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Board Chambers MeetingsAuthor: Sacramento County
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AQMD 7/23/26
Episode 257
Friday, 24 July, 2026
The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) Board of Directors meeting on July 23, 2026, focused on lead monitoring strategies near Sacramento Executive Airport, the development of a local carbon bank, and updates regarding the District's hybrid telework policy and headquarters building. Ambient Lead Concentrations and Monitoring Staff presented a follow-up plan to distinguish lead emissions from aviation gas versus historical contamination from a decommissioned gun range near Mangan Park. Remediation Status: While previous remediation at the gun range met health screening standards, the District concluded that additional monitoring is necessary to address ongoing community concerns. Monitoring Strategy: The District will use a portable lab at Mangan Park and an upwind site to compare particle sizes—smaller particles typically indicate aviation fuel, while larger ones suggest resuspended soil. Health Threshold: The District established a screening threshold of 0.033 micrograms per cubic meter to prompt deeper analysis. This level represents a "one-in-a-million" cancer risk and is significantly more protective than the federal standard of 0.15. Public Testimony: Jennifer, a 22-year Mangan Park resident, highlighted that her census tract is in the 94th percentile for respiratory disease and expressed concern that prevailing winds carry pollutants into residential areas. She urged continued testing to protect families and reduce long-term healthcare costs. Local Carbon Sequestration and Offsets The Board discussed a plan to facilitate a local carbon bank to help jurisdictions and developers meet state carbon neutrality targets (AB 1279). Purpose: Currently, many carbon credits are purchased from out-of-state projects (e.g., a foam factory in Virginia). A local bank would keep investment funds within the Sacramento region, providing co-benefits like improved local air quality. Structure: The program would be voluntary, providing developers with flexible, cost-effective options to mitigate emissions when they cannot meet all requirements of a local Climate Action Plan. Next Steps: A pilot program will launch this season to test the project's protocols, with the goal of establishing a formal bank within one year. Administrative and Personnel Updates Telework Policy: An annual review confirmed that the District’s hybrid model effectively supports operations. However, recent surveys indicated that new hires and managers might benefit from more face-to-face interaction, and staff will return with specific recommendations for onboarding. Headquarters Building: Due to a challenging downtown real estate market, SMAQMD is currently exploring leasing opportunities for its building rather than a sale. Small, targeted improvements (e.g., new flooring and entryway doors) are being made to increase marketability. Labor Negotiations: The current MOU expires June 30, 2027. Negotiation teams have been formed, and four bargaining sessions are scheduled to begin in August. Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO) Report AB 617 Milestone: The District completed the Community Emission Reduction Plan (CERP) for the South Sacramento-Florin community, moving from the planning phase to implementation. Incentive Funding: A new $20 million solicitation is kicking off this summer for clean school buses and electric lawn equipment for homes and businesses. Franklin Boulevard Complete Streets: This project, which received $338,000 for community greening and trees, held its ribbon-cutting recently as an example of urban development aimed at reducing heat and increasing air quality in under-resourced areas. District Anniversary: SMAQMD is celebrating its 30th anniversary as an independent district, noting that regional air quality is currently at its cleanest level in 25 years.
