(a) Not later than January 1, 2003, the state board shall do all of the following:
(1) Evaluate the adequacy of the current monitoring network for its ability to gather the data necessary to determine the exposure of infants and children to air pollutants including criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants.
(2) Identify areas where the exposure of infants and children to air pollutants is not adequately measured by the current monitoring network.
(3) Recommend changes to improve air pollution monitoring networks and data collection to more accurately reflect the exposure of infants and children to air pollutants.
(b) In carrying out this section, the state board, in cooperation with the districts, shall expand its existing monitoring program in six communities around the state in nonattainment areas, as selected by the state board, to include special monitoring of children’s exposure to air pollutants and toxic contaminants. The expanded program shall include placing air pollution monitors near schools, day care centers, and outdoor recreational facilities that are in close proximity to, or downwind from, major industrial sources of air pollutants and toxic air contaminants, including, freeways and major traffic areas. The purpose of the air pollution monitors shall be to conduct sampling of air pollution levels affecting children. Monitoring may include the use of fixed, mobile, and other monitoring devices, as appropriate.
(c) The expanded monitoring program shall include the following:
(1) Monitoring during multiple seasons and at multiple locations within each community at schools, day care centers, recreational facilities, and other locations where children spend most of their time.
(2) A combination of upgrading existing fixed monitoring sites, establishing new fixed monitoring sites, and conducting indoor and outdoor sampling and personal exposure measurements in each community to provide the most comprehensive data possible on the levels of children’s exposure to air pollutants and toxic air contaminants.
(d) Data collected from expanded air quality monitoring activities conducted pursuant to this section may be used for any purpose authorized by law, including, but not limited to, determinations as to whether an area has attained or has not attained the state and national ambient air quality standards, if the monitoring devices from which the data was collected meet the monitoring requirements specified in Section 58.14 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations for special purpose monitors, all other monitoring requirements of Part 58 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and all applicable requirements specified in regulations adopted by the state board.
(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 731, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2000.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018