DRAFT
HOUSTON-GALVESTON -BRAZORIA (HGB) PM2.5 ADVANCE PATH FORWARD
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Overall Program Objective ......................................................................................................... 5
Mission of the Local Program..................................................................................................... 5
Current Status of PM .................................................................................................................. 5
Voluntary Program Scope ........................................................................................................... 6
The Region: Background Information ............................................................................................ 7
Geography, Population & Employment ...................................................................................... 7
Population, Employment & Economy ........................................................................................ 7
Transportation System ................................................................................................................ 8
Vehicle Miles Traveled & Congestion ....................................................................................... 8
What Is Air Pollution? .................................................................................................................... 9
Particulate Matter (PM) .............................................................................................................. 9
Monitoring Network ................................................................................................................. 10
HGB Region PM2.5 Monitoring Sites ...................................................................................... 10
HGB Emissions Profile ............................................................................................................. 11
TCEQ Emissions Inventory for HGB ....................................................................................... 11
Harris County Emissions Profile .............................................................................................. 11
Particulate Matter NAAQS – Current Status ............................................................................ 12
Program Development Process ..................................................................................................... 14
Area Stakeholders ......................................................................................................................... 14
Consultation Process/ Outreach Schedule .................................................................................... 15
Past & Present Initiatives .............................................................................................................. 17
Emission Reduction Strategies at H-GAC .................................................................................... 17
Clean Vehicles Program ........................................................................................................... 17
Clean School Bus Program ....................................................................................................... 18
Clean Vessels for Texas Waters ............................................................................................... 18
Commute Solutions................................................................................................................... 20
Ride Match (NuRide) ............................................................................................................ 20
Regional Vanpool Program................................................................................................... 20
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Commuter and Transit Services Pilot Projects ..................................................................... 20
Telework ............................................................................................................................... 21
Clean Air Champions ............................................................................................................ 21
Voluntary Idling Reduction Program........................................................................................ 21
Clean Air Education .................................................................................................................. 24
Regional TERP ......................................................................................................................... 24
Drayage Loan Program ............................................................................................................. 24
Port of Houston Authority (PHA) ................................................................................................. 24
Dust Suppression ...................................................................................................................... 24
PHA Partnerships ...................................................................................................................... 24
PHA’s Truck Registry and Drayage Exchange (TRADE) ....................................................... 24
PHA Idling Program ................................................................................................................. 25
City of Houston ............................................................................................................................. 25
Additional Charging Stations ................................................................................................ 25
Houston Bike Share Program................................................................................................ 25
Safe Passage Ordinance and Complete Streets Policy .......................................................... 25
Metal Recyclers Task Force.................................................................................................. 25
Routine Maintenance in the Clinton Area ............................................................................ 25
City of Houston Voluntary Environmental Compliance Agreements .................................. 26
SPACE Units ........................................................................................................................ 26
Anti-Idling Policy ................................................................................................................. 26
Houston Airport System Emissions Reductions ................................................................... 26
Fort Bend County...................................................................................................................... 26
Clean Electric Utility Project ............................................................................................... 26
Railroad Projects ....................................................................................................................... 26
Refurbished Switcher Engines .............................................................................................. 26
Engine Anti-Idling Controls ................................................................................................. 27
Dust Control Best Practices .................................................................................................. 27
Regulatory Projects ....................................................................................................................... 27
EPA’s Control of Emissions from Ships .................................................................................. 27
Federal Motor Vehicle Control Program .................................................................................. 27
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ......................................................................... 27
Air Quality Forecast and Ozone Action Day E-Mail Alert system. ..................................... 27
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Regulated Industry Projects ...................................................................................................... 28
Other ......................................................................................................................................... 28
Potential Future Projects ............................................................................................................... 29
