Title
El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (District) recommending the Board, acting as the Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, authorize the Chair to:
1) Execute Amendment II of Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Contract 14C0003, providing an additional $20,000 in funding for the District’s Chimney Smoke Reduction Incentive Program for residents removing or replacing non-EPA certified wood-burning devices in the Tahoe Basin and extending the performance period through June 30, 2020, or upon the depletion of TRPA funds; and
2) Implement and expend the funds in accordance with the Chimney Smoke Reduction Incentive Program.
FUNDING: Funding from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (“District”) recommending the Board, acting as the Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, authorize the Chair to:
1) Execute Amendment II of Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (“TRPA”) Contract 14C0003, providing an additional $20,000 in funding for the District’s Chimney Smoke Reduction Incentive Program for residents removing or replacing non-EPA certified wood-burning devices in the Tahoe Basin and extending the performance period through June 30, 2020, or upon the depletion of TRPA funds; and
2) Implement and expend the funds in accordance with the Chimney Smoke Reduction Incentive Program.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On April 29, 2014, the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign contract 14C0003 with TRPA in the amount of $53,770 to augment the District’s Chimney Smoke Reduction Incentive Program by $300 for residents in the Tahoe Basin who are removing or replacing non-EPA certified wood-burning devices through March 1, 2017. On August 2, 2016 the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign contract Amendment I, increasing the amount of compensation to the District by $35,000 to continue the augmentation of the Chimney Smoke Reduction Incentive Program in the Tahoe Basin until June 30, 2018.
The proposed amendment II would add an additional $20,000 to the amount available for augmentation of Tahoe Basin incentives, and extend the performance period to June 30, 2020, or the point at which all TRPA funds are expended.
To date, the Chimney Smoke Reduction Incentive Program has incentivized the removal of 131 old non-EPA certified wood-burning devices in the El Dorado portion of the Tahoe Basin. An additional 68 projects have been approved and are being implemented. With increased public awareness through advertisements and social media campaigns, the program continues to grow. The number of Tahoe removal and replacement projects completed to date in FY17/18 is approximately 18% higher than the prior fiscal year.
ALTERNATIVES
If the Board chooses not to approve the contract amendment, the District will not receive additional TRPA funding nor will the term be extended. The incentive for Tahoe residents would be reduced by $300 and the district would receive no additional funding for administration. Program participation may decrease.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel & Risk Management
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The acceptance of this funding will allow continued augmentation of the successful wood smoke reduction program for continued improvement of Tahoe Basin’s air quality.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk to provide AQMD with a signed minute order and two signed amendments.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Dave Johnston, Air Pollution Control Officer