Ken Lloyd, RAQC; Misty Howell, RAQC; Gerald Dilley, RAQC; Sara O’Keefe, RAQC; Steve McCannon, RAQC; Lucy Nolan, Ethanol Management; Jim Brandon, ESP; John Van Kirk, City of Aurora; Andy Martin, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; Roxana Witter, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; Wendy Griffin, CDPHE/University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; Sverre Vedal, National Jewish Medical Center; and Renee Allen, Envirotest.

The meeting was called to order by Chair Jim Scherer at 3:00 p.m. A quorum was not present.

Chairman

None.

Ken Lloyd informed Council that he has been working the North Front Range Transportation and Air Quality Planning Council to schedule a joint meeting on June 3. He stated this group meets on that date in Loveland. There was discussion on whether the RAQC Board should plan to meet before the NFRAQ meeting to conduct regular business and then join the meeting or if they would deal with ozone related issues during the NFRAQ meeting. Ken will work to schedule the details.

Ken welcomed Dr. Vedal from National Jewish Medical Center and his students who came to observe the meeting.

Committees

None.

Members

None.

None.

Ken Lloyd gave Council an update on the plan. He said there was a thorough review of the issues during the AQCC hearing. There were two minor revisions regarding Regulation 7 and the RVP psi limit. He indicated that the recommended RVP waiver limit is probably moot since EPA subsequently set the RVP at 7.8psi for the Denver metro area. A bill has been introduced in order to get approval from the General Assembly.

There was discussion regarding when regulation changes would go into effect.

Sara O’Keefe gave Council an overview of the 2004 Summer Ozone Program. "Keep it Clean" will be a proactive outreach and education program for 2004. "Keep it Clean" partners include Envirotest, CDPHE, Ethanol Management Company, American Lung Association of Colorado, NAPA Car Care Council, Unique Litho and Metro area local governments. The main focus will be vehicle related, however tips on other ozone reduction strategies will be included. The program includes: a Car Care Fair/Gas Can Exchange in April; Clean Air Poster contest; household paint, stains and solvents program; advertising and outreach materials.

The Car Care Fair will include a 30-point visual inspection by NAPA certified technicians, gas cap pressure test and a car seat check at three locations. The Gas Can Exchange will occur at the Car Care Fairs. Motorists will be asked to exchange old gas cans for new treated non permeable, non-spill cans. Old cans will be recycled. Sara reviewed the advertising opportunities for the event. The event goals are to bring in and inspect 50 vehicles per location; replace 10 percent of gas caps tested; exchange at least 250 gas cans, give away 500; and education over 500 motorists on ways they can reduce ozone pollution.

Sara summarized the development of the Clean Air Poster through the Art Students’ League of Denver. She also outlined the plans for the paint, stains and solvents education program. Additional outreach materials include key chain tire pressure gauges, car care maintenance logs with tips to reduce ozone, and "Keep it Clean" bags.

Ready-to insert articles will be available for local governments to use. Outreach materials will be posted on the RAQC’s website.

Sara also outlined the ozone advisory program. The RAQC will continue the ozone advisory program to alert citizens of the potential for elevated levels. In 2004, the content and look of the advisory will be improved . The RAQC will also use a 4-week campaign of movie theater slides to publicize ozone season.

Additional outreach includes the Stop at the Click program, Put a Cap on Ozone program, participation with the 2004 Bike to Work Day and continued contact with the media. Staff will also work with the North Front Range to collaborate on ozone education and outreach.

Sara concluded with an overview of the 2004 budget for ozone outreach activities.

There was discussion regarding local governments’ commitments to the voluntary actions, as well as the collaboration with the North Front Range groups.

Steve McCannon updated Council on the Repair Your Air Program. Steve outlined the participant test results to date. He stated there were some potential issues such as cold starts, identification with a single hit and faulty units that have contributed to the false failure rate. The demographics of participating vehicles includes a median model year of 1991, an average model year of 1990 and an odometer reading of 120,000 miles. The demographics of repaired vehicles includes a median model year of 1989, an average model year of 1988 and an odometer reading of 150,000 miles.

The program has repaired 57 vehicles with an average repair cost of $280 and average rental cost of $180. The emissions benefit (from 47 vehicles) includes a 55 percent reduction in HC, approximately 2 grams per mile average reductions (2,250 pounds of HC annually).

There was discussion regarding the van sites and common repairs. It was suggested that staff summarize the program costs by staff time and actual repair expenses.

Sara O’Keefe gave Council a brief update on the diesel retrofit/alternative fuels pilot program. She indicated that there has not been as much private sector participation as initially projected. Staff is working with Xcel Energy and Brannan Sand and Gravel to develop a larger pilot project with the remaining funds.

Sara O’Keefe summarized the Clean Yellow Fleets for Blue Skies program. She outlined the program funding and indicated there are additional funding opportunities. Sara stated that a vendor workshop was held on February 13 to allow vendors to present and display different types of fuels and technology. It was well attended.

Staff worked with Denver Public Schools to develop three RFPs for fuel and equipment. An evaluation committee, consisting of RAQC staff and representation from each participating school district, will meet to score proposals.

Sara indicated the program will have two phases. Phase I includes funding from Clean School Bus USA grant. The equipment will be installed over the summer. The goal is to have the installations complete by the beginning of the school year. Phase II includes funding from the CM/AQ grant, which will not be available until late 2004/early 2005. Installation would probably occur in the summer of 2005.

Sara unveiled the window decal that will be displayed on all the buses in the program.

Sara stated that fleet managers will monitor and document any noticed changes as part of the monitoring and testing of the program. There may be an opportunity to work with NREL’s HD diesel testing facility to conduct pre- and post-test.

There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m. The next meeting will be on Thursday, June 3 in Loveland.