H-GAC & Partner Projects ........................................................................................................... 29
Clean Vehicles/ Drayage Loan ................................................................................................. 29
 Expanded Drayage Truck Replacement ......................................................................... 29
 Natural gas, electric and hybrid vehicle fleet and infrastructure expansion .................. 29
 Port vehicle and equipment retrofit/replacement projects.............................................. 29
Future Pilot Transit Projects ..................................................................................................... 29
PM Filter Outreach Campaign .................................................................................................. 29
2012/13-DOE Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Hybrid Truck Demonstration .............................. 29
2012/13-DOE Zero-Emission Delivery Vehicle Demonstration Project.................................. 30
2012- DOE “Recipe for Fueling Diversity of Alternative Fuels” Project ................................ 30
City of Houston ............................................................................................................................. 30
 Airport operational improvements to reduce vehicle idle time; ..................................... 30
 Enhanced maintenance of Clinton Road and dust management actions; ....................... 30
Port of Houston Authority (PHA) ............................................................................................... 30
 Implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) ........................................ 30
 Utilization of clean operating, faster cranes at the Ports ................................................ 30
 Implementation/enforcement of Idling Reduction Program .......................................... 30
Port of Houston Industrial Complex (POH) ................................................................................. 30
 ITS projects in the Clinton Drive/Port area .................................................................... 30
 Overweight container route between Port of Houston and Port of Freeport .................. 30
 Barge transport/return of empty shipping containers from the Port of Freeport to Port of
Houston ................................................................................................................................. 31
Railroad Projects ........................................................................................................................... 31
 Replacement of railroad switcher engines. .................................................................... 31
Future Projects Implementation .................................................................................................... 31
Estimated Schedule ................................................................................................................... 31
Funding Source(s) ..................................................................................................................... 31
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 31
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Introduction
Overall Program Objective
HGB Region & Ozone Nonattainment Area
The Particulate Matter Advance Program is a voluntary,
collaborative effort between local government and key
stakeholders to continue to meet the PM 2.5 National
Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) (12 μg/m3)
which was made effective December 14, 2012. The
NAAQS are health-based national ambient air quality
standards per the Clean Air Act. Another program goal is
to foster an understanding of local air quality issues and
promote implementation of near-term initiatives that
maintain and/or improve ambient PM 2.5 levels.
Mission of the Local Program
The mission is to promote, identify, expand and improve
voluntary PM reduction efforts (both existing and potential future opportunities) within the areas
where compliance with the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS is at risk. The plan can also serve as a catalyst
to encourage voluntary accelerated implementation of currently adopted clean air strategies and
encourage additional voluntary participation in PM reduction efforts such as H-GAC’s clean
vehicle/clean fuels program. Program participation does not create or remove any statutory or
regulatory requirements but can serve as an early action framework to maintain compliance with
air quality standards. Voluntary participation in PM Advance will provide an opportunity for
stakeholders to voluntarily promote PM reduction efforts and take full advantage of available
funding opportunities.
Current Status of PM
Air monitoring data collected, compiled, and validated by the Texas Commission of
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) identifies the certified PM 2.5 annual design value for 20102012 as 12.1 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3)1. EPA will promulgate final area
designations for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS by no later than December 12, 2014. Air monitoring
1
Preliminary Clinton Drive monitoring data.
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data can be retrieved from the TCEQ Texas Air Monitoring Information System (TAMIS) web:
http://www5.tceq.state.tx.us/tamis/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.welcome .
Voluntary Program Scope
Participation in PM Advance allows the region to create a collaborative platform to identify
potential PM reductions efforts for an impacted area. Program participants have worked together
voluntarily to develop this Path Forward to meet the stated Mission of the Local Program. Please
note, this Path Forward is a living document which will be evaluated and updated periodically.
Program participation does not create or remove any statutory or regulatory requirements but can
serve as an early action framework to maintain compliance with air quality standards. Voluntary
participation in PM Advance will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to voluntarily promote
PM reduction efforts and take full advantage of available funding opportunities.
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The Region: Background Information
Geography, Population & Employment
H-GAC is the region-wide voluntary association of local governments for the 13-county Gulf
Coast Planning region of Texas. Its service area is 12,500 square miles and contains more than 6
million people2.
H-GAC is also the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the eight-county HoustonGalveston-Brazoria area (HGB region). This area includes Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend,
Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller Counties, a region of more than 8,000
square miles and 5 million residents.
Population, Employment & Economy
The eight-county HGB region has
Population and Employment Forecast
experienced dramatic changes in its
population size and composition over the
last few decades, and these trends are
expected to continue. The region is
projecting a significant increase in
population and employment over the next
25 years. According to the 2010 US
Census, the region had 5.9 million
residents and 2.6 million jobs. By 2040,
the region is expected to add 3.3 million
more people for a total of 9.2 million
Sources: 2040 RTP & 2010 US Census, H-GAC Demographic Forecast People and Jobs 1970residents. Similarly for jobs, the region is
2040
expected to create an additional 1.5
million jobs for a total of 4.1 million. Projected population growth will also result in economic
changes stemming from increased purchasing power and tax revenue.
2
Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Mid-Year Population Estimates for H-GAC Region Counties. March 2013
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HGB Transportation System
Transportation System
The HGB region has over 10,000 miles of
highways and nearly 20,000 miles of major
arterial streets. There are 4,400 miles of
scheduled, fixed bus route transit service, and
over 200 miles HOV lanes. The region also
includes roughly 500 designated on-street
bicycle miles and over 400 trails and
bikeways. The HGB region’s transportation
system also includes freight rail, ports,
airports, and pipelines.
Source: 2040 RTP
Vehicle Miles Traveled & Congestion
In 2010, the HGB region’s daily vehicle miles travelled (VMT) was approximately 160 million
