4.8 air quality 4.8.1 environmental setting

Chapter 4 Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation

Final LWRP 2020 Plan EIR 4-138 May 2004

4.8 AIR QUALITY

Construction and operational impacts to air quality associated with the proposed project are analyzed in

this section. Estimated construction and operational air emissions were developed in compliance with the

AVAQMD, CEQA, and federal Conformity Guidelines.

4.8.1 Environmental Setting

The LWRP is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the AVAQMD, within the Mojave Desert

Air Basin (MDAB). The MDAB encompasses approximately 21,480 square miles and includes the desert

portions of San Bernardino County, Palo Verde Valley, and Palmdale and Lancaster in the Antelope

Valley. The MDAB is bordered by the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) to the southwest, Salton Sea Air

Basin (SSAB) to the south, the Great Basin Unified Air Basin to the north, and the Arizona and Nevada

borders to the east. The AVAQMD was created on July 1, 1997, out of the northern portion of the

County, which was formerly part of the SCAQMD. The new AVAQMD incorporated all SCAQMD

regulations. For the purpose of this analysis, SCAQMD regulations and policies will be used when no

corresponding AVAQMD regulation or policy exists. The AVAQMD is located in the northern portion

of the County and is bordered by the Kern County line on the north, the San Gabriel Mountains to the

south, the San Bernardino County line to the east and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west.

Climate and Meteorological Conditions

The MDAB is characterized by a dry, hot desert climate. The intervening mountain ranges block cool,

moist coastal air and create hot, dry summers and cool winters. On average, 20 to 30 frontal systems

move into the MDAB each winter only a few of which produce measurable precipitation. In summer, the

area is primarily influenced by a Pacific subtropical high-pressure system which sits off the coast

blocking cloud formation and encouraging daytime solar heating. Summer maximum high temperatures

in Lancaster average 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter high temperatures average approximately

59.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

The inversion conditions in the MDAB are much less favorable for the build-up of high ozone (O3)

concentrations than in the coastal areas of Southern California. When subsidence inversions occur, they

are generally 6,000 to 8,000 feet above the desert surface, allowing much greater vertical mixing than



along the coast where the inversion base is much lower. As a result, meteorology in the MDAB is less

favorable for the chemical mixing characteristic of typical O3 formation.

The MDAB experiences high prevailing winds primarily from the southwest and west (see Figure 4.8-1).

As a result, smog is transported from the SCAB through mountain passes to the MDAB. The exchange of

lower and upper air tends to accelerate surface winds during the warm part of the day when convection is

at a minimum. During the winter, the rapid cooling of the surface layers at night retards this exchange of

momentum, which often results in calm conditions. 89

Criteria Pollutants

• Ozone (O3). O3 is a secondary pollutant produced through a series of photochemical reactions

involving reactive organic compounds (ROCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). O3 creation requires

ROCs and NOx to be available for approximately three hours in a stable atmosphere with strong

sunlight. O3 is a regional air pollutant because it is not emitted directly by sources, but is formed

downwind of sources generating ROCs and NOx emissions.

• Carbon Monoxide (CO). CO is a non-reactive pollutant that is a product of incomplete combustion.

Ambient CO concentrations usually follow the spatial and temporal distributions of vehicular traffic

and are also influenced by meteorological factors such as wind speed and atmospheric mixing. Under

inversion conditions, CO concentrations may be distributed more uniformly over an area out to some

distance from vehicular sources.

• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). There are two oxides of nitrogen which are important in air pollution: nitric

oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO and NO2 are both emitted from motor vehicle engines,

power plants, refineries, industrial boilers, aircraft and railroads. NO2 is primarily formed when NO

reacts with atmospheric oxygen. NO2 gives the air the “whiskey brown” color associated with smog.

• Particulate Matter (PM10). Particulate matter less than 10 microns across is referred to as PM10.

