Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 10/15/2018

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22. Vehicle Related Air Emissions Estimate the effect of the project's traffic generation on air quality, including carbon monoxide levels. Discuss the effect of traffic improvements or other mitigation measures on air quality impacts. Note: If the project involves 500 or more parking spaces, consult EAW Guidelines about whether a detailed air quality analysis is needed. Mitigation proposed to eliminate any potential problems may be presented under Item 21 and merely reference here. The MPCA staff should be consulted regarding possible ISP requirements for certain proposed developments; although the RGU may not want to assume responsibility for applying for an ISP for specific developments, it may be desirable to coordinate the AUAR and ISP analyses closely. Motorized vehicles emit airborne pollutants that affect air quality. Changes in traffic volumes, travel patterns and roadway locations affect the level and dispersion of vehicle emissions. The proposed Ramsey Town Center Development will impact the traffic flow along the Highway 10 corridor and within the development site as discussed in Item 21. The purpose of this air quality analysis is to estimate the future air quality conditions along the Highway 10 corridor with the implementation of the Ramsey Town Center Development. Based on the future air conditions, the AUAR will identify potential effects on regional and local air quality, address conformity with national and state air quality standards, and determine if any mitigation measures are necessary. Regulatory Requirements National and state ambient air quality standards identify pollutant concentrations that are not to be exceeded over specified periods of time. Table 22.1 shows the National and State Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs) for carbon monoxide (CO), the major airborne pollutant of interest. Primary ambient air quality standards are defined for the protection and preservation of public health. Secondary standards are intended to protect the environment and properties from damage. Compliance is required for both primary and secondary standards. Under federal regulations, areas that violate primary ambient air quality standards are designated as won -attainment areas". The Twin Cities Metropolitan Area was previously designated as a CO non -attainment area as a result of violations of the NAAQs. In 1999 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reclassified Minneapolis/St. Paul as an attainment area for CO. The attainment status is contingent upon the implementation of measures to assure that CO concentrations remain below standards. Therefore, carbon monoxide is the traffic -related pollutant of most concern in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The State of Minnesota has established the standards listed in Table 22.1. It should be noted that the state one -hour carbon monoxide standard of 30 ppm is more stringent than the national standard of 35 ppm. 22-1