miles. By 2035, daily VMT are expected to increase to over 275 million miles, an increase of
over 71%. Congestion remains a major challenge facing the HGB region. Morning and evening
peak hours continue to expand as do the number of commuters travelling to and from work.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
2035
2025
2018
2010
0
50
100
2035 RTP Update
2010
160,958,354
150
200
VMT Millions
2018
2025
190,214,985
221,316,401
2035 RTP
155,389,128
195,828,165
213,174,508
250
300
2035
274,537,215
270,121,458
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What Is Air Pollution?
Air pollution occurs when the air contains gases, particles, fumes or odors that are harmful to the
health and/or comfort of humans and animals or which could cause damage to plants and
materials.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
The substances that cause air pollution are called pollutants. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set both primary and
secondary standards (National Ambient Air Quality Standards or
NAAQS) for six principal pollutants that include particulate matter
and ozone..
H-GAC and its partners continue to work to reduce air pollution and
help the region meet these federal air quality standards. The region has
made considerable progress over the last few years. During 2009–
2010, the region first met the 1997 eight-hour ground-level ozone
standard. In 2011–2012 however, our region experienced an increase
in the daily maximum eight-hour ozone concentration.
Ozone
Sulphur
Dioxide
Particulate
Matter
Nitrogen
Dioxide
Carbon
Monoxide
Lead
Particulate Matter (PM)
Particle pollution is a complex mixture of extremely small particles
(particulate matter or PM). Particle pollution is made up of a
number of components, including acids, organic chemicals, metals,
and soil or dust particles. EPA groups particle pollution into two
categories: Inhalable coarse particles (PM10) and fine particles
(PM2.5). The size of particles is directly linked to their potential for
causing health problems. Particles that are smaller than 10
micrometers in diameter (PM10 and PM2.5) are able to pass
through the throat and lungs and can cause serious health effects. Fine particulates (PM2.5) are
generally emitted in vehicle exhaust and from activities such as industrial and residential
combustion. Based on monitoring data, the Clinton Drive monitor, located near the Port of
Houston, is approaching the PM2.5 limit under the Clean Air Act.
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Monitoring Network
Since 1971, the monitoring system in the HGB region has expanded to become the most
comprehensive ambient air monitoring network in the country. The City of Houston, Harris
County, University of Houston, TCEQ, and Houston Regional Monitoring Corporation (HRM)
operate these monitors. Most of these monitoring stations measure the concentrations of the
criteria pollutants in the air, as well as air temperature, wind velocity, and other meteorological
parameters. Some of the monitoring stations also measure the levels of an additional set of
selected chemicals, and some measure pollen and mold spores. The Clinton, Aldine and Baytown
PM2.5 monitors in HGB are considered Federal Reference Method (FRM) monitors by the EPA.
They utilize the appropriate sampling and analysis methods and quality assurance/ quality
control (QA/QC) protocols for use in determining attainment demonstration status with the fine
particulate matter standard (see PM2.5 Monitor map below). There are numerous additional
PM2.5 monitors within our region that are not considered FRM monitors by EPA. The
monitoring data from these other sites are used by TCEQ to help understand air quality data and
trends and help predict possible alerts.
HGB Region PM2.5 Monitoring Sites
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HGB Emissions Profile
TCEQ Emissions Inventory for HGB
TBD
Harris County Emissions Profile
Harris County CIAP Program on pm2.5 sources. Data source originally TCEQ with slight changes to
numbers related to road and construction dust as per “transport” model (slightly lower because local
vegetation and land use consumes some of the PM 2.5).
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Particulate Matter NAAQS – Current Status
The HGB region is currently designated as unclassified/attainment for
the 2006 particulate matter standard for both PM2.5 (15 μg/m3
annual and 30 μg/m3 24-hr)) and PM10 (150 μg/m3). In 2012, EPA
strengthened the primary annual NAAQS for fine particles (PM2.5) to
12.0 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). The agency also retained
the existing standards for coarse particle pollution (PM10).
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Preliminary Annual PM2.5 Averages for Clinton, Aldine and Baytown Monitors
18
17
16
15.9
16
Annual Average (μg/m3)
15.6
15
14
13
14
13.8
12.9
Clinton
12.8
12.9
12.6
12
11.8
11
10
9
Annual
Standard
11
10.2
10.9
12.3
11.9
11.6
10.9
Aldine
12.2
11.9
11.8
11.5
11.2
10.8
10.6
10.97
Baytown
10.7
9.3
Source: TCEQ 2013
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Program Development Process
The H-GAC Regional Air Quality Planning Advisory Committee (RAQPAC) (representing local
governments, citizen/environmental groups and business/industry) examined potential voluntary
actions to quickly reduce levels of fine particulate matter. In 2013, RAQPAC proposed the
development of a voluntary action plan to reduce PM2.5 emissions in our region (participation in
PM Advance).
At its June 2013 meeting, the H-GAC Board of Directors authorized H-GAC staff to develop
voluntary strategies to reduce fine particulate matter as recommended by RAQPAC and the
PM2.5 Task Force.
Area Stakeholders
The PM2.5 Task Force is made up of RAQPAC members from the business/ industry sector,
citizen/environmental sector and local government, other agency staff (TCEQ and EPA),
interested public and H-GAC staff. The Task Force met several times since Board authorization
to participate in the program. Meetings included a discussion and review of past, present and
potential future PM reduction projects within the eight-county HGB ozone nonattainment area
amongst RAQPAC members, stakeholders and interested public. Task Force meetings have also
included presentations on PM2.5 composition in Houston by TCEQ and others.
The Task Force has developed the following program development process for the Path Forward.
This timeline includes an anticipated presentation of the Path Forward document to the H-GAC
Board in April 2014, with submission to EPA in May 2014. Status updates of Path Forward
efforts will be ongoing following the submission to EPA, with an informal status update annually
or as requested by the H-GAC Board of Directors.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Formation of RAQPAC PM Advance Task Force, January 2013
First PM Advance Task Force meeting, February 25, 2013
PM Advance Task Force meetings, ongoing from February 2013 – April 2014
RAQPAC Recommendation to H-GAC Board Regarding Participation in EPA
PM Advance Program, May 30, 2013
5. PM Advance Task Force call for projects for inclusion in program, ongoing from
January 2013 – March 2014
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6. HGAC Board approved the submission of notice to participate in PM Advance,
June 18, 2013
7. PM2.5 Advance Sign Up Letter submitted, July 16, 2013
8. PM Advance Program Welcome Letter received, August 9, 2013
9. Integrate Transportation Air Quality Subcommittee to TAC, October 3, 2013
10. Negotiate contract with consultant for technical assistance, August – Nov.2013
11. States Recommendations on 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS, Dec. 2013
12. Update to H-GAC Board (information item), January 2014
13. PM Advance Task Force to Draft Path Forward November 2013 - March 2014
14. Present Path Forward to RAQPAC, March 2014
15. Present Path Forward to H-GAC Board, April 2014
16. Submit Path Forward to EPA, May 2014
17. Implement/Track Path Forward Efforts, ongoing
18. Revisit/Adjust Path Forward document, periodically
19. Final Designations for PM2.5 NAAQS, Dec. 2014
20. Informal Status Update to EPA, annually
Consultation Process/ Outreach Schedule
The work of the Particulate Matter Task Force has been open to public participation since
formation of the committee in January 2013. The following past and planned meetings and
outreach activities constitute the program consultation process to date. Please note, program
participants and stakeholders have also undergone additional consultation and outreach as part of
individual PM reduction efforts.