PM10 can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause adverse health effects. PM10 in the atmosphere

results from many kinds of dust and fume-producing industrial and agricultural operations, fuel

combustion, and atmospheric photochemical reactions. Some sources of particulate matter such as

89 Southern California Association of Governments RTP PEIR.

Figure 4.8-1Lancaster Wind Rose Data for 2000

SOURCE: Antelope Valley Air Pollution Control District

NNNE

NE

ENE

E

ESE

SE

SSES

SSW

SW

WSW

W

WNW

NW

NNW

2 to 7 MPH

8 to 10 MPH

11 to 26 MPH

LWRP 2020 Plan EIR / 200481



demolition and construction activities are more local in nature, while others such as vehicular traffic

have a more regional effect.

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2). SO2 is formed through the oxidation of elemental sulfur; suspended sulfates

are the product of further oxidation of SO2. In some parts of the state, elevated levels can also be due

to natural causes, such as wind-blown dust and sea salt spray. Suspended sulfates contribute to

overall particulate concentrations in ambient air which, if high enough, are suspected to be a cause of

premature death in individuals with pre-existing respiratory disease.

• Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs). TACs, also known as hazardous air pollutants, are pollutants

known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects such as birth defects. TACs may

also have significant adverse environmental and ecological effects. Examples of TACs include

benzene, diesel particulates, hydrogen sulfide, methylchloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, toluene, and

metals such as cadmium, mercury, chromium, and lead. Health effects from TACs vary depending on

the toxicity of the specific pollutant but may include cancer, immune system damage, as well as

neurological, reproductive, developmental, and respiratory problems. California Assembly Bill (AB)

2588 requires facilities emitting TACs to submit an inventory of those chemicals to the supervising

district. District No. 14 submitted an inventory to the SCAQMD in 1991.

According to EPA, approximately 50 percent of the TACs we are exposed to comes from mobile

source emissions. EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are both concerned about

diesel particulate matter emissions. The EPA has published its final rule to control emissions of

hazardous air pollutants from mobile sources in the March 29, 2001 Federal Register. CARB

approved a comprehensive diesel risk reduction plan in September 2000.

Existing Regional and Local Air Quality

Portions of the MDAB, including the Antelope Valley, have been designated as a severe non-attainment

area with respect to the federal and state O3 standards. In addition, the entire MDAB has been designated

as a non-attainment area for the PM10 state standard. The state one-hour PM10 standard was exceeded in

the AVAQMD one day in 2002 and at least two times per year from 1994 through 1999. However, the

Antelope Valley is not included in the federal non-attainment area for PM10. Therefore, the Antelope

Valley is not subject to the PM10 Attainment Plan prepared by the Mojave Desert AQMD in 1995.



The portion of the MDAB within the AVAQMD is in non-attainment for both the federal and state O3

standards. The federal and state Clean Air Acts require that management plans be developed for areas

designated as non-attainment to establish strategies to achieve compliance. The MDAB O3 attainment

plan recognizes the influence of pollution transport from the SCAB on O3 concentrations in the MDAB.

The plan recognizes that emissions from within the air basin contribute to the ozone problem and includes

strategies for regulating local emissions sources. The state one-hour O3 standard in the AVAQMD was

exceeded 46 days in 2002.

The AVAQMD is in compliance with the state and federal CO standards. In addition, the AVAQMD is

in compliance with the state and federal NOx standard. However, since NOx emissions contribute to O3

generation, NOx emissions are regulated through the O3 Attainment Plans.

Existing Emissions Sources

Existing emissions sources in the area of the LWRP include vehicular traffic emissions from SR-14,

Avenue D, Sierra Highway, the Union Pacific Railroad, and adjacent local roads. The adjacent EAFB

and local agricultural activities also contribute to air emissions in the Antelope Valley.

The LWRP has been issued four permits by the AVAQMD. These permits cover (1) the general sewage

treatment and water reclamation system, (2) the operation of three digester gas flares, (3) the operation of

one aboveground gasoline dispensing facility, and (4) a diesel-fueled emergency power generator.

