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III. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING,IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES B. AIR QUALITY es widely in size. PM-10 and PM-2.5 consist of Particulate matter in the atmosphere rang y particulates 10 microns and 2.5 microns,respectively,or less in diameter, which can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause adverse health effects. Particulate matter in the atmosphere result from many kinds of dust-and fume-producing industrial and agricultural operations,combustion, and atmospheric photochemical reactions. Some of these operations,such as demolition and construction activities,primarily contribute to increases in local PM-10 concentrations,while others, such as vehicular traffic, affect regional PM-10 concentrations. Acute and chronic health effects associated with high particulate levels include the aggravation of chronic respiratory diseases,heart and lung disease,and coughing,bronchitis and respiratory illnesses in children. Recent mortality studies have shown a direct association between mortality and daily concentrations of particulate matter in the air(SJVUPACD, 1998a). Table III.B-2 indicates that background PM-10 concentrations in Stockton have exceeded state 24-hour-average standards in each year between 1993 and 1997. Major sources of PM-10 in the SJV include motor vehicles, power generation,industrial processes, wood burning,roads and construction and farming activities(SJVUPACD, 1998a). Fugitive windblown dust also represents a significant source of airborne dust. Carbon monoxide(CO)is an odorless,colorless gas that can be highly toxic. CO is formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels and is, unlike ozone,emitted directly into the air. Ambient CO concentrations normally are considered a local effect and typically correspond closely to the spatial and temporal distributions of vehicular traffic. CO concentrations are also influenced by wind speed and atmospheric mixing. Under inversion conditions,carbon monoxide concentrations may be distributed more uniformly over an area out to some distance from vehicular sources. CO binds with hemoglobin,the oxygen-carrying protein in blood,and reduces the blood's capacity for carrying oxygen to the heart,brain,and other parts of the body. At high concentrations,CO can cause heart difficulties in people with chronic diseases, can impair mental abilities,and can cause death(SJVUAPCD, 1998x). Exceedances of CO standards are most likely to occur in winter months, when relative low inversion levels trap pollutants near the ground and concentrate the CO. Table III.13-2 shows that background CO concentrations in the vicinity of the Hazelton Street monitoring station do not approach the state standards even during stagnant wintertime conditions. However, CO concentrations in the vicinity of congested intersections and freeway segments would be expected to be higher than the monitoring data in Table III.B-2. The primary source of CO in the San Joaquin Valley is on-road motor vehicles, which account for approximately 71 percent of total CO emissions. Other sources include other mobile sources and waste burning (SJVUAPCD, 1998x). Stationary Source Controls SJVUAPCD is the regional agency responsible for regulating stationary sources of air pollutants. SJVUAPCD regulates stationary sources through its permit program. The SJVUAPCD has not issued any permits to operate for the existing transfer station operations. Stationary equipment associated with the project site that would require a permit includes the tub grinder to be used for greenwaste processing. Stockton Scavenger Transfer Station Expansion III.B.6 ESA/990190