Formation of PM Advance Task Force, January 2013
First PM Advance Task Force meeting, February 25, 2013
Ongoing PM Advance Task Force meetings – open to public participation
o February 25, 2013
o March 11, 2013
o March 19, 2013
o April 15, 2013
o May 9, 2013
o May 21, 2013
o August 8, 2013
o September 12, 2013
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








o September 24, 2013
o November 12, 2013
o January 9, 2014
o Additional meetings to be scheduled in 2014
Ongoing PM Advance Task Force call for projects for inclusion in program, January
2013 – March 2014
Integrate Transportation Air Quality Subcommittee to TAC, October 3, 2013
PM Advance Task Force to Draft Path Forward November 2013 - March 2014
Path Forward Review by Task Force, December 2013 – March 2014
Post Draft Path Forward on RAQPAC website for ease of public review
Present Path Forward to RAQPAC, March 2014
Present Path Forward to H-GAC Board, April 2014
Submit Path Forward to EPA, May 2014
Revisit/Adjust Path Forward document, periodically
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Past & Present Initiatives
Emission Reduction Strategies at H-GAC
H-GAC has partnered with local and regional government agencies, citizen and environmental
groups, business and industry-based organizations and other stakeholders to proactively pursue
air quality improvements within our region. A number of emission reduction programs underway
at H-GAC due to the region’s ozone non attainment status. These programs have multi-pollutant
benefits; despite their main focus on reducing ground-level ozone, they also result in significant
PM2.5 reductions.
Clean Vehicles Program
Since 1995, the Clean Vehicles Program has provided grant assistance to retrofit and replace
older diesel engines in both public and private fleets within the HGB region. Since its start, the
program has provided over $78 million in financial aid, replaced over 2,700 engines and
developed several alternative fueling stations. In 2012, the program reduced 225 tons of NOx.
Clean Vehicles Program
PM2.5 reductions
0.6000
0.4000
0.4061
0.2000
0.0373
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2013
0.0228
2012
0.0115
2011
0.0010
2010
2009
0.0000
Clean School Bus Program
Clean Vehicles Program
NOx Reductions
400
354
525
550
387 332
200
302 350
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
0
215
115
2013
600
The goal of the H-GAC Clean School
Bus program is to reduce children’s
exposure to diesel exhaust and reduce the
amount of air pollution created by diesel
school buses. Over 25 million children
ride the school bus every day. It is the
largest form of mass transportation in the
United States.
The Clean School Bus program aims to reduce pollution from these school buses by supporting
community and outreach events, promoting clean school bus technology, educating the general
public, hosting workshops, securing program sponsorship and supporting federal and state
funding initiatives for bus projects.
The Clean School Bus program serves the Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort
Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery,
Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker,
Waller, and Wharton. To date, the Clean School Bus Program has …
XYZ PM reductions
Regional Texas Emission Reduction Plan (Regional TERP)
From 2008-2011, the first Regional Texas Emission Reduction Plan (Regional TERP) was
commended by TCEQ as being one of the most successful first round of third party TERP
contracts. The first round of Regional TERP provided $3,566,859 in grant funds to establish a
NOx emission reduction of approximately 408 tons. This produced an investment of $8,759.59
per ton of NOx reduction and also helped leverage funds in the Drayage Loan Program and
replace 46 drayage trucks.
Clean Vessels for Texas Waters
In 2011, EPA awarded H-GAC almost $1 million to repower 3 high-emitting tug vessels with 8
new, cleaner engines. Vessels being repowered mainly operate in the HGB non-attainment
area—docking ships and fueling marine vessels. The project has already completed the
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replacement of 6 engines, with the last 2 scheduled for re-fit in 2013. Our partners, G&H Towing
and J.A.M. Marine Services, are proud to run cleaner engine technologies. This project will
result in the reduction of over 5,100 tons of GHGs, 540 tons of NOx and 5.7 tons of PM.
Air Contaminant
NOx
PM
CO
GHGs
Total Reductions Over Total
Cost
Project Life
Effectiveness
540 tons
$1,835 per ton
5.7 tons
$172,826 per ton
51.8 tons
$19,118 per ton
5,131 tons
$1,144 per ton
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Commute Solutions
Ride Match (NuRide)
NuRide is one of the largest and most successful incentive-based online rideshare programs in
the nation. NuRide rewards people for trips in which they choose to walk, bike, telecommute,
carpool, vanpool, take transit, or work a compressed week. To date the NuRide program has over
19,400 users from more than 1,530 organizations which have reduced more than 36 million
vehicles miles travelled.
Regional Vanpool Program
STAR, the regional vanpool and rideshare program provided by METRO, is in its sixteenth year
of operation and is one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation. The program provides a
15-, 12-, or 7-passenger van along with insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance and
administrative coordination. Average fares are about $135 per month, and the average round-trip
traveled is 66 miles. Additionally, program participants receive a $35 per month subsidy to help
offset vanpool costs. Volunteers within the vanpool groups do the driving. There are currently
over 700 vanpools in operation with over 7,000 riders in the region.
Commuter and Transit Services Pilot Projects
More than 13 pilot projects have been implemented in the HGB region using a combination of
federal funds and local matching funds. Over $520,000 of federal CMAQ funds was invested in
2011 - resulting in over 8,000,000 VMT reduced