The existing LWRP emissions summary was provided by District No. 14. Existing emissions include fuel

burning, organics volatilization, and process emissions. Table 4.8-1 summarizes existing emissions from

the LWRP covered by the existing permits. Table 4.8-2 includes a summary of the LWRP AB 2588 Air

Toxic Inventory Report for the year 1991. (This was the only year that preparation of the inventory was

required by AB 2588.)

Table 4.8-1 Existing Criteria Pollutant Emissions from the Lancaster Water Reclamation Plant

EXISTING EMISSIONS AIR POLLUTANT (lbs/day) (tpy)

CO 1.10 0.296 ROCs 17.3 0.2117 NOx 5.53 3.54 SO2 0.71 0.894 Source: District No. 14, 1996/1997



Table 4.8-2 Air Contaminant Emissions Inventory from the Lancaster Water Reclamation Plant, 1991

TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANT EXISTING EMISSIONS (lbs/year)

Acetaldehyde 0.02 Benzene 4.03 Chlorine 0.05 Chloroform 59.14 p-Dichlorobenzene 13.13 Formaldehyde 23.75 Hydrogen sulfide 7,124 Methylene chloride 6.87 Tetrachloroethylene 25.33 Toluene 52.94 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 4.11 Trichloroethylene 1.62 Xylenes 38.32 Source: District No. 14, 1991

Sensitive Receptors

Sensitive receptors include residences, schools, playgrounds, childcare centers, convalescent homes,

hospitals, retirement homes, rehabilitation centers, and athletic facilities. Sensitive population groups

include children, the elderly, the acutely ill, and the chronically ill, especially those with cardio-

respiratory diseases. Residential areas are also considered to be sensitive to air pollution because

residents tend to be home for extended periods of time, resulting in sustained exposure to any pollutant

present.

Construction activities could impact sensitive receptors located near the eastern and western agricultural

areas. There are few residences in the area surrounding the proposed storage reservoir which would be

located immediately north of the LWRP. Immediately east of the storage is Rosamond Dry Lake and the

western portion of EAFB, with no sensitive receptors. No residences exist north of the proposed

treatment and storage facility area until the County line, where a small residential development and a

restaurant are located. The community of Rosamond is approximately 6 miles north of the LWRP.

Scattered low-density rural residences exist west of the LWRP and proposed storage reservoir location.

The community of Antelope Acres begins at 80th Street West. Another group of homes is located in Kern

County north of Nebeker Ranch at 70th Street West. A mobile home community is located approximately

one mile south of the LWRP at Avenue E and SR-14.



The eastern and western agricultural areas are near low-density, single family residences. The western

agricultural area is centered around the existing Nebeker Ranch and is primarily surrounded by open

desert. Approximately 56 single family homes are located within a one mile radius of the western

agricultural area. The eastern agricultural area is located southeast of the existing LWRP and is bordered

by EAFB to the north. The eastern agricultural area is predominantly surrounded by agricultural area.

Approximately 41 single-family homes are located within a one-mile radius of the eastern agricultural

area.

4.8.2 Regulatory Background

The federal Clean Air Act of 1970 is the comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from

area, stationary, and mobile sources. The law authorized EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality

Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and the environment. The goal of the act was to set and

achieve NAAQS in every state by 1975. The setting of maximum pollutant standards was coupled with

directing the states to develop state implementation plans applicable to industrial sources in the state.

The act was amended in 1977 primarily to set new goal dates for achieving attainment of NAAQS since

many areas of the country had failed to meet the deadlines. The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act

in large part were intended to meet unaddressed or insufficiently addressed problems such as acid rain,

ground level O3, stratospheric O3 depletion, and air toxics. The EPA set ambient air quality standards for

certain air pollutants. NAAQS have been established for CO, O3, SO2, NO2, PM10, particulate matter less

than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), and lead. These contaminants are referred to as Criteria Pollutants.

Table 4.8-3 summarizes state and federal air quality standards.

