Preface

The final draft Air Toxics Control Plan is a planning document designed to examine the overall direction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (AQMD’s) air toxics control program.  Development and implementation of strategic initiatives will require partnerships with other agencies, the regulated community, environmental groups, and the public. 

The plan is not required by state or federal law, so it will not be submitted as a part of the State Implementation Plan (SIP), nor will it be a legally binding document.  Staff will seek the Governing Board's approval of the plan as a planning document for possible future action.  Such action would direct staff to further proceed with identified control strategies and determine the feasibility of developing such strategies.  If so directed by the Board, staff will further evaluate and refine each strategy.  Strategies that are deemed viable and are within the AQMD’s jurisdiction will each be brought to the Board for further consideration through the normal public review process.  Strategies that are to be implemented by other agencies will be developed in a cooperative effort and the progress will be reported back to the Board periodically. 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

The AQMD has a long and successful history of reducing air toxics and criteria emissions in the South Coast Air Basin (Basin).  Efforts at the local, state, and federal level contribute to the continuing reduction of pollution.  AQMD has an extensive control program, including traditional and innovative rules and policies.  AQMD works closely with stakeholders to develop requirements that achieve air quality objectives, while being sensitive to economic issues.  Air quality continues to improve in this region, although much work is needed before Basin residents will have healthful air.

The concept for a final draft Air Toxics Control Plan is an outgrowth of the Environmental Justice principles and the Environmental Justice Initiatives adopted by the Governing Board in October 1997.  Extensive air monitoring under Environmental Justice Initiative #2 (Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study, MATES II) and work under Environmental Justice Initiative #10 (related to air toxics rules for new and existing sources) highlighted the need for a more systematic approach to reducing air toxics emissions.