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4. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS `. 4.6 AIR QUALrrY 4.6 AIR QUALITY This section provides an overview of existing air quality conditions within the Project Area and surrounding region,associated regulatory framework,and an analysis of potential air quality impacts that would result from implementation of the Proposed Project. This section evaluates the potential impacts of the Proposed Project on regional and local air quality from both stationary and mobile sources of air emissions. The types and quantities of emissions would be generated on a temporary basis due to project construction and over the long-term due to project r operation are analyzed. Development of this section was based on a review of existing documentation of air quality conditions in the region,and air quality regulations from the United States Environmental Protection Agency(U.S.EPA),the California Air Resources Board ` (CARB), and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District(Valley Air District or SJVAPCD). 4.6.1 INTRODUCTION Air quality is a function of both the rate and location of pollutant emissions under the influence of meteorological conditions and topographic features effecting pollutant movement dispersal. Atmospheric conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric stability,and air temperature gradients interact with the physical features of the landscape to determine the movement and dispersal of air pollutants,and consequently affect air quality. 4.6.2 SETTING This setting description provides an overview of region-specific information related to climate, topography,and regulatory context followed by a discussion of existing air quality conditions and plans,policies, and regulations,applicable to the Proposed Project. From a regulatory standpoint, the air pollutants of concern in the Project Area are ozone,nitrogen oxides(NOx), carbon _ monoxide(CO), and respirable particulate matter(PM 10),given that these are the primary pollutant emissions from the Proposed Project and the nonattainment status of the region in terms of the Federal Clean Air Act. Diesel particulate matter(DPM)is also an air pollutant of concern with regard to public health. The Proposed Project site is regionally situated east of the Delta-Mendota Canal, and South Costa r Ranch Road,south of Blewett Road, west of Welty Road, and approximately two miles east/northeast of the I-580/1-5 interchange,in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. The closest communities are Vemalis,located approximately two miles to the northeast,and Tracy,several miles northwest of the site. The San Joaquin Valley Air Basin(SJVAB)is a major geographic,population,and agricultural r subregion in California. It includes the counties of San Joaquin, Stanislaus,Merced,Madera, Fresno, Kings,Tulare, and the Valley portion of Kern County. Comprising nearly 25,000 square miles,it represents approximately 16 percent of the geographic area of California. The SJVAB RMC Pacific Ve hs Quany Mining and Reclamation Project 4.6-1 PSA/203015 Adminisuative Draft EIR Mamh 2004