Energy Corridor District Car Share Program
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Telework
The telework program helps regional employers and employees by educating about the benefits
of teleworking and offering financial incentives to develop and implement Telework and
alternative work schedule programs. Almost 1,500 teleworkers participated in the program in
2012, with an anticipated additional 1,000 participants by the end of 2013.
Clean Air Champions
The Clean Air Champions program recognizes those individual commuters and fleet
professionals who have taken proactive steps to improve the region’s air quality in the HGB
nonattainment region.
Voluntary Idling Reduction Program
In 2012, in partnership with local governments, citizen and environmental groups,
business and industry-based organizations and other stakeholders H-GAC
developed a voluntary idling reduction program and adopted a voluntary diesel
idling reduction policy. This anti-idling policy aims to lower nitrogen oxide
(NOx) and other emissions by placing a five-minute idle limit on motor vehicles.
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Along with promoting this voluntary policy region-wide, H-GAC provides idling reduction
bumper stickers and signs within our region free of charge. The Port of Houston Authority has
been a major partner in developing and supporting this program, posting over 100 idling
reduction signs at the Turning Basin terminal within the Port.
The following organizations within the 8-county nonattainment region have anti-idling policies
in place:
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Alief ISD
Alvin ISD
Angelton ISD
Alain Garcia Independent Trucking
AT&T
Barbers Hill ISD
Brazosport ISD
City of Houston
City of Sugar Land
Clear Creek ISD
Columbia-Brazoria ISD
Conroe ISD
Crosby ISD
Cy-Fair ISD
Damon ISD
Danbury ISD
Davenport Transportation & Rigging
Dickinson ISD
Fast Trac Transportation
Fort Bend ISD
Friendswood ISD
Galena Park ISD
Galveston ISD
Goose Creek Consolidated ISD
Harris County
High Island ISD
Houston Astros
Houston ISD
Houston Biodiesel
Huffman ISD
Humble ISD
Jose Alfaro Independent Trucking
Klein ISD
Magnolia ISD
Museum Park Super Neighborhood
North Forest ISD
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School
Pasadena ISD
Pearland ISD
Port of Houston
Santa Fe ISD
Sheldon ISD
Spring ISD
Sweeny ISD
Texas City ISD
Tomball ISD
UPS
Waller ISD
Westside High School, HISD
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Clean Air Education
Drive Clean Across Texas is the nation's first statewide public outreach and education campaign designed to
raise awareness and change attitudes about air pollution.
2010 Air Quality Reference Guide. The Air Quality Reference Guide provides up to date information about air
pollution in the Houston-Galveston region.
Ozone Viewer Mobile App. The Houston Clean Air Network (Houston CAN) is a coalition of clean air
advocates and health, science and environmental professionals representing businesses, government agencies,
schools, community groups and the general public. The Houston CAN in partnership with Air Alliance
Houston, American Lung Association and others - has developed an Ozone Viewer Mobile App to help increase
education and awareness surrounding air quality in our area. This app can be viewed online at:
http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com/
Drayage Loan Program
Since 2010, the H-GAC Drayage Loan Program has offered independent owner operator and/or trucking
companies servicing HGB ports the opportunity to apply for financing to support the purchase of cleaner, safer
and more fuel efficient drayage trucks. Almost 900 tons of NOx reductions and 14 tons of PM emission
reductions are anticipated over the life of the program. This program has been a collaborative effort between HGAC, Environmental Defense Fund and the Port of Houston Authority.
Port of Houston Authority (PHA)
The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) continues to sponsor efforts to reduce PM emissions, including:
Dust Suppression
Since 2009, PHA and tenants regularly apply emulsified asphalt to reduce dust emissions at steel yards within
the Terminal at Turning Basin.
PHA is sponsoring the repaving of the entrance to the Industrial Park East Terminal between the gate and
Clinton Drive. In addition, PHA is improving 18-acres at Industrial Park East by laying concrete. PHA is also
paving Upper Level Road at Turning Basin, and adding capacity from two lanes to four lanes from the main
entry gate off of I- 610 to Port Coordination Center.
PHA Partnerships
Awarded $1.4 million to replace Port of Houston Authority cargo handling equipment and repower the ‘Sam
Houston’ tour boat.
Received $1.5 million grant as pass-thru to ocean-going shipping lines to demonstrate switching to lower sulfur
fuel in advance of the North American Emission Control Area timetable.
PHA’s Truck Registry and Drayage Exchange (TRADE)
As part of PHA’s efforts to exchange older engines with cleaner burning technologies; Created public/private