Table 4.8-3 State and Federal Ambient Air Quality Standards for Criteria Pollutants

POLLUTANT

AVERAGING

TIME

CALIFORNIA STANDARD

FEDERAL PRIMARY

STANDARD

POLLUTANT HEALTH AND ATMOSPHERIC

EFFECTS

MAJOR POLLUTANT SOURCE(S)

1 hour 0.09 ppm 0.12 ppm O3 8 hours --- 0.08 ppm

High concentrations can directly affect lungs, causing

irritation. Long-term exposure may cause

damage to lung tissue.

Motor vehicles.

1 hour 20 ppm 35 ppm CO 8 hours 9 ppm 9 ppm

Classified as a chemical asphyxiant, CO interferes with the transfer of fresh oxygen to the blood and

deprives sensitive tissues of oxygen.

Internal combustion engines, primarily gasoline-powered

motor vehicles.



Table 4.8-3 State and Federal Ambient Air Quality Standards for Criteria Pollutants (cont.)

POLLUTANT

AVERAGING

TIME

CALIFORNIA STANDARD

FEDERAL PRIMARY

STANDARD

POLLUTANT HEALTH AND ATMOSPHERIC

EFFECTS

MAJOR POLLUTANT SOURCE(S)

1 hour 0.25 ppm --- 24 hours 0.04 ppm 0.14 ppm

NO2

Annual Average

--- 0.05 ppm

Irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. Colors

atmosphere reddish-brown.

Motor vehicles, petroleum refining

operations, industrial sources, aircraft,

ships, and railroads.

24 hours --- 65 ug/m3

(PM2.5) PM2.5

Annual Arithmetic Mean

--- 15 ug/m3

(PM2.5)

May irritate eyes and respiratory tract, decreases lung capacity, may increase cancer risk, and increases mortality. Produces haze

and limits visibility.

Dust and fume-producing industrial

and agricultural operations, combustion, atmospheric

photochemical reactions, and natural activities (e.g., wind-

raised dust and ocean sprays).

24 hours 50 ug/m3 (PM10) 150 ug/m3

(PM10)

Annual Geometric Mean

30 ug/m3 (PM10)

---

PM10

Annual Arithmetic Mean

--- 50 ug/m3 (PM10)

May irritate eyes and respiratory tract, decreases lung capacity, may increase cancer risk and increases mortality. Produces haze

and limits visibility.

Dust and fume-producing industrial

and agricultural operations, combustion, atmospheric

photochemical reactions, and natural activities (e.g., wind-

raised dust and ocean sprays).

24 hours 0.04 ppm 0.14 ppm Annual Arithmetic Average

--- 0.03 ppm

SO2

1 hour 0.25 ppm ---

Irritates upper respiratory tract; injurious to lung tissue.

Can yellow the leaves of plants, destructive to

marble, iron, and steel. Limits visibility and reduces

sunlight.

Fuel combustion, chemical plants,

sulfur recovery plants, and metal processing.

Monthly 1.5 ug/m3 --- Lead

Quarterly --- 1.5 ug/m3 Disturbs gastrointestinal

system, and causes anemia, kidney disease, and neuromuscular and

neurologic dysfunction (in severe cases).

Present source: lead smelters, battery manufacturing &

recycling facilities. Past source:

combustion of leaded gasoline.

Source: California Air Resources Board, Ambient Air Quality Standards, January 25, 1999.

In 1967, California’s legislature passed the Mulford-Carrel Act, which established the CARB. The

CARB set state air quality standards for criteria pollutants. The state standards for these pollutants are

more stringent than the corresponding federal standards (see Table 4.8-3). As in the federal CAA, the

CAA classifies areas as either being in attainment or non-attainment for these criteria pollutants. Areas

designated as non-attainment are then given a set time frame to achieve attainment.

California is further broken down into 35 local and regional air pollution control districts. These districts

regulate industrial pollution sources, issue permits, develop local air quality compliance plans, and ensure

that local industries adhere to the air quality mandates set by CARB and local air agencies.



