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MAR-08-00 WED 12 24 PM <br />ASSOCIATES 1254810 <br />would qualify for the conformity analysis will be identified, and a determination of the <br />regional significance of the project (as defined in the conformity rule) will be presented. <br />TASK 2 2B' ANALYSIS t~~OR FI1VE pAIiTIC1.E IMPACTS <br />This task will add information to the environmental setting, regulatory framework, and <br />impacts analysis related to inhalable particulate matter. A discussion of particulate matter <br />(l~M-10 acid PM-2.5) conditions will be provided. 'This will include an explanation of the <br />status of the PM-2.5 standards and ongoing monitoring efforts. <br />Tlie atmospheric reactions that cause formation of fine particles involve hydrocarbons, <br />nitrogen oxides, and sulfur-containing compounds. Direct emissions of particulates also <br />lead to elevated ambient concentrations. An estimate of dowr-wind PM-10 and PM-2.5 <br />concentrations caused by the direct particulate emissions will be provided based on use of a <br />screetung dispersion model (e.g., SCREEN3), and the incremental concentrations will be <br />compared to the standards. <br />;ASK 2 2C• ANALYSIS FOR TOXIC ATR CONTAMINANT Itv[pACTS <br />This task will provide information ~ on toxic air oontan++~~*+ts and environmental justice <br />issues. The additional analysis will: <br />• describe the region-wide tonic air oonta+*>;„apt e~tvironment. The TNRGC maintains a <br />list of Effects Screening Levels (ESLs) that deface safe exposure levels for a variety of <br />hazardous or toxic air contaminants. Ambient concentrations of toxics from motor <br />vehicle exhaust exceed the ESLs at some locations in Houston, The contaminants and <br />monitored ambient concentrations will be described; <br />• outline the requirements to control new sources of toxic air contaminants. Toxic air <br />contaminant emissions from new stationary sources are subject to review by the <br />'I'NRCC, but mobile sources are only indir~ccxly regttlated; and <br />describe the existing programs set forth by the TNRCC to protccx low-income and <br />minority communities from experiencing disproportionate environmental consequences. <br />the TNRCC rnaintains~an environmental equity program which addresses the rssuo of <br />environmental justice. 7'he breadth of this program and its ability to influence project <br />activitiles wilt be identified. <br />Any new emissions from fuel combustion sources (such as diesel engines) could lead to <br />increased exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants. The incremental effect <br />of the new toxic air contaminants anll be discussed in the context of the `1'NRCC's Effects <br />Screening Levels and existing programs regarding environmental justice. <br />TASK 2.2L1,:, ANAL PSIS FOA I~EALTH RI FR M DTESEL PAR'IICCJIAT <br />This task will introduce recent research conducted outside of Texas (published by the South <br />Coast Air Quality Management District) on the adverse health effects of particulates from <br />diesel e.chaust. The studies explicitly identify diesel exhaust particulates as the cause of <br />elevated region-wide health risks and substantially elevated risks near industrial and heavily- <br />used transportation areas that are commonly located near low-income and minority <br />FAX N0. <br />P, 04 <br />Work Plan:llir Quality Technical Itepon -Page 3 <br />