Changes in Risk Calculation Methodologies and Risk Management Policies for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Take Effect July 1, 2015

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The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has revised its Risk Management Policy to address the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) revised Risk Assessment Guidance document. Beginning July 1, 2015, significant changes in risk calculation methodology and in cancer risk thresholds will become effective, following which the district will require that all health risk management reviews use the district’s revised policies and guidance in conjunction with OEHHA’s 2015 guidance document. OEHHA recently updated its Air Toxics Hot Spots Program Guidance Manual for the Preparation of Risk Assessments (Risk Assessment Guidelines). These revisions are designed to provide enhanced protection of children as required under state law.

The district regulates toxic air emissions under the Integrated Air Toxic Program. This program integrates the state and federal requirements. A facility is subject to Air Toxic Hot Spots Requirements if it:
     1) Emits more than 10 tons per year of Total Organic Gases, Particulate Matter, Nitrogen Oxides, or Oxides of Sulfur; or
    2) Belongs to a source category identified in the State Emission Inventory Criteria and Guidelines Report.  
Facilities that are subject to the toxic emission inventory requirements of the Hot Spots Act must prepare and submit toxic emission inventory plans and reports and periodically update those reports. The staff report and district policies are available at the following link: http://www.valleyair.org/busind/pto/toxics.htm#RiskManagement

by CLFP Government Affairs Director John Larrea

 

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