Draft EA - San Diego International Airport

SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – PROPOSED RUNWAY 9 DISPLACED THRESHOLD
Ozone (O 3 )
Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 )
Lead (Pb)
Particulate matter (PM 10 )
Fine particulates (PM 2.5 )
The primary standards were established at levels sufficient to protect public health with a satisfactory margin
of safety. The regulation and management of ambient (i.e., “outdoor”) air quality conditions in San Diego
County is the combined responsibility of federal, state, and local governmental agencies.
On the federal level, the U.S EPA establishes the guiding principles and policies for protecting air quality
conditions throughout the nation, including San Diego County. Relevant to this assessment, the U.S. EPA is
also responsible for promulgating the NAAQS, the approval of the SIP, and the regulation of aircraft
emissions.
On the state level, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) serves to help ensure that federal air quality
requirements and guidelines are met. CARB also enforces the California Ambient Air Quality Standards
(CAAQS), monitors air quality, and regulates mobile sources of emissions (i.e., on-road and off-road motor
vehicles and equipment).
On the local level, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) is responsible for
administrating federal and state air quality regulations, permitting of stationary sources of air emissions, and
monitoring of air quality conditions in the County. Together, CARB, the SDAPCD, and the San Diego
Association of Governments (SANDAG) are involved in the preparation and implementation of the SIP for San
Diego County.
Together, CARB and SDAPCD operate 9 permanent ambient air quality monitoring sites scattered throughout
San Diego County as part of their ongoing state and local air quality monitoring programs. The closest of
these air quality monitoring stations to SDIA is located approximately two miles southeast of the Airport in
downtown San Diego. 15
No air quality monitoring stations are located directly on, or adjacent to, the SDIA.
3.5.1.2 Attainment/Nonattainment Status
The Airport is located within San Diego County, an area designated as a nonattainment area for ozone (8-
hour), and a maintenance area for carbon monoxide. 16
A maintenance area is any area previously designated
15
16
These air monitoring stations are components of the permanent network operated by CARB/SDAPCD in San Diego County. The locations
are established according to a series of parameters that take into consideration meteorological conditions, emission source(s) locations,
demographics and pollutant characteristics.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criteria Pollutant Reports, http://www.epa.gov/air/oaqps/greenbk/multipol.html, (accessed: April 9,
2013).
Draft EA
Affected Environment
[3-17]