DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jennifer Herriott, MPH
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Authorizing the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) to contract with Southwest Research Institute to conduct air sampling, analysis, and ozone mitigation related services.
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes an agreement with Southwest Research Institute in the amount of $250,000, from June 13, 2019 to June 30, 2020 to conduct air sampling, analysis and provide ozone mitigation recommendations to reduce local ozone levels in an effort to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ozone standard by December 2020. Funding for the initial contract is available from the City's FY 2019 General Fund Budget. This contract will have a one-year renewal option and future funding for the renewal option in the amount of $250,000 will be subject to appropriation as part of the annual budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On October 1, 2015, the EPA released a more stringent "health-based" air pollution standard of 70 parts per billion (ppb) for ground-level ozone.
The EPA officially announced that Bexar County was in marginal nonattainment of federal ground-level ozone standards on September 24, 2018. This was based on ozone exceedance readings at two regulatory air monitors in Northwest Bexar County.
Marginal nonattainment communities are those closest to meeting the ozone standard and have fewer mandatory planning and control requirements at the local level. If Bexar County does not reach the attainment standard by the end of 2020, the area will be moved to the Moderate designation, resulting in federal regulatory requirements.
Ozone is formed when Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) combine and are exposed to sunlight and heat. Emissions from industrial facilities, electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are major sources of NOx and VOCs. Poi...
Click here for full text