The AVAQMD is the state’s newest air pollution control district, created on July 1, 1997, out of the

northern portion of the County, which was formerly part of the SCAQMD. California Health and Safety

Code Section 40106 states, “the rules and regulations of the South Coast District shall remain in effect in

the AVAQMD on and after July 1, 1997, until the AVAQMD board adopts new rules and regulations

which supersede them.” For the purpose of this analysis, SCAQMD regulations and policies will be used

when no corresponding AVAQMD regulation or policy exists.

4.8.3 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Thresholds of Significance

The CEQA Guidelines checklist provides the following thresholds for determining significance with

respect to air quality. Air quality impacts would be considered significant if the project:

• Conflicts with or obstructs the implementation of the applicable air quality plan.

• Violates any air quality standards or contributes substantially to an existing or projected air quality

violation.

• Exposes sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations.

• Creates objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.

• Results in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project

region is in non-attainment under any applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard

(including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for O3 precursors).

In addition, the AVAQMD has adopted air quality thresholds of significance for construction and

operational emissions, which are shown in Table 4.8-4.

Impact 4.8-1: Construction activities for each alternative would result in a temporary increase in air pollutant emissions. Emissions of NOx and PM10 could exceed AVAQMD thresholds of significance.

Construction emissions were calculated using methods recommended in the SCAQMD’s CEQA Air

Quality Handbook and emissions factors approved by the CARB (EMFAC2002). Emissions calculation



Table 4.8-4 AVAQMD Air Quality Thresholds of Significance

AIR POLLUTANT PROJECT OPERATION AND CONSTRUCTION (lbs/day) CO 548 ROC 137 NOx 137 SO2 137 PM10 82 Source: AVAQMD CEQA Guidelines, February 2000

worksheets are included in Appendix L. Air emissions would result from the use of construction

equipment and construction workers’ vehicles. Construction would generate fugitive dust and other

criteria pollutants through excavation activities, construction equipment exhaust, haul truck trips, and

construction workers’ vehicle emissions. This impact would be temporary and would last for the duration

of the construction activities. At this time, it is assumed that Stage V of the construction activities would

require approximately three years. Table 4.8-5 includes emissions estimates for the various types of

construction activities for Alternatives 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Table 4.8-5 Estimated Emissions from Stage V Construction

AIR POLLUTANT

STORAGE RESERVOIRS AND TREATMENT

FACILITIES (lbs/day)

PIPELINE (lbs/day)

DEMOLITION FOR AGRICULTURE CONVERSION

(lbs/day)

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION

EMISSIONS (lbs/day)*

AVAQMD

THRESHOLD (lbs/day)

SIGNIFICANT

Alternatives 1 and 2

CO 56 12 14 82 548 NO

ROCs 48 21 22 91 137 NO

NOx 189 43 60 292 137 YES

PM10 90 2 35 127 82 YES

Alternatives 3 and 4

CO 28 12 14 54 548 NO

ROCs 22 21 22 65 137 NO

NOx 51 43 60 154 137 YES

PM10 64 2 35 101 82 YES

Source: SCAQMD, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993; EMFAC2002, AVAQMD CEQA Guidelines. * Total emissions during periods when all construction activities would be occurring on the same day.

Construction of Storage Reservoirs (Alternatives 1 and 2)

Each storage reservoir would be constructed with on-site dirt to build 1420-foot high levees. However,

additional soil, soil amendment, or synthetic materials might need to be trucked in to complete the storage



reservoirs. A distribution network would be constructed to convey recycled water to and from the storage

reservoirs. Air emissions are anticipated from construction vehicle and construction workers’ vehicle

emissions, as well as fugitive dust emissions from grading and piling activities. PM10 emissions were

calculated using emissions factors found in the U.S. EPA AP-42 Compilation of Emissions Factors. A

50 percent reduction of these rates was applied assuming that on-site watering would be conducted.90

Estimated emissions included in Table 4.8-5 assume that the site will be watered three times per day.

Vehicle exhaust emissions were calculated using EMFAC2002 emissions factors. Construction vehicle

exhaust emissions were calculated using Air Resources Board Emissions Inventory Publication

Number MO99_32.3, Table 13, released in 2000.

