Addressing Air Toxics at the Local Level Presentations

Addressing Air Toxics at the Local Level Science Forum June 3, 2004 Paul Wagner and Hank Topper What do we mean by “Air Toxics?” Six“Criteria” Pollutants O3, NO2, SO2, Pb CO, PM Mobile Source Pollutants 21 Chemicals & Mixtures The Clean Air Act Hazardous Air Pollutants (Air Toxics) 188 Chemicals & Compounds Why are air toxics a problem? Millions of Sources Kidney, Liver Damage Skin Rashes Sources/People Colocated Many are Highly Toxic Cancer Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis Birth Defects, Miscarriages Developmental Problems in Children Nervous System Damage Cough, Throat Irritation Some are PBTs A Risk-Based Perspective Cancer risk is a nationwide problem… A Risk-Based Perspective Non-cancer hazard is also a problem… What else are we doing…? • • • Much of the air toxics problem is largely a local issue And local issues are often best solved with local solutions So, in addition to government mandated (i.e., regulatory) approaches… Community-led approaches at the county, city, and neighborhood level will be key to our overall success • Community-Based Air Toxics Projects (Ongoing only) Seattle Portland Merrimack Valley Boise W Oakland Milwaukee Detroit WTC New Have Cleveland Chicago Philadelphia Denver Indianapolis Dayton Fresno St. Louis Louisville Charlotte Chattanooga Port Neches Mobile Camden Delaware Los Angeles Barrio Logan Henderson Phoenix Ponca City Baltimore Corrales Mobile Source Assessments Recent/ongoing Assessments Tools and Guidance • National database compiling information on all air toxics community projects • Guidance materials and training courses – 3 Volume set for risk assessment guidance – Train-the-trainer course on risk assessment – Community Air Screening How To Manual • Emission reduction information for mobile, stationary and indoor sources – Developing fact sheets and information for stationary sources to supplement those already developed for mobile and indoor air – Design for Environment Program, best practices approach, e.g. auto refinishing shops, nail salons Tools and Guidance • Developing matrix of reduction activities for indoor, stationary and mobile sources • Creating library of reference information and websites for the public that will take them from beginning of project through the end • Beginning effort to coordinate and pool resources from all Agency programs for integrated assistance to communities: – – – – – Environmental Justice tools and resources Pollution prevention resources Superfund and Brownfields resources Lead outreach programs Integrated pest management Regulatory Approaches Risk Assessment Methods for Facility Specific & Community-Scale Risk Decision Criteria for Facilities and Communities Voluntary Reduction Options Education and Outreach S/L/T Program Structure Design • Risk assessment, management, and communication courses and workshops – Introductory web-based self-study course now available on APTI website (http://www.epa.gov/air/oaqps/eog/course/index.html) – Three-day classroom course “Air Toxics Risk Assessment – Tools for Balancing Science and Judgment” • Complete and sent to Regions • One “Train-the-Trainers” performed – Risk communication, risk management and P2 options training being considered The Air Toxics Risk Assessment Reference Library Courtesy of Sustaining the Environment and Resources for Canadians Regulatory Approaches Risk Assessment Methods for Facility Specific & Community-Scale Risk Decision Criteria for Facilities and Communities Voluntary Reduction Options Education and Outreach S/L/T Program Structure Design • OAR is developing methods for conducting facility-specific and community-scale assessments – Air Toxics Risk Assessment Reference Library • Volume 1: • Volume 2: • Volume 3: Technical Resource Manual Facility-specific Assessment Community-Level Assessment Community Air Screening How To Manual • Step-by-step guide to help communities understand and improve local air quality • Covers all tasks from building a partnership to reducing risk • Designed for use by a partnership representing all sectors of community • Provides framework for constructive dialogue between local residents, businesses, and air quality experts What we are working on • Area Source Voluntary Emissions Reductions Initiative – 4-5 area source categories to partner with on voluntary emissions reduction program – Need trade associations or similar organizations • Fact Sheets – One set for public – another for owner/operator • Reduction Matrix – Public with user friendly calculations – Another with more detailed information Pollution Prevention Fact Sheets: Topics Auto Body Shops Commercial Construction Dry Cleaning Operations Fiberglass Fabrication Operations Healthcare Industry (Hospitals) Hospitality Industry (Lodging Sector) Metal Operations Paint and Coating Manufacturing Painting and Coating Operations Printing Operations Residential Wood Burning Shipbuilding and Repair Wood Furniture Operations What is the role EPA and its partners in this new vision? • Identifying the appropriate mix of analysis and risk reduction efforts at the local level will vary from place to place • Each community has different needs, abilities, and interests • EPA and its partners will play a key role in helping communities – Identify and prioritize important risks and risk reduction options (often with a multimedia approach) – Educate and foster empowerment of citizens, industry, local government, and other stakeholders to work for meaningful change at the local level – Assist in finding resources to make it all happen Air Toxics Initiative Part of New Agency Focus on Community Risk • Multiple Agency efforts – CARE (Communities for a Renewed Environment); multimedia community based projects – EJ Collaborative Problem Solving Grant Program – New Administrator emphasis on collaboration and local solutions – Agency Framework for Cumulative Risk Assessment • Resources and tools to address environmental health issues at local level