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2003 AIR QUALITY ATTAINMENT PLAN
CHAPTER III – PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS
III.1 INTRODUCTION
Public education and information programs and efforts remain important components of local and regional efforts to reduce air pollution. The Northern Sacramento Valley air districts continue to develop and implement these programs in order to fulfill the requirements of the California Clean Air Act. Section 40918(f) of the California Health and Safety Code states that “Each district shall include provisions for public education programs to promote actions to reduce emissions from transportation and area wide sources”.
III.2 EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Many of the public education programs and projects have been funded using Vehicle Registration Surcharge Fees (Vehicle Fees). These include the following:
 | Passenger fare transit subsidies |
| Transit operations |
| Purchase of transit buses |
| Bicycle lanes and trails |
| Electric “ZAP” bicycles |
| Other bicycle facilities (racks, lockers, etc.) |
| Carpool and transit subsidies |
| Electric vehicle conversions |
| Hybrid electric vehicle research and development |
| NSVAB newsletter |
| Public Service Announcements |
| Air Quality Education Exhibits |
| PM10 Reduction Strategies |
| Residential green waste recycling project |
| On-Road cleaner vehicle re-powering |
The methodology used to provide education and information takes many forms: pamphlets, brochures, public reports and public service announcements, presentations and workshops, multimedia commercials, and promotions. Public education programs are targeted to a wide audience, including the general public, academia, students from elementary to college level, the medical community, the agricultural community, and the business community.
Information concerning sources of air pollution, health effects, property damage, the fiscal and environmental impacts of air pollution, and what can be done to reduce air pollution continue to be the primary focus of public education efforts.
III.3 DISTRICT PROGRAMS
Each District conducts its own public education program. Some elements are common and others are unique.
Butte County AQMD public education program has been highly effective in educating permitted sources, students and interested parties about the effects of air pollution. Highlights of the BCAQMD Public Education Program are described below.
The District’s clean air message continues to be well received throughout Butte County. Brochures describing the many services and programs offered by the District are effectively distributed through various channels. Brochures serve as a valuable tool in providing information to the public.
The District Display is still used at special events including school fairs, county fairs, and special health expositions to describe air pollution and how to reduce it
A quarterly Clean Air Kids newsletter is distributed through the school district within the county. An annual Clean Air Kids Calendar Contest has been conducted the past two years. Students ages 5 to 12 in Butte County are invited to contribute their artistic ideas about how they can reduce air pollution. The District offers the students prizes for the winners. The District uses the art work to produce a popular and widely distributed Air Quality calendar each year.
The Stratus Status newsletter is published quarterly and distributed to more than 1000 permitted sources, industrial facilities and interested individuals throughout Butte County.
Press releases, presentations and attending special events are also means by which the District communicates the public education program.
Visit the District’s web page at: http://www.bcaqmd.org This website is a resource for businesses, students, and the general community. The website provides information on everything from today’s air conditions to permits, which can be downloaded right from our site.
Colusa County APCD sponsors a Public Education program which includes the following public outreach activities:
| Distribution of pamphlets and brochures |
| Public service announcements/reports |
| Presentations on air pollution and health effects to elementary through high school classes |
| Presentation to agricultural and business groups |
| Working with LEAs to provide electric bicycles |
Feather River AQMD has published brochures covering the following subject matter:
| Air Quality Permits |
| Air Toxics Program |
| Enforcement Procedures |
| Agricultural Burning |
| Residential Burning |
These brochures are available to the public at the front counter of the District offices.
CARB educational “comic books” are available for public review and provided by District personnel to prospective sources.
The District periodically speaks at organizational functions regarding air quality programs.
The District maintains a web site at http://www.fraqmd.org. The site provides resources and educational materials for public access. Electronic feedback forms are used to encourage air quality questions and the District responds to every one.
District inspectors provide educational handouts regarding open burning regulations and the District responds to public and media questions and concerns received by telephone, Email, mail and in person.
Glenn County APCD sponsors a Public Education program which includes the following public outreach activities:
| Distribution of pamphlets/brochures in English and Spanish |
| Public Service Announcements/Reports |
| Presentations on air pollution and health effects to elementary through high school classes |
| Presentations to Agricultural and Business Groups |
| Working with LEAs to provide electric bicycles |
| Public workshops |
| Responding to public inquiries |
| Internet web site |
| Science Fair |
| State Fair |
Shasta County AQMD community education efforts include a broad spectrum of activities intended to increase public awareness of air quality issues and encourage people to reduce motor vehicle emissions. These activities include but are not limited to the following:
| Participation in community events such as District Fair and Earth Day |
| Presentations in school classrooms |
| Distribution of air quality pamphlets |
| Bike trails brochures printed and distributed |
| Press releases |
| Response to public inquiries |
| Operate a smoking vehicle reporting program |
| Public service announcements via radio and television |
| Sponsor “Free-Ride” day on public buses |
| Fund bus stop improvements |
| Fund murals at public schools |
| Display hybrid vehicles at community events |
Tehama County APCD has a community role to explain and instruct the general public about air quality and air pollution. Public education activities include:
| Maintain a web site at http://www.tehcoapcd.net |
| Distribute CARB brochures and instructional leaflets |
| Presentations to business groups and agricultural groups |
| Public service announcements |
| Respond to public inquiries |
| Issue press releases |
| Sponsor and staff Air Quality booth at Tehama County Fair |
| Presentations in school classrooms |
