South Coast Air Quality Management District: air quality.

Senator Menjivar's air quality legislation targets particulate matter emissions from aggregate operations in the South Coast Air Basin through enhanced monitoring and control requirements. The measure directs the South Coast Air Quality Management District to update Rule 1157, which governs PM10 emissions from aggregate facilities, with new operational standards taking effect in 2027.

Under the updated requirements, aggregate facilities located within 500 feet of residences, schools, parks, hospitals, or other sensitive locations must maintain fencing that extends above their tallest storage piles and limit pile heights to 8 feet. These facilities must also install continuous fence-line monitoring systems to measure PM10 concentrations and cease operations when emissions reach specified thresholds. The measure requires facilities to post public notices about emission standards and complaint procedures.

Beginning July 2027, facilities with documented PM10 emissions at or above district thresholds that operate near sensitive locations must fully enclose their storage piles. The air district will conduct monthly inspections of these facilities until their emissions remain below limits for three consecutive months. The legislation cites unique air quality challenges in the South Coast Air Basin as the basis for these targeted requirements.