Permitting Requirements for Commercial Solar Plants
The District has determined commercial solar power plants generate fugitive dust emissions (PM10) in Eastern Kern County. Therefore, in accordance with Rule 201 (Permits Required) and 210.1 (New and Modified Stationary Source Review, NSR), the District is requiring each commercial solar facility obtain a District Air permit.
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Open Burning Closed 4/14/2014
The KC Fire Department announced the close of open burning season in Eastern Kern as of today, April 14, 2014.
Rule Adoption
A public hearing was held on March 13, 2014, 1:00pm at Rosamond Community Services District, 3179 35TH Street West, Rosamond, CA. At the hearing the District Governing Board adopted the following Rules:
Rule 410.4 - Metal, Plastic, and Pleasure Craft Parts and Products Coating Operations - Final Staff Report
Rule 410.4A - Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Refinishing Operations - Final Staff Report
Rule 410.8 - Aerospace Assembly and Coating Operations - Final Staff Report
Rule 410.9 - Wood Products Surface Coating Operations - Final Staff Report
Rule 432 - Polyester Resin Operations - Final Staff Report
A public workshop was held November 6, 2013. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also reviewed the proposals. All comments were considered and addressed in the staff report of each Rule. A final staff report will be available soon.
The adopted rules have been submitted through ARB to EPA for incorporation as part of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). This action will constitute a SIP revision.
Copies of the Final Staff Reports can be downloaded from the links above and also available for review at the District Administrative Office located at 2700 M St, Ste 302, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
2014 DMV Grant Recommended Projects
The District held its 2014 DMV Grant Committee meeting on March 26, 2014 at the Mojave Veteran’s Center in Mojave, Ca. At this meeting 13 projects were selected for funding along with 3 standby projects. The Grant Committee’s list will be presented to the District Board of Directors at the May 2014 Regular Board meeting for their approval.
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March Issue of Desert Breeze Available
The March issue of the District's quarterly news letter the Desert Breeze is now available. Click Here to download a copy. Hard copies are mailed to subscribers and made available at the District office. Future issues can be accessed on this website on the Desert Breeze page.
Advisory for Aboveground Gasoline Storage Tanks (AST)
In November 2014, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will consider amendments to Enhanced Vapor Recovery (EVR) requirements for aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) storing gasoline, with the goal of improving cost effectiveness of the regulation while preserving its air quality benefits. This advisory describes circumstances in which AST owners and operators may be able to avoid unnecessary expenses when it is not cost-effective to upgrade vapor recovery equipment on existing ASTs.
Owners/operators are encouraged to contact the District to determine applicable requirements for their AST, as current district rules may require the use of SLC, Phase I, and/or Phase II systems on ASTs.
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How Smoke Can Effect Your Health
Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burns. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases – and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.
People with asthma, heart disease, lung disease, older adults, and children are at greater risk of being affected by smoke. If you are healthy, you're usually not at a major risk from smoke but it's still a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. It's important to limit your exposure to smoke, especially if you may be susceptible.
How to tell if smoke is affecting you:
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes or a runny nose. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms.
Protect yourself:
Watch local news and weather stations, pay attention to health warning and air quality reports, you can also use the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI). Use common sense; if it looks smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn, go for a run, or let children play outside.
If your advised to stay indoors take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if needed but make the fresh air intake is closed and the filter is clean. Do not use a swamp cooler as it will pull in lots of smoke from outside. If your house becomes to hot to be comfortable seek alternative shelter. If it is cool outside try to avoid anything that produces heat from burning such as a fireplace, gas logs, or a gas stove.
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Heavy-duty Off-Road Vehicle Rule Enforcement
On September 13, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted authorization to the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to enforce all provisions of the In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation (Off-Road Regulation).
ARB has been enforcing the reporting, labeling, sales disclosure, and idle limitation requirements. In order to provide fleets adequate time to ensure compliance, ARB will phase in enforcement of various elements of the rule beginning January 1, 2014.
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