“Community Questions and Concerns
 Regarding Santa Monica
Airport Air Quality Study”

compiled by Martin Rubin 

1.      Are separate reports to be prepared for the Santa Monica and Van Nuys Airport studies?

2.      What are the objectives of the study?

3.      How will you quantify the odor impacts from aircraft operations?

SCAQMD Rule 402. Nuisance

A person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to odors emanating from agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops or the raising of fowl or animals.

4.      Are you limiting the study to those contaminants identified in the agenda?  Are criteria pollutants other than PM10 of concern (e.g., NO₂ and CO)?

5.      Placement of monitoring devices:

a)      Could turbulence affect the accuracy of the monitoring devices if they are located too close to aircraft operations (e.g., idling jets)?

b)      How will the height of the monitor(s) affect aircraft operations?

c)      Would it be appropriate to locate monitor(s) within the local community (e.g., North Westdale)?

6.   We understand that regulatory guidance calls for a full one year study with a sampling frequency of 1 in 3 days for local hotspots.  Will this study follow this guidance?

7.   Are you considering developing an appropriate work-plan/protocol document which clearly defines the monitoring approach and objectives of these studies?  We believe it is imperative to provide this documentation prior to the initiation of any sampling.  As such, this will allow us the opportunity to solicit comment from other experts and advise on subsequent changes, if any.