UPDATE

New Measures to
Improve Air Quality
Air quality affects every aspect of Louisiana life – health, economy and
quality. While the air quality is better than it was 25 years ago when 20
parishes did not meet the air quality standard for ozone, there is still
much to do. On June 23, 2003, EPA reclassified East Baton Rouge, West Baton
Rouge, Livingston, Ascension and Iberville Parishes as “severe” for the one-hour
standard for ozone. The reclassification brought with it consequences spelled out
in the Clean Air Act, including the use of reformulated gasoline.
Last year presented an excellent opportunity for these parishes to meet the
standard but non-predictable ozone spikes, which contained highly reactive
hydrocarbons, caused the area to remain in nonattainment. Despite the progress,
there is still much to do to meet this air quality standard thereby protecting
Louisiana citizens. In a continuing effort to provide Louisiana with the best possible
air quality, DEQ is taking serious steps to reach ozone attainment in the fiveparish
nonattainment area.
The first step was to form the Highly Reactive Volatile Organic Compounds
(HRVOC) workgroup to study the causes of the ozone spikes. This group is comprised
of industry leaders, environmentalists, DEQ personnel and interested parties.
It split into three subgroups to study the problem. The subgroups studied
exceedance/data analysis, emission/meteorology monitoring and emission inventory.
The groups proposed strategies for addressing ozone exceedances. These
recommendations included upgrading monitors before the 2004 ozone season,
recording five minute data in addition to one hour, developing a data base for
past and future data and performing statistical analysis on the data. DEQ has formulated
a plan of action to attack the problem based on the recommendations
of the HRVOC workgroup.
1. Increase monitoring efforts.
More frequent monitoring with wider parameters will allow DEQ to gather
more detailed information on Baton Rouge-area emissions. The LSU, Carville and
Capitol sites will be able to take samples continuously on a 24-hour basis. More
than 300,000 measurements will be taken per year. The existing 10 monitoring
stations in the five-parish area will have enhanced sampling capability and more
monitors. DEQ will be able to take 160-170 air samples per week and additional
lab equipment will allow the state to better analyze the data. With a more complete
picture, DEQ can better define the problem and address it. New air-monitoring
equipment will be up and running by mid-summer, the height of ozone
season. For air quality information go to www.ldeq.org.
2. Update database.
Intensive review of historical, recent, and meteorological data and a revamped
database will provide another important piece of the puzzle. DEQ will expand,
enhance and consolidate its air-monitoring database. It will be a live database that
will help DEQ effectively profile ozone precursors using new and historical data.
The improved database will help DEQ in modeling, identifying problem areas,
developing ozone reduction strategies and responding to ozone events and public
inquiries. In the future, current information will be available to the public on
the DEQ website, www.ldeq.org.
3. Work closely with industry.
DEQ has developed an industry action plan with an emphasis on fugitive
emissions, point sources, cooling and wastewater and flares. The focus will be
on pollutants that contribute to ozone. Highly reactive hydrocarbons, such as ethylene,
toluene and propylene, will be closely studied. Fugitive, accidental and
non-routine emissions will be more closely scrutinized. Mike McDaniel, DEQ
Secretary, will meet with plant managers to discuss implementation of voluntary
measures to discover and control emission sources. Facilities will be asked to
develop action plans to reduce emissions, especially highly reactive, nitrogen
oxides and volatile organic compounds
DEQ’s surveillance team will have a renewed emphasis on and a different
approach to inspections. The inspections will be longer and more detailed. They
will concentrate on specific sources identified as having emission concerns.
4. Educate the public.
DEQ will continue and intensify its air quality campaign to educate the public
about what they can do to help reduce ozone. Activities such as a gas can
exchange, press conference, speaking engagements, presentations to community
groups, written information and other initiatives will help raise public awareness.
Partnering with other agencies, non-profit groups and local businesses will be a
priority. The message will be that air quality in Louisiana is everyone’s responsibility
and everyone can be part of the solution.
Reaching the ozone standard and attainment is a priority at DEQ. Experts from
industry, environmental groups, and DEQ staff have worked together to
approach the problem with a comprehensive plan. These groups and the citizens
of Louisiana will need to work together to promote ozone reduction and produce
a healthier environment, better economy and good quality of life for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
about reformulated gas
Q. What is reformulated gasoline
(RFG)?
A. Reformulated gasoline is a
gasoline that contains an oxygen
additive that is supposed to reduce
ozone-forming pollutants. Currently,
the most common oxygenates are
ethanol and MTBE. In the Baton
Rouge area, it is expected that
ethanol will be the most common.
Q. Where will RFG be sold and
why?
A. The federal government is
requiring the sale of RFG at all gas
stations in the 5-parish Baton Rouge
area (Ascension, East Baton Rouge,
Iberville, Livingston, West Baton
Rouge) because the area has been
reclassified to “severe” ozone
nonattainment.
Q. When will the changeover
from conventional gasoline to RFG
go into effect?
A. June 23, 2004. Gas stations
are expected to begin phasing in
the supply before then.
Q. Will the cost of gasoline at the
pump increase because of RFG?
A. The impact on gasoline pricing
is uncertain. Varying sources have
estimated an increase of anywhere
between three and 15 cents per
gallon.
Q. Will there be a problem if I
mix conventional gasoline and
RFG?
A. Based on available information,
mixing RFG with conventional
gasoline in a vehicle’s gas tank will
not present any problems.
Q. Will RFG affect the performance
of my vehicle or damage the
engine?
A. According to the EPA, RFG will
have no adverse effects on vehicle
performance or the durability of
engine and fuel system components.
The use of RFG/ethanol in the
Baton Rouge area is not expected
to adversely impact vehicle performance.
However, ethanol and
water don’t mix well. If your tank
has water in it or the gas station’s
storage tank contains water, the fuel
may influence the way your car
drives.
Q. Will RFG affect my vehicle gas
mileage?
A. According to EPA, gasoline
containing an oxygenate such as
ethanol reduces gas mileage by 1
to 3 percent. Gas mileage can also
be affected by the type of engine
and vehicle, driving habits, weather
conditions and vehicle maintenance.
Q. Will RFG affect my vehicle
warranties?
A. Using RFG will not affect the
manufacturer’s general warranty or
the emissions warranty. If there’s
ever a question concerning your
warranty, see your owner’s manual
or consult your local dealer.
Q. Will RFG affect my marine
engine?
A. Marine engine manufacturers
have indicated that the use of RFG
in marine engines is acceptable,
although some offer special instructions
if you use RFG. You should
always check your owner’s manual
for any specific instructions or contact
your local dealer. Once again,
be aware that ethanol and water
don’t mix well.
Q. Will RFG affect my other types
of engines such as lawn and garden
equipment?
A. According to EPA, various manufacturers
of nonroad engines have
indicated that using oxygenated
fuels is acceptable, although some
manufacturers offer special instructions
when using reformulat gas.
Consumers should follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations found
in their owner’s manuals or consult
with a servicing dealer. Similar to
automobiles, there are not expected
to be any problems with the use of
ethanol-based gasoline in other
types of engines. However, prior to
using ethanol-based gasoline in
these types of motors, you should
review the owner’s manual.
For further information: The EPA
does not have a hotline for reformulated
gas questions. However, you
can find information on RFG at
http://www.epa.gov/region02/faq
/#REFORMULATE. You can find
information on how to contact a
particular office at:
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/co
mments.htm
The Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality is not
implementing or enforcing this
federal mandate.
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