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Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Technical Report Griffith Energy Storage Project
<br /> atmosphere by chemical reactions among precursors. Particulate matter can be categorized based on
<br /> their size:
<br /> Inhalable coarse particles (PM2.5-PM,o) are between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter. Sources include
<br /> roads, farming activities, windblown dust as well as combustion sources.
<br /> Fine particles (PM2.5) are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller, generally emitted by combustion
<br /> sources like vehicles, power generation, industrial processes and wood burning.
<br /> Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels
<br /> emitted directly into the air. The main source of CO in the SJVAB is on-road motor vehicles. Therefore,
<br /> CO problems tend to be localized with nonattainment areas designated in urban areas rather than the
<br /> entire basin. With the introduction of new automotive emission controls and fleet turnover, emissions from
<br /> motor vehicles have been declining.
<br /> Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas formed by the combustion of fossil fuels that contain sulfur. The
<br /> SJVAB is in attainment of both the Federal and California standards for SO2. The use of low-sulfur fuel
<br /> has minimized problems with this pollutant.
<br /> 2.1.3 Valley Fever
<br /> Valley Fever is an infection caused by inhalation of Coccidioides immitus (C. immitus)fungus spores. The
<br /> fungus grows in the soil in areas of California and the southwestern United States. It is prevalent in the
<br /> San Joaquin Valley and particularly during conditions of high summer temperatures, mild winters, sparse
<br /> rainfall, and alkaline, sandy soils. Fungus spores lie dormant in the soil until they are disturbed by wind,
<br /> vehicles, or other ground-disturbing activities and become airborne. Agricultural workers, construction
<br /> workers, and other people who are exposed to wind and dust outdoors are most prone to contracting
<br /> Valley Fever. Infections can result in mild influenza-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, chest pain,
<br /> muscle or joint aches, night sweats, and rash. Rarely, in more serious cases, it can infect the brain,joints,
<br /> bone, skin or other organs, or cause death. Approximately 60 percent of people exposed to fungal spores
<br /> are asymptomatic and show no signs of infection (CDC 2021).
<br /> 2.1.4 Sensitive Receptors
<br /> Sensitive receptors are segments of the population most susceptible to poor air quality(i.e., children, the
<br /> elderly, and those with pre-existing serious health problems related to respiratory distress). Land uses
<br /> often identified as sensitive receptors include schools, parks, playgrounds, daycare centers, nursing
<br /> homes, hospitals, and residential communities. The greatest potential for exposure to air pollutants would
<br /> occur during construction, when the ground would be disturbed from grading and delivery of materials.
<br /> The construction emissions presented in this analysis are based on worst-case conditions, assuming
<br /> maximum construction activity would occur simultaneously. In reality, exposure to emissions would vary
<br /> substantially throughout construction, and would depend on the staging of the work being conducted,
<br /> location of work relative to receptors, and weather conditions.
<br /> Land use in the area is agricultural interspersed with sparse rural residential development, the Musco
<br /> Family Olive Company, and several warehouses/distribution centers. The closest residences are located
<br /> between 300 and 650 feet west of the Project boundary. However, these residences are owned by
<br /> landowners who are participating in the Project and, therefore, are not considered in the analysis of
<br /> impacts. The closest residences on land not owned by the current property owner are approximately 0.2
<br /> miles (approximately 1,000 feet) north of the Project site on the other side of West Patterson Pass and
<br /> 0.2 miles (approximately 1,000 feet) southwest of the Project site at the southern terminus of Midway
<br /> Road. As previously noted, the community of Tracy is approximately 5 miles northeast of the Project. Due
<br /> to the remote nature of the area, impacts to sensitive receptors are expected to be limited.
<br /> OTETRA TECH 7 July 2023
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