partnerships with tenants and stakeholders to implement emission reduction strategies and policies. Passed-thru
$2.2 million in grant funds to tenants and stakeholders for the replacement, repower, and retrofitting
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engines/equipment. Provided matching dollars as leverage for $9 million EPA SmartWay grant that funds the
Revolving Loan Program for drayage trucks.
PHA Idling Program
The Port of Houston has an idling program in place for all landside engines at the port, including heavy-duty
diesel trucks and cargo handling equipment.
City of Houston
Additional Charging Stations
Participation in DOE’s EV Project, with partner Ecotality, added 77 additional Blink charging stations in
Houston, including 24 at the airports and 29 in downtown Houston. Through this program, participants,
including the City of Houston and other businesses, received charging stations at no cost and an additional
credit to install the charging station.
Houston Bike Share Program
In April, 2013, the City expanded Houston Bike Share (www.houston.bcycle.com) to encourage biking in
Houston. Houston now has over 200 bikes and 28 kiosks throughout downtown and adjacent neighborhoods
(Montrose, Midtown, East End, Heights, and the Museum District). The Houston Bike Share program Phase III
expansion plans include bike share kiosks at the city’s universities, the Texas Medical Center, and additional
neighborhoods.
Safe Passage Ordinance and Complete Streets Policy
The City approved aSafe Passage ordinance in May 2013to keep bicyclists and pedestrians safer on city streets,
and encourage more outdoor activity. In October 2013, Mayor Parker unveiled a transformative new approach
for Houston streets that will accommodate the needs of all users, not just those behind the wheel. The Mayor’s
Complete Streets and Transportation Plan is meant to provide safe, accessible and convenient use by motorists,
public transit riders, pedestrians, people of all abilities and bicyclists. The new policy, detailed in a draft
executive order from the Mayor, will be achieved over time as improvements to existing roadways and
redevelopment occur.
Metal Recyclers Task Force
The City and a metal recyclers task force are working together in characterizing emissions from metal recyclers,
assessing the potential risks that may be posed by the emissions, recommending and implementing best
emissions-mitigating-practices, such as altering metal cutting methods to reduce fine particulate emissions.
Routine Maintenance in the Clinton Area
The City of Houston performed a range of routine ongoing maintenance to reduce particulate matter and
suppress dust in the Clinton Drive area. In particular, the City has installed barriers to keep trucks from driving
onto the unpaved shoulder. Additionally, a traffic light was installed at Clinton Drive and Industrial Park East to
control traffic and a landscaping project was completed along Clinton Drive.
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City of Houston Voluntary Environmental Compliance Agreements
The City and industrial businesses have voluntarily implemented environmental compliance agreements that
help reduce emissions. By these agreements businesses have modified operational controls minimizing
particulate and visible emissions, such as from painting and abrasive operations in the ship channel area.
SPACE Units
In 2011, 17 mobile solar-powered generators (SPACE units) were acquired through a partnership with the
University of Houston School of Architecture’s Green Building Components Program and placed at fire
stations, parks, neighborhood centers and schools; all of which reduce the use of diesel generators in an
emergency.
Anti-Idling Policy
The City of Houston has an anti-idling policy for municipal vehicles (A-P 2-2 Section 7.2.29). The City is
working on a community-wide anti-idling policy.
Houston Airport System Emissions Reductions
To reduce emissions from flights, winglets are being utilized to reduce noise by 6.5 %, reduce fuel consumption
by 6% and lower NOx emissions by 5%.
Improvements to airfield runways, taxiways, and gates/ramp reducing aircraft taxi and idle times which resulted
in both fuel consumption and associated emissions and improve air quality.
The Houston Airports have reduced the use of auxiliary power units (APUs). APUs are small on-board turbines
that are operated to provide electrical power and air conditioning to an aircraft when it is parked at a gate and
the main engines are shut down. Installation of gate electrification equipment enables parked aircraft to forego
the use of APUs which results in a reduction in both jet-fuel consumption and associated emissions.
Rental car companies operated out of separate facilities located both on airport and off-airport. Houston Airport
System constructed a Consolidated Rental Car Facility on airport property south of the terminal area,
significantly reducing the mix of numbers, types, and ages of the existing buses operated by the various rental
