Air QualityAir Qualityin Yakima County in Yakima County

The Ramifications of PMThe Ramifications of PM2.52.5

““Non-Attainment” StatusNon-Attainment” Status

FY2009-2010

Why are we here?

Human Activity Is the major contributor to air pollution Air pollution affects health

Issues of Health Are the driving force behind the Federal Clean Air

Act

Why are we here? YRCAA is the local agency charged with

maintaining high standards of Air Quality Guide (communities)

Educate and Inform Guard (the air shed)

Collect and Interpret Data Develop and Administer Air Programs

Enforce (the law) when necessary Inspections Issue warnings Issue Penalties

Why are we here?

CAA – higher standards set in 2006 for the allowable amount of PM2.5 in the air

Yakima County is on the verge of exceeding the 24-hour standard.

More work is needed to: Avoid “Non-Attainment” designation, or Regain “Attainment” status

Where We’ve Been

Designated non-attainment for PM10

Developed PM10 re-attainment program Took 17 years to accomplish redesignation

as attainment Direct and indirect costs estimated at 8-10

Million Dollars We can do it again

Where We Are

Fighting to attain new PM2.5 standard 2008 – days of exceedance: 3 verified 2009 – days of exceedance: 2 already Calling winter burn bans based on air monitor

data & modeling Limiting agricultural burning with allocations Replacing uncertified wood stoves Educating the public

PM2.5

Standard = 35 Micrograms of PM2.5 per meter3

98th % PM2.5 2004-2008

44.342 42

35.4 37.3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

um

PM

2.5

per

cu

bic

met

er

Where We’re Headed

Non-Attainment – a foregone conclusion ? Consequences:

Regulation 1 revisions Attainment planning; SIP Revisions More enforcement staff in the field, more regularly

Contract patrols Increased Notices of Violation and Penalty activity

Where We’re Headed

Ongoing Public Education efforts Public forums/events Includes bi-lingual outreach Regular media use Additional literature

Reprints New flyers, brochures, info sheets

Where We’re Headed Impact on Households – Indirect

Possible withheld Federal Transportation funds More expensive pollution control equipment for industry Higher unemployment levels – crime rate effects

Impact on Households – Direct Tighter solid-fuel home heating device restrictions

Move to alternative sources of heat Tighter outdoor burning restrictions

Move to alternative methods of debris disposal Yakima area becomes less attractive to new business/industry

less income, fewer jobs, restricted growth & revenue Some loss of established businesses

lost income, jobs, tax base

Where We’re Headed

Impact on Business and Community – Indirect

Move to alternative methods of debris disposal Unhappy property owners

Higher unemployment levels Crime rate rises More demand on public assistance, food banks, etc.

Where We’re Headed Impact on Business and Community – Direct

Possible withheld Federal Transportation funds Tighter outdoor burning restrictions

Agriculture Weed abatement

More expensive pollution control equipment for industry

Loss of established businesses Increased cost of doing business Decreased revenue on solid fuel devices and related sales

Yakima area becomes less attractive to new business/industry

Funding Comparison: 2009-2010

Projected FY 2009 Revenue at $1,380,613

1.7%

46.2%

6.5%11.7%

0.4%

4.3%

29.1%

Permit Fees GrantsOther Income Prior Year Carry OverFines & Penalties Supplemental IncomeEnterprise Income

Estimated FY 2010 Revenue at $1,157,814

0%

35.7%

12.4%

0.4%

8.0%7.8%

35.6%

Permit Fees GrantsOther Income Prior Year Carry OverFines & Penalties Supplemental IncomeEnterprise Income