For planning purposes, it is assumed that one loader, two bulldozers, two scrapers, and one backhoe

would work for approximately two years with an estimated 25 employees to complete Stage V of the

storage reservoirs. It is further assumed that the 25 employees would drive an average of 60 miles round

trip per day commuting to the work site. Additionally, it is estimated that two haul trucks per day would

be required, and that those trucks would travel an estimated 30 miles per day.

It is estimated that one grader and one bulldozer, one scraper, one forklift, one backhoe, and one loader,

along with 50 employees, would work for approximately 12 months eight hours per day to complete

construction of the Stage V activated sludge treatment facility. It is further assumed that the

50 employees would drive an average of 60 miles round trip per day commuting to the work site.

Additionally, it is estimated that 20 haul trucks per day, including concrete trucks, would be required, and

that those trucks would travel an estimated 30 miles round trip per day.

Pipeline Construction

Approximately five to 1420 miles of pipeline would be constructed from the LWRP to the selected

agricultural areas. Air emissions for this portion of the project would include fugitive dust emissions

from trenching activities, construction vehicle emissions, and worker’s vehicle emissions. Vehicle

emissions were calculated using EMFAC2002 emissions factors. Construction vehicle emissions were

calculated using Air Resources Board Emissions Inventory Publication Number MO99_32.3, Table 13,

released in 2000.

90 Smith, Steve, SCAQMD, personal communication, October 23, 2001.



It is assumed that approximately 100 300-500 feet of pipe would be installed per day. It is also assumed

that trenching activities would occur for three hours per day while actual pipe installation would occur for

the remaining five hours per day. It is estimated that four backhoe/loaders and one jack and bore rig

would operate eight hours per day along with 15 employees for approximately seven to 16 months to

complete the pipeline. It is further assumed that the 15 employees would drive an average of 60 miles

round trip per day commuting to the work site. Additionally, it is estimated that ten work trucks per day

would be required, and that those trucks would travel an estimated 30 miles round trip per day.

Agricultural Conversion

Alternatives 1 and 2 would convert up to 4,650 and Alternatives 3 or 4 would convert up to 13,940 acres

of open space and residential property to agricultural land. The conversion would entail the removal of

existing structures followed by grading and tilling the area. The maximum number of houses that may be

demolished is 81. However, it is expected that fewer than the maximum will be removed, especially in

Alternatives 1 and 2. The AVAQMD Fugitive Dust Rule 403, Subsection H, exempts agricultural

activities in the Antelope Valley from dust emission restrictions.

The demolition portion of the project was estimated to take two months. It is estimated that one

bulldozer, one loader, and one demolition crane along with 15 employees will work for approximately

three weeks to demolish the existing structures. It is further assumed that the 15 employees would drive

an average of 60 miles round trip per day commuting to the work site. Additionally, it is estimated that

ten work trucks per day would be required to haul demolition debris from the site, traveling an estimated

30 miles round trip per day. The estimated demolition emissions associated with the land conversion are

shown in Table 4.8-5. The calculations assume that 56 houses would be demolished.

Mitigation Measures

Alternatives 1, 2, 3, and 4

Mitigation Measure 4.8-1: Construction crews shall maintain equipment engines in proper tune and operate construction equipment so as to minimize exhaust emissions.

Mitigation Measure 4.8-2: Construction equipment shall be shut off to reduce idling when not in direct use.

Mitigation Measure 4.8-3: Active construction areas shall be watered three times daily to reduce fugitive dust emissions.



Mitigation Measure 4.8-4: Prior to the demolition of houses, the District shall inspect structures for the presence of asbestos containing materials (ACM) and lead based paint (LBP). The District will ensure that ACM and lead based paints (LBP) are removed and disposed of prior to demolition in accordance with EPA air quality protection regulations.

Significance After Mitigation

Significant and unavoidable.

Construction of the treatment and storage facilities will cause a significant release of NOx and PM10 due

to the large number of heavy duty diesel construction equipment used. This impact will be temporary and

Mitigation Measures 4.8-1, 4.8-2, and 4.8-3 will help to minimize the emissions. Nonetheless,

construction will generate NOx and particulate matter emissions above AVAQMD significance criteria.

