Plans with Community in Mind
On April 14th, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) Governing Board approved the Environmental Justice Framework and Public Participation Plan. The documents are part of SDAPCD’s initiative to increase community engagement within the San Diego region.
The Office of Environmental Justice’s Framework will focus on the communities of San Diego County that have in the past been disproportionally impacted by air pollution. In addition, it will include equity considerations in all decision making within SDAPCD’s documents and actions.
The Public Participation Plan will work in conjunction with the Framework as a guide to increase SDAPCD’s public outreach and engagement efforts within San Diego County. It was developed with the community in mind and SDAPCD partnered with community based organizations throughout different regions of the County to ensure a comprehensive plan.
To learn more about these plans visit, sdapcd.org/community.
Addressing Pollution Near the Border
The San Ysidro and Otay Mesa East communities were recently incorporated into the list of communities covered by Assembly Bill 617 (AB 617) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). In response to this addition, the International Border Steering Committee was formed to help address and introduce initiatives to improve the air quality for the communities near the border.
Under AB 617, the Community Air Protection Program was established to reduce pollution exposure in communities that have been most affected by poor air quality. These communities were designated by CARB based on environmental, health and socioeconomic information.
To learn more about AB 617, visit sdapcd.org/community/community-air-protection-program.
Release of the Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Draft Annual Report
The 2021 Air Toxics “Hot Spots” Draft Annual Report has been released and is available for review on our website. Through this program, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) evaluates the public health risks from toxic air contaminants emitted by stationary sources. This includes factories or manufacturing plants, power plants, shipyards, landfills, rock or asphalt plants, and other industrial, commercial and governmental operations.
The air toxics emissions from these sources can cause adverse short-term and long-term harmful effects to an individual’s health. Short-term exposure to some air toxics can cause skin or eye irritation, shortness of breath, and headaches. However, long-term exposure health effects can range from cancer, birth defects, damage to the lungs, and/or other organs.
To find out more and provide public input attend the public meeting on May 11 visit, sdapcd.org/permits/toxics-emissions/hot-spots. Final report will be presented to the Governing Board early summer.
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Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget Hearings!
SDAPCD will be presenting the fiscal year 2022-23 budget at the next Governing Board Meeting! The public is encouraged to attend the meeting on May 12 at 5 p.m. and provide their feedback.
Find out more, sdapcd.org/about/budget.
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