HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 3972-03-2011A Resolution
NO. 3972 -03 -2011
IN SUPPORT OF EXPANSION OF THE AIR MONITORING ACTIVITIES FOR
THE AREAS
THAT INCLUDE THE BARNETT SHALE NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION
WHEREAS, the public has raised concerns regarding the incremental levels of
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) from natural
gas development, production and operation; and.
WHEREAS, the effective monitoring of VOCs and Hazardous Air Pollutants
(HAPs) in the ambient air requires additional monitoring equipment which is expensive
to install, operate, and maintain;
WHEREAS, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has
committed to expanding its current monitoring network to include eight additional
VOC /HAP monitors but only has current funding for four of the eight; and
WHEREAS, TCEQ is required by federal law at 40 CFR 70.9 and by state law at
Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 382.0621 to collect sufficient fees from annual
operating permit fees to fund its permit program costs specifically including the cost of
installing, operating and maintaining its air monitoring network; and
WHEREAS, revenues from operating permit fees are currently insufficient to
cover the cost of TCEQ's permit program obligations and this funding gap is projected to
continue into the future as a result of a statutory cap on operating permit fees for sources
emitting more than 4,000 tons per year; and
WHEREAS, federal and state law requires that ambient air monitoring must be
funded through air permit annual operating fees and the City of Fort Worth has concerns
about the appropriateness and legality of diverting Texas Emission Reduction Plan
(TERP) funds which are intended to achieve actual reduction in the emission of air
pollutants;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
1.
The City of Fort Worth supports the expansion of the TCEQ air monitoring
network to provide accurate, representative and timely results to the residents of the
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Resolution No. 3972 -03 -2011
region as proposed in Senate Bills 102 and 527 and House Bill 1145.
2.
The City of Fort Worth shall assist the TCEQ with site selection for any new
monitors as well as support the long term operation of the new monitors as well as the
existing network.
3.
The City of Fort Worth supports a one -time funding for the air monitoring network
with funds that are available and legally allowed to be used for such activities from TERP
funds.
4.
The City of Fort Worth supports addressing the long -term funding gap for TCEQ
which has engendered this need for a one -time use of TERP funds removing the current
exemption from operating permit fees for incremental emissions exceeding 4,000 tons per
year of pollutants at any given permitted source. The City supports amending the
aforementioned bills to include this provision.
Adopted this 8th day of March, 2011.
ATTEST:
By: - -- – - - - - -- - -- —
Marty Hendrix, City Secretary
APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
LIAR 8 2011
cur secretary of the
Clry of Fort Worth Texas
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