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4.6 Air Quality _ 4.6 Air Quality This section provides an overview of existing air quality conditions within the project area and surrounding region, regulatory framework applicable to air pollutant emissions, and an analysis of potential air quality impacts that would result from implementation of the project. This section evaluates the potential impacts of the project on regional and local air quality from both INN, stationary and mobile sources of air emissions. Both the types and quantities of emissions generated on a temporary basis due to project construction and over the long term due to project operation are analyzed.Development of this section was based on a review of existing r 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). This section analyzes construction and operational impacts as specified by the Valley Air °i District's Guide for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts(GAMAQI). Construction effects are discussed in Impact 4.6.1 and standard mitigations are provided based upon the GAMAQI. Operational emissions are analyzed with regard to criteria air pollutants (Impact 4.6.2), °i odors(Impact 4.6.3), diesel particulate matter(DPM)at adjacent receptors (Impact 4.6.4)and DPM impacts along the haul routes(Impact 4.6.6),carbon monoxide hotspots along haul routes (Impact 4.6.5),and toxic air contaminants(TACs)from asphalt operations (Impact 4.6.7). 4.6.1 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 °i plans,policies,and regulations, applicable to the 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(PMio), given 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, Koster Road, and South Costa 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 Vernalis, located approximately two miles to the northeast, and Tracy, approximately 15 miles northwest of the site. The San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAB) 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 has a population of over 3.3 million people, with major urban centers in Bakersfield,Fresno, Modesto, and Stockton(SJVAPCD, 2003). �. RMC Pacific Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4.6-1 ESA/203015 Draft Environmental Impact Report May 2006