4.2 Air Quality
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4.2 AIR QUALITY INTRODUCTION This section provides an assessment of the potential for air quality impacts from the proposed project. The ambient air quality of the local and regional area is discussed including a comparison of existing air quality to applicable federal, state, and local air pollutant standards. Criteria air pollutant levels in the vicinity of the proposed project site are identified and discussed. This section also identifies the plans and policies developed in efforts to improve air quality. The evaluation of potential air quality impacts associated with the proposed project is assessed based on the emissions calculations using methodologies recommended by the local air quality agency, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The assessment indicates that the project would not generate emissions that are greater than the SCAQMD daily thresholds of significance. In addition, the project would neither exceed the localized significance thresholds at nearby sensitive receptors, nor conflict with implementation of the applicable air quality management plan, nor expose sensitive receptors to carbon monoxide hotspots, substantial odors, or toxic air contaminants. The project would not have a significant impact on regional emissions. Emission calculations and air quality modeling conducted for the proposed project are provided in Appendix 4.2. The analysis of air quality impacts is based on air quality regulations administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), with each agency responsible for different aspects of the proposed project’s activities. The roles of these agencies are discussed in detail in the Regulatory Framework subsection. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Regional Climate The project site is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of San Fernando Road and Central Avenue in the City of Glendale. The project site is bounded on the north by a CVS pharmacy and parking lot and on the east by a public alley. The project is located in the South Coast Air Basin (Air Basin). The Air Basin consists of Orange County, Los Angeles County (excluding the Antelope Valley portion), and the western, non-desert portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Meteorological conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, solar radiation, atmospheric stability, along with local topography heavily influence air quality by affecting the movement and dispersal of pollutants. Predominant meteorological conditions in the Air Basin are light winds and shallow vertical mixing due to low- Impact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-1 Glendale Link Project Draft EIR 1162.001 September 2013 4.2 Air Quality altitude temperature inversions. These conditions, when coupled with the surrounding mountain ranges, hinder the regional dispersion of air pollutants. These meteorological conditions, in combination with regional topography, are conducive to the formation and retention of ozone (O3) and urban smog. Atmospheric pollution potential of an area is largely dependent on winds, atmospheric stability, solar radiation, and topography. The combination of low wind speeds and low inversions produce the greatest concentration of air pollutants. Smog potential is greatly reduced on days without inversions or on days with winds averaging over 15 miles per hour (mph).1 The regional climate significantly influences the air quality in the Air Basin. Temperature, wind, humidity, precipitation, and the amount of sunshine are several factors that influence the quality of the air. In addition, the Air Basin is frequently subjected to an inversion layer that traps air pollutants. Temperature has an important influence on Air Basin wind flow, pollutant dispersion, vertical mixing, and photochemistry. Annual average temperatures throughout the Air Basin vary from the low to middle 60s Fahrenheit (°F). However, due to decreased marine influence, the eastern portion of the Air Basin shows greater variability in average annual minimum and maximum temperatures. January is the coldest month throughout the Air Basin, and annual average minimum temperatures are 56 °F in downtown Los Angeles, 49 °F in San Bernardino, and 55 °F in Long Beach. July and August are the warmest months in the Air Basin, and annual average maximum temperatures are 83 °F in downtown Los Angeles, 95 °F in San Bernardino, and 85 °F in Long Beach. All portions of the Air Basin have recorded maximum temperatures above 100 °F. Although climate of the Air Basin can be characterized as semi-arid, the air near the land surface is quite moist on most days because of the presence of a marine layer. This shallow layer of sea air is an important modifier of Air