Exceptional Events:Lessons Learned

Eric C. Massey, DirectorAir Quality Division

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

Phoenix, AZ July 5, 2011 Credit: Daniel Bryant

July 2-8, 2012July 5, 2011 Event

Site24-Hour Average

PM10

(μg/m3)

Hourly Maximum PM10

(μg/m3)Buckeye 163 2186Central Phoenix

277 3578

Durango Complex

156 1974

Dysart 219 2731Glendale 167 2095Greenwood 155 1990Higley 362 5189JLG Supersite 331 6348South Phoenix

206 2575

West Chandler

360 2967

West 43rd 150 1946West Phoenix 278 4623Zuni Hills 147 1804Casa Grande 479 5300Combs School

419 8437

Cowtown 2316 49377Pinal County Housing

2040 41582

Stanfield 54 12246

Exceptional Events Timeline• Phoenix Area = NAA since 1990 amendments

– 5% Plan submitted in 2007• Calendar Year 2010

– Resubmitted 4 EE demonstrations for 2008• Each > 400 pages of highly technical information

– Unsuccessful, withdrew 5% Plan• Calendar Year 2011 - EPA Guidance• Calendar Year 2012

– New 5% Plan submitted– ADEQ submitted July 2-8, 2011 Events

• Total package < 250 pages in length• Approved on September 6, 2012

– EPA revised guidance, worked with ADEQ• Further streamlining• 40-60 pages of new material per event

Upcoming Submissions

• 22 additional packages– 25 exceedance days

• Some easier – regional events• Some harder – single monitor

• Schedule– First set to public notice on 12/1

• Anticipating 6 demonstrations (1 rural)

– Second set to public notice on 1/1/13• Anticipating 50-70% completion

– Final set to public notice on 4/1/13

Credit: Mike Maxham

Who and How Much?

• ADEQ staff lead the project• Local help

– MAG, Maricopa County• Contractors engaged

– Sierra Research– Sonoma Technology

• Cost– Staff time– $400,000 in contract charges

• Only includes Maricopa County

Repeated Events

• Set the stage in the first submission:– Introduction and background done once– Most of conceptual model– Historical fluctuations updated periodically– Not reasonably controllable or preventable

• Event specific information:– Some conceptual model elements– Clear causal relationship– “But for” analysis– Supporting forecasts/data/analyses

Other Helpful Tools

• Strategic planning performance measures– Focus on improving Air Quality– Submit EE’s within 180 days– EPA concurrence on 95% of submissions

• Develop a screening tool

Recommendations

• Get really smart people• Involve the customer• Tell the story in words, not just data• Use photos/video evidence of the event

wherever possible• Go fast