust and fugitive dust emissions. A list of BCAQMD construction-activity mitigation measures is presented in Appendix B. The list, which should not be considered all-inclusive, presents a menu of construction activity exhaust and fugitive dust mitigation measures. Acquisition of the applicable permits and approvals and implementation of all applicable construction activity BMPs and mitigation measures would ensure less than significant short-term emissions during the all phases of construction activities. B. Operational and Area Source Emissions The following table depicts the proposed project s unmitigated and mitigated emissions including area source emissions, based on the annual estimates of ROG, NOx and : Table 6: 2022 and 2032 Operational Emissions Operational Emissions Analysis Scenario ROG NOx Pounds Per Day Unmitigated Mitigated Reduction ROG NOx Unmitigated Mitigated Reduction 1.59 Source: CalEEMod (Attachments A, B, & C) The following mitigations were identified in CalEEMod for both 2022 & 2032 model runs. All model runs are provided in Attachments A, B &C). Draft Air Quality Analysis 18

22 BCAG Transit Center C. CalEEMod Operational and Area Source Mitigations Mobile Land Use 1. Transit Center Accessibility (CalEEMod Mobile Reduction Target: Distance to Transit Station) Area Mitigation 1. Use Electric Lawnmower (CalEEMod Area Reduction Target: 50% reduction) 2. Use Low VOC Paint (CalEEMod Area Reduction Target: 250 grams/liter reduction) 3. Use Low VOC Cleaning Supplies (CalEEMod Area Reduction Target: 250 grams/liter reduction) Energy Mitigation 1. Install 100% High Efficiency Lighting (CalEEMod Energy Reduction Target: >20% Title 24) 2. Install Solar Voltaic Cover to Bus Parking (CalEEMod Energy Reduction Target: 10% reduction) Water Mitigation 1. Install Low Flow Bathroom Faucets (CalEEMod Water Use Reduction Target: 32% reduction) 2. Install Low Flow Kitchen Faucets (CalEEMod Water Use Reduction Target: 18% reduction) 3. Install Low Flow Toilets (CalEEMod Water Use Reduction Target: 20% reduction) 4. Use Water Efficient Irrigation System (CalEEMod Water Use Reduction Target: 6.1% reduction) Waste Mitigation 1. Recycle Paper and Cardboard (CalEEMod Waste Reduction Target: 100% reduction The BCAQMD CEQA Handbook establishes mitigation standards for projects subject to CEQA review. All projects, regardless of their emissions potentials, should implement the district s applicable Standard Mitigation Measures to the maximum extent practicable. The BCAQMD Standard Mitigation Measures are presented in Appendix A. D. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Table 7 below summarizes the total operational emissions at buildout in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTe) per year for the 2005 BAU Scenario and the 2013/ Mitigated Scenario. Table 7 also includes a summary comparison and percent change between 2005 BAU and 2013/ Mitigated GHG emissions. The full modeling reports for each model run are provided in Attachments A, B & C. Draft Air Quality Analysis 19

23 BCAG Transit Center Table 7: 2005 BAU and 2022 Operational Emissions Operational Emissions Analysis Scenario MTCO 2 e/year Unmitigated BAU , Mitigated , Reduction 1, Percent Reduction Source: CalEEMod (Attachments A, B, & C) 38 As shown in Table 7 the operation of the project under 2005 BAU conditions would generate approximately 3, MTCO 2 e/year emissions from all operational sources. In order to meet the state s 30 percent reduction targets per AB 32 and the City of Chico s 25 percent reduction targets, project emissions would need to be reduced by MTCO 2 e. Under the 2013/ Mitigated Scenario, the proposed project would meet the 30 percent reduction target and would result in 1, MTCO 2 e/year, a reduction of 38%. E. Toxic Air Contaminants Emissions The project would not be expected to result in potentially significant impacts associated with toxic air contaminant emissions. No mitigation measures specific to toxic air contaminants were identified as necessary. F. Cumulative Emissions The proposed project would not result in amendments to the existing land use designations. The proposal would not result in build-out potential that exceeds existing land uses. Assuming the proposed project would not result in potentially significant cumulative impacts. G. Other Emissions The proposed project will increase the number of compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel buses. The CNG buses do not have pollutants of concern therefore, only the increase in diesel buses will be discussed. The proposed number of additional diesel buses in 2022 is five and increases to seven in The emissions associated with the increase in diesel buses is less than the BCAQMD Level A thresholds even when combined with the total proposed project in 2022 and at future buildout in The emission estimates for the diesel buses are detailed in Appendix C. The proposed project includes the addition of a spray paint booth and fuel storage. The project proponent will be required to apply and receive an Authority to Construct (ATC) permits for the spray paint booth and fuel storage from the BCAQMD prior to construction. The ATC permits for the spray paint booth and fuel storage will comply with all BCAQMD Rules and Regulations. Therefore, no mitigation is required. Draft Air Quality Analysis 20

24 BCAG Transit Center IX. Conclusion A. Cumulative Impacts The proposed project would not conflict with the existing land use designations within the project site. Thus, through the reduction of criteria pollutant emissions to less than significant levels, the project would ensure less than significant cumulative air quality impacts. B. Toxic Impacts Upon future build-out there would be less than significant toxic air emissions generated by the proposed project. Short-term exhaust emissions generated by construction equipment will be mitigated to the maximum extent practicable by implementing BCAQMD Standard Mitigations (Appendix A) and BCAQMD Construction Activity Mitigation Measures (Appendix B). This would ensure less than significant short-term and long-term toxic air contaminant emissions. C. Construction Impacts The proposed project would include construction activities that would result in emissions of ozone precursors and particulate matter. Construction-related criteria pollutant emissions will be mitigated to the maximum extent practicable through implementation of BCAQMD Construction Activity Mitigation Measures (Appendix B). Construction emissions may include ozone precursors generated by mobile sources, such as heavy equipment, and stationary sources, such as combustion-powered compressors and generators. Respirable particulate matter is present in construction equipment exhaust, particularly older and poorly maintained diesel-powered equipment. dust emissions are especially problematic during earth moving, clearing and grubbing activities. Paving and coating phases should adhere to the City of Chico Municipal Code regulations. Through implementation of all applicable BMPs, BCAQMD Standard Mitigation Measures and the City of Chico Municipal Code, the proposed construction activities would be expected to result in short-term air quality impacts that are considered less than significant. D. Operational Impacts The operational and area source emissions of criteria pollutants will be mitigated to ensure compliance with the most recent Air Quality Attainment Plan approved by the BCAQMD and to prevent significant increases in criteria pollutant concentrations. As a condition of approval, the project should implement all feasible BCAQMD Standard Mitigation Measures (Appendix A), or other measures that are functionally equivalent, to the maximum extent practicable. In addition, the mitigations identified in the CalEEMod runs (Refer to Section VIII Recommendations, C CalEEMod Operational and Area Source Mitigations) shall be implemented. As such, the operational and area source Draft Air Quality Analysis 21