_________________________

Impact 4.8-2: Operation of the expanded LWRP will increase air emissions for each alternative.

Stationary Sources

The proposed treatment and storage facilities would increase stationary source emissions associated with

wastewater treatment processes. The LWRP is currently permitted for five stationary sources (including

three flares, one gasoline dispensing station, and one diesel emergency back-up generator) and one area

source. The three flares are currently permitted to burn 12,000 standard cubic feet of sludge digester gas

per hour. The increased operational throughput in all alternatives would result in the increased production

of sludge digester gas. This increased gas production under all four alternatives would exceed current

permit limits of 12,000 standard cubic feet per hour set by the AVAQMD. Alternatives 1 and 3 would

increase gas production to approximately 23,401 standard cubic feet per hour. Alternatives 2 and 4 would

increase gas production to approximately 34,247 standard cubic feet per hour.

While the LWRP may utilize portions of the excess gas for energy production, it is assumed that at least

one new flare would be required to handle the increase in gas production. The increase in digester gas

production will require a revision to the existing AVAQMD permits. The increase in emissions

associated with the expansion of the LWRP would require modification to existing permits from

AVAQMD. As shown in Table 4.8-6, the increased air emissions associated with the increase in digester

gas production would be less than AVAQMD significance thresholds. As such, there would be no

significant impacts to regional air quality anticipated from operations of the proposed project.



Table 4.8-6

Estimated Sludge Digester Air Emissions from Lancaster Water Reclamation Plant Operations

AIR POLLUTANT

ALTERNATIVES 1 & 3 ESTIMATED

EMISSIONS (lbs/day)

ALTERNATIVES 2 & 4 ESTIMATED

EMISSIONS (lbs/day)

AVAQMD THRESHOLD

(lbs/day)

SIGNIFICANTCO 14 20 548 NO ROCs 2 3 137 NO NOx 26 39 137 NO SO2 9 6 137 NO PM10 6 8 82 NO Source: LWRP, AVAQMD CEQA Guidelines, February 2000.

Mobile Sources

The proposed treatment facility expansion would result in increased emissions due to an increase in truck

traffic and employee commute to and from the plant. The increase in biosolids, grit, and screening

production would increase daily haul trucks for each Alternative. Vehicle emissions were calculated

using EMFAC2002 emissions factors.

For this analysis, it was assumed that the 10 employees would drive an average of 30 miles round trip per

day commuting to the LWRP. Service and maintenance of the facilities would require 30 round trips per

day traveling five miles on local roadways. Biosolids would be transported to the San Joaquin

Composting facility in Kern County to be processed into a soil amendment and fertilizer. With

implementation of Alternatives 2 or 4, the facility’s biosolids production would require approximately

165 truck trips per year traveling 268 miles round trip. Alternatives 1 or 3 would require approximately

114 truck trips per year, traveling 268 miles round trip for biosolids removal. Biosolids produced at the

LWRP are stored on site and are hauled off site generally once per year. One grit truck every three days

would be required to transport grit to the Waste Management of Lancaster landfill, which is four miles

away. It is estimated that one chemical truck would drive 80 miles from Los Angeles each day.

Agricultural Operations

Agricultural operations would result in emissions of criteria pollutants and fugitive dust during grading

and planting operations. To assess potential air emissions the following assumptions were made.

Grading and planting operations would be conducted approximately three times per year for each

productive area, requiring approximately one tractor working 8 hours per 25 acres. Under these

assumptions, production on 13,940 acres (maximum acreage for agriculture required under any



alternative) would require approximately 4,461 tractor hours per year (17 hours per day for 260 days per

year). Under these assumptions, the District No. 14 operations would be operating an average of two or

three tractors for eight hours every week day. The tractors would be spread out over approximately five

square miles. Once the fields are planted, irrigation and plant growth will minimize dust emissions.