car companies. This resulted in a reduction in both diesel fuel consumption and associated emissions.
Fort Bend County
Clean Electric Utility Project
U.S. DOE and NRG Carbon Capture and Sequestration in Fort Bend County
Railroad Projects
Refurbished Switcher Engines
 Port Terminal Railroad Association (PTRA) is operating newly refurbished switcher engines.
 PTRA and Union Pacific (UP) are operating newly refurbished switcher engines on the Clinton line.
 UP currently has 52 new gensets in the Houston area.
 UP has 13 Tier 2 locomotives being funded by Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP).
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Engine Anti-Idling Controls
 60% of UP switcher engines operating in the area have anti-idling control.
Dust Control Best Practices
 Port Terminal Railroad Association (PTRA) has stopped the steel loading activities on a dirt area to the
south of the Clinton Drive monitor.
 Other industries have implemented dust control best management practices at unloading and storage
facilities.
Regulatory Projects
A number of regulatory projects have reduced fine particulate matter emissions in the HGB region. Some of
these initiatives are outlined below.
EPA’s Control of Emissions from Ships
In March 2010, the International Marine Organization (IMO) officially designated waters off North American
coasts as an Emission Control Area (ECA) in which stringent international emission standards will apply to
ships. For this area, the effective date of the first-phase fuel sulfur standard is 2012, and the second phase begins
in 2015. Beginning in 2016, NOx aftertreatment requirements become applicable. All marine diesel fuels used
by ships in the North American ECA will be limited to a maximum fuel sulfur content of 1,000 ppm (0.1 %)
beginning January 1, 2015. (Currently limited to 10,000 ppm.)
Several shipping companies and cruise lines have applied for flexibility under the IMO requirements to support
the development of exhaust gas cleaning technology. Over the next three years, Carnival Corporation intends to
develop and deploy a new type of exhaust gas cleaning system for ships—one that provides the potential to
exceed the fuel sulfur standard ECA requirements, as well as provide additional benefits in the reduction of
particulate matter and black carbon, at a lower cost than using lower sulfur fuel.
Federal Motor Vehicle Control Program
The Federal Motor Vehicle Control Program that is continuing to reduce exhaust emissions from both light duty
and heavy duty vehicles.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
In the past four years the TCEQ has worked with the EPA Region 6, the City of Houston, Harris County
Commissioner, Port of Houston Authority, Port Terminal Rail Authority and local industry to address PM2.5
sources and implement strategies to reduce emissions.
The TCEQ approved a supplemental environmental project to pave the parking lot directly adjacent
to the monitoring station. The paving was completed in summer 2009
Air Quality Forecast and Ozone Action Day E-Mail Alert system.
TCEQ provides free e-mail alerts for the Today's Texas Air Quality Forecast and Ozone Action Days for
several metropolitan areas throughout Texas, including the Houston area. In addition, each day during ozone
season (roughly March through November in Texas), Ozone Action Day forecasts are made for Houston. The
TCEQ informs the public typically a day in advance when conditions are forecast to be favorable for high ozone
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levels in any of the participating areas so citizens, businesses, and industry can take steps to reduce the
pollutants that contribute to ozone formation. For more information on the Ozone Action Day forecast program,
see: http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/ozone_email.html
Regulated Industry Projects
In 2003, Shell Deer Park installed a wet gas scrubber on its catalytic cracker back to reduce SO2 and PM
emissions.
DuPont, a PHA tenant, has implemented new dust control best management practices at its fluorspar unloading
and storage facility.
Valero Refining has already implemented control measures to reduce SO2 emissions by 3,500 tpy.
The Rhodia sulfuric acid plant was projected to decrease its SO2 emissions by 8,984 tpy from 2005 actual
emissions by 2012.
Valero Asphalt paved its large leases located across Clinton Drive to the southeast of the monitor.
Other
1990’s – The EPA began a “National Petroleum Refinery Initiative”
2000’s – A 2011 draft presentation on the initiative stated that as of January 2011 “Approximately 90% of the
nation’s refinery capacity is under lodged or entered ‘global’ settlements”
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Potential Future Projects
These ideas are NOT commitments of future action. They are merely ideas, and their implementation would be
contingent on funding availability, and an affirmative commitment from the proposing agency. All ideas are
voluntary and would result in PM benefits.



