CFE 111300 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Os Rafalow noted that the newspapers say we have the third worst air quality in the nation and that contradicts the response to his question . Bonk replied that based on the models that the federal government uses to assess the air quality, we are doing ok . In terms of the violations of the ozone standard , which occurs during the summer months , the last summer was rainy and cooler resulting in not as many violations as the previous year . Violations tend to be weather related . Most of the problems are occurring in Wake County where the population is greater and there is more traffic congestion . We are not sanctioned because of what exist today, we are sanctioned based on how well we are expected to we meet air quality standards in the future . Tucker asked if there was an ozone monitor in Orange County, and if not, are there are plans for one . She also asked if the MPO is actively involved in preparing state implementation plans . Bonk said there is no ozone monitor in Orange County and that the MPO reviews the plans . Saunders added that DENR is responsible for both items . Bonk noted that there is a monitor for particulate matter at UNC . Although Orange County would not be considered a non - attainment county, under the new regulations it would be classified as a non - attainment county based on monitoring results . That means that there is a higher level that we have to achieve . There are no sanctions imposed just from being classified as non - attainment as long as we have a plan that takes care of the future problems . Fortmann asked for more information on the Long Range Plan . Saunders noted that we have an adopted 2025 Long Range Plan and it conforms with all state and federal requirements . In the process of developing the plan , there are over 57 identified alternatives that we want to test on a model . Additional funds have been spent on model enhancement . In February, a federal certification team was were pleased , but pointed out areas that need more attention , such as the environmental justice issue . It is a plan that does not assume any additional funding in 20 + years , is conservative , and meets the attainment Issue . By having the three -year review process , continual matching of the plan with the local land use plan is an advantage to seeing the advantage of controlling sprawl in the community . Okun question how the DCHC and " CAMPO " ( Capital Area Metropolitan ) MPOs were established . Bonk explained that the MPOs are created by census areas defined as urbanized . In 1990 , according to census figures, there was fairly wide gap between Durham and Raleigh along US 70 and the RTP . In theory the 2000 census , if beginning from scratch , would include all in the same MPO . However, because we have existing MPOs , there is a grandfather clause that allows us to remain separate . DRAFT CFE 10/09/00 Minutes Page 5 of 10 L :\Carol\CFEMIN\OCT2000CFErevised by rich. doc