ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY NO. 1-2
DISTRIBUTION:
Departments/Divisions
SUBJECT:
Clean Air Program
PURPOSE:
Due to implementation of the new Air Quality Standards by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 2% of the time ozone levels are
perilously close to exceeding federal standards. The following procedures by
City Employees should potentially reduce air vapor emissions.
BACKGROUND:
On December 5, 2000 the City Council authorized an application to the
Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Congestion Mitigation Air Quality
funds to implement a local air quality campaign.
PROCEDURES:
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) will call the
Planning Division notice of an “Air Alert Day” by 3:00 p.m. on the day prior to a
forecasted alert day. The Planning Division upon receipt of the notification
from ODEQ during the work week will send via email and facsimile “Air Alert
Notices” to the City Manager, Mayor, Public Works Department, Parks and
Recreation Department, Police Department, Fire Department, Management
Information Service, media, major employers, LMAAQC and health agencies.
By 3:00 p.m. on Sundays, for an alert on Monday, ODEQ will telephone
KSWO. Through KSWO’s e-notifier system - email will be sent to the above
City Departments, media, organizations and individuals in addition to
subscribers of these information through KSWO. During Ozone Season (May
- September) directors and supervisors must check daily facsimiles and
emails for messages. All City Departments shall instruct employees on
procedures outlined in this policy. Procedures shall be posted in all
Departments and Divisions.
All Departments shall adhere to the following on Clean Air Alert Days:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f
g.
h.
i.
Stop all City mowing/trimming and use of small engines unless
otherwise approved by the City Manager.
Stop all City oil based painting or cleaning with solvents.
Stop all City Underground Storage Tank (UST) remediation project
work that would cause hydrocarbon vapors.
Stop all City herbicide and pesticide spraying between 6:00 am and
7:00 pm.
Fuel all City vehicles and equipment in the late evening or the day
before Clean Air Alert is in effect.
Inspect pressure seals on all City vehicle fuel tank caps at the time the
tank is filled.
Stop idling of City vehicles except in traffic or at stop lights; with the
exception of emergency vehicles that may need power to operate
equipment.
Schedule field work and inspections around clean air alert days when
possible.
Turn off vehicle air conditioning on morning drives.
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j.
k.
Keep vehicle speed under 60 mph except for vehicles responding to an
emergency.
City drive through window(s) will be closed on Clean Air Alert Day(s).
Multiple City Departments will be engaged in accomplishing the following
tasks to reduce pollution emissions.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Develop a City policy for the purchase of clean fuel vehicles and
equipment.
Develop and implement maintenance and inspection program for all
city equipment.
Include contractor’s clause that small gasoline powered engines will
not be used on Clean Air Alert Days and that credit in the form of
weather day(s) will be given. Also include that the contractor must
provide fax number and if available email address.
Upgrade traffic signalization to reduce idling.
Implement alternative modes of transportation projects.
Establish flexible work schedules to reduce traffic during peak ozone
period.
The following volunteer actions by individual employees are recommended for
lowering ozone and carbon monoxide concentration levels:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Ride sharing or car pooling.
Ride LATS the mass transit system.
Walking or bicycling for short trips.
Decrease unnecessary auto trips and auto idling.
Eat lunch at the office or walk to lunch.
Avoid drive-through services.
Limit open air use of charcoal lighter fluids, solvents, or other oil-based
products.
Drive your newest vehicle and keep it well maintained.
Trip chain, do all your errands in a single trip. Preferably, defer
unessential errands to a non-alert day or wait till late in the evening.
REFERENCES:
Resolution No. 99-67
RESCISSION:
This Policy rescinds Administrative Policy 1-2 dated August 16, 1999 and will
remain in effect until rescinded.
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