HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7263 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7263
60""I*t, March 1, 1988
0"zifoj?.. , To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
*XX AIR POLLUTION PROGRAM FY 88-89
Subject:
10713
On July 14, 1987, EPA announced there would be a construction ban on major
new sources and major modifications to existing sources of volatile organic
compound emissions in Tarrant and Dallas Counties for not having an approved
State Implementation Plan (SIP) . Since then, City staff, in cooperation with
TACK and EPA submitted a revised SIP to EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Official notification regarding approval is expected in mid-March.
Staff is proposing the City Council consider enhancing the Air Pollution
Control program to prevent future implications. Although staff is confident
Tarrant County will not receive sanctions and the revised SIP w i 11 be
approved, EPA has published proposed guidelines f or post-1987 which will
require non-attainment areas to implement additional controls.
The local presence will be improved by obtaining additional information on
sources within Tarrant County and evaluating data through computer modeling.
Additional data must be provided to allow staff the ability to approach air
quality in a positive manner . However, in order for staff to begin this
process, additional personnel and consultation with outside agencies will be
required. In order to assist in the funding, staff has been in contact with
EPA and TACK to evaluate the potential for funding in FY 88-89.
Discussions between EPA, TACK, and staff have been very productive with EPA
supporting the City's efforts in establishing an effective local program for
both the City of Fort, Worth and surrounding area. This in effect would be a
county-wide program.
Funding for such a program would come from EPA, County and City funds .
However, prior to FY 88-89, staff will need to study computer models ,
evaluate outside air programs and establish a detailed planning document for
future reference in operating an effective air program.
It is proposed that a grant application be submitted to EPA for $120,000 for
FY 88-89 to fund this program. County support for the program will need to
be established and an additional $35,000 is needed to supplement current year
funding to evaluate air modeling programs and other state air programs, as
well as to develop a comprehensive air program planning document which will
include a ten-year planning phase.
If Council concurs with this direction, an M&C will be placed on the Council
agenda in two weeks for Council review and approval . If additional
information is desired, it will be furnished upon request.
uglas arman
City Manager
DH:kc
-ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS