San Joaquin Valleywide Air Pollution Study Agency

The meeting featured an overview of housekeeping items, including interpretation services, member renaming conventions for attendance tracking, and group agreements. Presentations were given by several state agencies, including Caltrans, the California Air Resources Board, CalGEM, and the Department of Pesticide Regulation. Caltrans provided an update on the ongoing Weedpatch Highway rehabilitation project and introduced the upcoming Arvin CAPM project, highlighting planned pavement rehabilitation, drainage upgrades, and pedestrian safety improvements. The committee discussed the necessity for inter-agency collaboration and addressed questions regarding ongoing and future infrastructure projects in the community.

The meeting provided an update on the status of the Spray Days California pesticide notification system. Key discussion topics included a review of website and notification metrics from the previous year, such as the total number of visits and text/email signups, as well as an assessment of system uptime. Information was shared regarding a public comment period for the annual status update, and participants received instructions on how to use the notification system features, including accessing maps for restricted pesticide applications in agricultural areas.

The meeting focused on the consideration of variance requests for two entities. Darling Ingredients Incorporated requested a short variance to perform essential repairs on a regenerative thermal oxidizer, with potential impacts on VOC emissions discussed alongside the hardships of a facility shutdown. Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC requested an interim and regular variance regarding the fine-tuning of new low-NOx burners on vegetable dehydrators, noting that optimization processes may exceed natural gas usage limitations. Public comment was received regarding the variance processes and the environmental implications of the requested relief.

The meeting included the review and approval of the consent calendar. The board conducted a public hearing and approved a short variance for Barry Petroleum Company regarding their turbine engine compliance and source testing deadlines. Additionally, the board approved a short variance for California Resources Production Corporation related to their vapor recovery system at the North Shafter facility. The meeting concluded with announcements regarding upcoming disclosures and the departure of a long-standing board member.

The board meeting included a roll call and the pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of the consent calendar items. Significant time was dedicated to public comments regarding air quality data, historical context of the valley, and upcoming Earth Day activities at Fresno City College. The Citizens Advisory Committee provided a report on their recent activities, including concerns about research methodologies and the allocation of funding. Additionally, the board discussed the acceptance and appropriation of up to $1 million in funding from the Tulare County Association of Governments to support incentive programs such as vehicle repair, vehicle replacement, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.