Blog

CalCIMA to Engage with SCAQMD on Rule 1157

By Suzanne Seivright-Sutherland

With ongoing public and policy concerns this year about dust emissions from aggregate and recycling operations, CalCIMA continues to proactively respond to developments.  In a year that started with legislation (SB 526-Menjivar) to impose difficult control measures on operations in Sun Valley, the focus has now shifted to the regulatory arena—and specifically the South Coast Air Quality Management District—where CalCIMA has requested and been accepted as a stakeholder participant.

The first half of this year, CalCIMA and members worked to highlight concerns that SB 526, as written, would have imposed unworkable requirements on nearly 400 regulated businesses, threatening vital construction material supply chains needed for housing, infrastructure, and wildfire recovery.  CalCIMA was able to respond with detailed information on current air quality rules, practices, and operational issues, such as the importance of stockpiles to maintain a continuous flow of materials for construction in the Los Angeles area.

Now, the legislation appears to be on temporary hold, due to a commitment from the South Coast Air Quality Management District to work towards a regulatory solution through amendments to Rule 1157.  Rule 1157 is the fundamental air quality rule in the SCAQMD with the sole purpose “to reduce PM10 emissions from aggregate and related operations.”  The rule was first adopted in 2005 and was a landmark in air quality regulation.  Many CalCIMA members have been instrumental in providing critical technical input.  The shift to the regulatory setting means there may be more time for technical input and understanding of issues, as part of a formal regulatory process.

Following our formal request to participate in the Rule 1157 rulemaking, South Coast AQMD added CalCIMA to its stakeholder group, and our team is now engaged in early discussions. Although no rulemaking meetings or draft amendments have been announced yet, CalCIMA will closely monitor developments to ensure members' perspectives are represented.

CalCIMA members interested in joining the Rule 1157 Workgroup should contact Suzanne Seivright-Sutherland or (951) 941-7981.