However, during periods of high wind, recently tilled land could result in dust emissions for brief periods

of time. Avoiding long periods between tilling and irrigating would minimize fugitive dust from recently

tilled land. The EPA has not established standard fugitive dust emissions factors for agricultural

operations. Agricultural operations are exempt from air permitting requirements for fugitive emissions

under Rule 403.

In 1995, the Mojave Desert AQMD prepared an Attainment Plan for PM10. The Attainment Plan assumed

that agricultural tilling added 152.68 tons per year of PM10 to the MDAB.91 These calculations did not

include the Antelope Valley. The Attainment Plan concludes that the emissions inventory of PM10 from

agriculture operations is insignificant and does not require the adoption of additional control measures.

The District No. 14 agricultural operations would add 4.5 tons per year of PM10 by the year 2020. This

would not be considered a significant increase over existing conditions.

Operational Air Emissions Summary

The implementation of the LWRP 2020 Plan would increase air emissions from both mobile and

stationary sources. Table 4.8-7 summarizes the estimated mobile source and agricultural air emissions for

the LWRP operational activities under each alternative. Mobile sources would result from increased

employee commutes, and an increase in biosolids, grit, and chemical truck drop-off and pick-up as well as

agricultural operations. However, the emissions would not exceed thresholds of significance.

Agricultural operations would not significantly increase agriculture emissions within the basin over

existing conditions. Emissions calculation worksheets are included in Appendix L. Stationary source

emissions are permitted as described earlier in this section and are not included in the emissions

calculations summarized in Table 4.8-7.

91 MDAQMD, Final MDPA PM10 Plan, 1995, page 102.



Table 4.8-7 Estimated Mobile Air Emissions from Lancaster Water Reclamation Plant Operations

AIR POLLUTANT

MAXIMUM AGRICULTURAL

OPERATIONS (lbs/day)

ALTERNATIVES 1 & 3

ESTIMATED EMISSIONS (lbs/day)

ALTERNATIVES 2 & 4

ESTIMATED EMISSIONS (lbs/day)

AVAQMD

THRESHOLD (lbs/day)

SIGNIFICANT? CO 3.09 10.20 10.44 548 NO ROCs 1.60 1.93 2.00 137 NO NOx 27.82 44.79 46.11 137 NO SO2 -- 0.03 0.03 137 NO PM10 34.30* 2.16 2.21 82 NO Source: SCAQMD, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, 1993; EMFAC7G, AVAQMD CEQA Guidelines, February 2000. * Fugitive dust emissions factors for agricultural tractors obtained using EPA guidance (AP-42) for bulldozing Overburden Equation Table 11.9-1 AP-42. Assumes 15% silt content, 7.9 % soil moisture content

Mitigation Measures


Mitigation Measure 4.8-5: Limit off-road traffic speeds for maintenance vehicles to 15 miles per hour or less.

Mitigation Measure 4.8-6: Service vehicles shall be maintained in proper tune to minimize exhaust emissions.


Less than significant.

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Impact 4.8-3: Sewage treatment plant operations have the potential to cause significant odor impacts.

The treatment plant has the potential the emit odors due to open air sludge drying, uncovered primary

treatment process facilities and uncovered oxidation ponds. Currently, the LWRP practices open air

sludge drying, and plans to continue this practice after the plant expansion. In addition, Alternatives 1

and 3 would continue the use of open-air primary facilities and oxidation ponds.

No sensitive receptors exist downwind from the proposed treatment facilities and storage reservoirs.

Currently, odor complaints are accepted at the District No. 14 offices. The plant has averaged one odor

complaint per year. The agricultural areas are sparsely populated. Nonetheless, the sewage treatment



plant will have the potential to cause significant odor impact due to the sludge drying activity and general

operations of the sewage treatment plant.

As part of the project, District No. 14 will install an influent odor control station. Since the LWRP is

surrounded primarily with several miles of open space, the new facilities are not expected to present

nuisance odor conditions.

Mitigation Measure


No mitigation measures are necessary.


Less than significant.

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4.8 air quality 4.8.1 environmental setting

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