Air Quality in Yakima County The Ramifications of PM2.5 “Non-Attainment” Status FY2009-2010

Why are we here? Human Activity Issues of Health 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

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