Basin climate. Humidity restricts visibility in the Air Basin, and the conversion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to sulfates is heightened in air with high relative humidity. The marine layer is an excellent environment for that conversion process, especially during the spring and summer months. The annual average relative humidity is 71 percent along the coast and 59 percent inland. Because the ocean effect is dominant, periods of heavy early morning fog are frequent and low stratus clouds are a characteristic feature. These effects decrease with distance from the coast. More than 90 percent of the Air Basin’s rainfall occurs from November through April. Annual average rainfall varies from approximately 9 inches in Riverside to 14 inches in downtown Los Angeles. Monthly 1 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, (1993) A8-1. Impact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-2 Glendale Link Project Draft EIR 1162.001 September 2013 4.2 Air Quality and yearly rainfall totals are extremely variable. Summer rainfall usually consists of widely scattered thundershowers near the coast and slightly heavier shower activity in the eastern portion of the region near the mountains. The determination of whether a region’s air quality is healthful or unhealthful is made by comparing contaminant levels in ambient air samples to national and state standards. California and the US EPA have established health-based air quality standards for the following criteria air pollutants: ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), respirable particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and lead. These standards were established to protect sensitive receptors with a margin of safety from adverse health impacts due to exposure to air pollution. The California standards are more stringent than the federal standards, and in the case of PM10 and SO2, much more stringent. California has also established standards for sulfates, visibility-reducing particles, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride. The state and national ambient air quality standards for each of the monitored pollutants and their effects on health are summarized in Table 4.2-1, Ambient Air Quality Standards. Table 4.2-1 Ambient Air Quality Standards Concentration/Averaging Time State Standard Federal Primary Air Pollutant (CAAQS) Standard (NAAQS) Most Relevant Health Effects Ozone 0.09 ppm, 1-hr. avg. 0.075 ppm, 8-hr. avg. (a) Pulmonary function decrements and localized 0.070 ppm, 8-hr. avg. (three-year average of lung edema in humans and animals; (b) Risk to annual 4th-highest daily public health implied by alterations in pulmonary maximum) morphology and host defense in animals; (c) Increased mortality risk; (d) Risk to public health implied by altered connective tissue metabolism and altered pulmonary morphology in animals after long-term exposures and pulmonary function decrements in chronically exposed humans; (e) Vegetation damage; and (f) Property damage Nitrogen Dioxide1 0.18 ppm, 1-hr. avg. 0.100 ppm, 1-hr. avg. (a) Potential to aggravate chronic respiratory disease 0.030 ppm, annual (three-year avg. of the and respiratory symptoms in sensitive groups; th arithmetic mean 98 percentile of the (b) Risk to public health implied by pulmonary and daily maximum 1-hour extrapulmonary biochemical and cellular changes avg.) and pulmonary structural changes; and 0.053 ppm, annual (c) Contribution to atmospheric discoloration arithmetic mean Carbon Monoxide 20 ppm, 1-hr. avg. 35 ppm, 1-hr. avg. (not to (a) Aggravation of angina pectoris and other aspects 9.0 ppm, 8-hr. avg. be exceeded more than of coronary heart disease; (b) Decreased exercise once per year) tolerance in persons with peripheral vascular disease 9 ppm, 8-hr. avg. (not to and lung disease; (c) Impairment of central nervous be exceeded more than system functions; and (d) Possible increased risk to once per year) fetuses Impact Sciences, Inc. 4.2-3 Glendale Link Project Draft EIR 1162.001 September 2013 4.2 Air Quality Concentration/Averaging Time State Standard Federal Primary Air Pollutant (CAAQS) Standard (NAAQS) Most Relevant Health Effects Sulfur Dioxide2 0.25 ppm, 1-hr. avg. 0.075 ppm, 1-hr. avg. Bronchoconstriction accompanied by symptoms, 0.04 ppm, 24-hr. avg. (three-year avg. of the which may include wheezing, shortness of breath 99th percentile) and chest tightness, during exercise or physical activity in person with asthma Respirable 50 µg/m3, 24-hr. avg. 150 µg/m3, 24-hr. avg. (a) Exacerbation of symptoms in sensitive patients Particulate Matter 20 µg/m3, annual (not to be exceeded more with respiratory or cardiovascular disease; (PM10) arithmetic mean than once per year on (b) Declines in pulmonary function growth in average over three years) children;