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San Joaquin County Environmental Checklist in a north-northwesterly direction.The SJVAB has light,variable winds(less than 10 miles per hour[mph])during the winter months. Those low wind speeds, combined with low inversion layers in the winter,create a climate conducive to high concentrations of carbon monoxide(CO)and PM 10. The SJVAB's warm summers contribute to high concentrations of ozone. Air Quality Standards Air quality is determined primarily by the type and amount of contaminants emitted into the atmosphere,the size and topography of the basin,and meteorological conditions. The low mixing heights and light winds typical of the SJVAB are conducive to the accumulation of air pollutants. Air quality is measured by comparing contaminant levels in ambient air samples to national and state standards. These standards are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)and the California Air Resources Board (CARB)at levels determined to be protective of public health and welfare,with an adequate margin of safety. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)were first authorized by the federal Clean Air Act of 1970. California Ambient Air Quality Standards(CAAQS)were authorized by the state legislature in 1967. The CAAQS describe adverse conditions;that is,pollution levels must be below these standards before a basin can attain the standard. NAAQS describe acceptable conditions. Air quality is considered in attainment if pollutant levels are below or equal to the standards continuously and exceed them no more than once each year. California standards are generally more stringent than the national standards. Air quality standards specify the upper limits of concentrations and duration in the ambient air consistent with the management goal of preventing specific harmful effects. There are national and state standards for ozone,CO,nitrogen dioxide(NOA PMI O,sulfur dioxide(SOA and lead(Pb). These are criteria pollutants. The SJVUAPCD also conducts monitoring for two other state standards: sulfate and visibility. In addition,California has set standards for hydrogen sulfide and vinyl chloride,but these are not measured at any SJVUAPCD monitoring stations because they are not considered to be a problem in the SJVAB. Federal and state ambient air quality standards are presented in Table 2-1. Existing Air Quality Conditions The existing air quality conditions in the proposed project area can be characterized by monitoring data collected in the region. Air quality monitoring data for the last 3 years for which data are available(2002-2004)are presented in Table 2-2. The Hazelton Street monitoring station in Stockton is the nearest air quality monitoring station to the project area. Monitoring data in Table 2-2 indicate that ozone and PM 10 concentrations occasionally exceeded state standards during this period,while ozone concentrations have exceeded the Notice of Preparation for the June 2006 North County Recycling Center and Sanitary Landfill 2-15 Permit Revision AS 06307.06