To the extent possible, please strengthen the planned (for sure) category of measures/programs – that
category is the heart of the path forward, and it is the appropriate focus given the expectation (pg 4) that
the population in the area will grow very dramatically in the future. Therefore, please consider
implementing new actions, beyond those initiated in the past.
Once you’ve decided which actions/initiatives to pursue, please summarize the selections in a list or
table that includes a rough schedule for the implementation of each (action/key milestone, entity
responsible for implementing the measure, and time frame/completion date). The Austin Ozone
Advance area has summary tables that we will share as an example, once the Austin path forward is
submitted. You could also view the tables in Austin’s Ozone Flex plan (www.epa.gov/ozonepmadvance
under “Measures and Programs”).
To help with prioritizing, the Potential Future Projects section should include performance measures
when possible, e.g., the expected types of emissions reduced, the estimated emission reductions and the
cost effectiveness.
H-GAC & Partner Projects
Clean Vehicles/ Drayage Loan

Expanded Drayage Truck Replacement

Natural gas, electric and hybrid vehicle fleet and infrastructure expansion

Port vehicle and equipment retrofit/replacement projects
Future Pilot Transit Projects
PM Filter Outreach Campaign
Public outreach / education campaign for drivers regarding appropriate use of PM filters/maintenance of
emission reduction technology
2012/13-DOE Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Hybrid Truck Demonstration
Demonstration project supporting the deployment of 20 zero emission Class 8 Hydrogen fuel cell - electric
hybrid trucks at the Port of Houston (POH) to measure and demonstrate operational cost-effectiveness,
emissions reduction and commercial viability.
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2012/13-DOE Zero-Emission Delivery Vehicle Demonstration Project
Demonstration project supporting the deployment of 30 medium- and heavy-duty all-electric delivery trucks in
the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria nonattainment area.
2012- DOE “Recipe for Fueling Diversity of Alternative Fuels” Project
An education project supporting the training, inventory, mapping and marketing for alternative fuels and
infrastructure in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria nonattainment area.
City of Houston

Airport operational improvements to reduce vehicle idle time;

Enhanced maintenance of Clinton Road and dust management actions;
Port of Houston Authority (PHA)
3

Implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
 synchronization of lights, electronic/optic gates, freight messaging for the operational improvement
and flow of freight traffic within the region and the Port of Houston/Ship Channel area. Capital
projects = improved efficiencies at Port

Utilization of clean operating, faster cranes at the Ports
 (TIGER grant – wharf cranes are electric)

Implementation/enforcement of Idling Reduction Program
 (on-road/drayage and non-road)
Port of Houston Industrial Complex (POH)

ITS projects in the Clinton Drive/Port area

Overweight container route between Port of Houston and Port of Freeport
o As per Ports: for every 4 overweight trucks trips allowed; the 5th truck could be taken off the
road
3
These ideas are NOT commitments of future action. They are merely ideas, and their implementation would be contingent on funding availability,
and an affirmative commitment from the proposing agency. These ideas can be considered as factors in the PM Advance discussion, but they
themselves are not open for discussion before RAQPAC. All ideas are voluntary and would result in PM benefits. Contingent on funding, and in
conjunction with TxDOT, railroads, the City of Houston, H-GAC, and Harris County
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
Barge transport/return of empty shipping containers from the Port of Freeport to Port of
Houston
Railroad Projects

Replacement of railroad switcher engines.
eg: Long haul locomotive demonstration operating on LNG
Future Projects Implementation
Estimated Schedule
Funding Source(s)
Conclusion
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