Legislation Details

File #: 21-158   
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
In control: Board of Trustees
On agenda: 6/9/2021 Final action: 6/9/2021
Title: Resolution R2021-06-04 Authorizing Execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (ILA) with Salt Lake County, the Utah Division of Air Quality, and the University of Utah to Install Air Monitoring Equipment on Electric Buses
Indexes: Governance - Government Agencies / Political Subdivisions
Attachments: 1. R2021-06-04_ILA for Air Monitoring Equipment (SLCo-DAQ-UofU), 2. R2021-06-04_ILA for Air Monitoring Equipment (SLCo-DAQ-UofU)_DocuSigned, 3. Presentation-R2021-06-04
Related files: 23-494, 22-159

TO:                                                                Board of Trustees

THROUGH:                                          Carolyn Gonot, Executive Director

FROM:                                                               Hal Johnson, Manager, Project Research and Development

PRESENTER(S):                     Hal Johnson, Manager, Project Research and Development & Dan Locke, Environmental Compliance Administrator

                                                                                    

TITLE:

title

Resolution R2021-06-04 Authorizing Execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (ILA) with Salt Lake County, the Utah Division of Air Quality, and the University of Utah to Install Air Monitoring Equipment on Electric Buses

end

 

AGENDA ITEM TYPE:

Resolution

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve Resolution R2021-06-04 authorizing the Executive Director to execute an inter-local cooperation agreement with Salt Lake County, the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ), and the University of Utah to install air monitoring equipment on UTA electric buses.

BACKGROUND:

Poor air quality is an ongoing concern along the Wasatch Front. Salt Lake County is a nonattainment zone for air quality along the Wasatch Front. Air quality monitors have been used in Salt Lake County since 1963 to help scientists, policy makers, and the public better understand the types and various levels of unhealthy air particulates. In the past, air quality monitors were placed only at fixed locations. In December 2014, the University of Utah partnered with UTA to place air monitoring equipment on electric powered TRAX trains that cover 45 miles of rail lines. This created the first mobile non-emission platform in the United States that collected real time air quality data with research grade sensors. This led to a better understanding of Salt Lake Valley areas that are at greater risk for unhealthy air quality.

DISCUSSION:

Building on the success of the TRAX air monitoring system, air monitors will be placed on 3 electric buses within the Salt Lake City Business Unit UTA fleet to provide real time air quality monitoring. U of U will collect, process, and visualize air monitor data to be easily understood and accessed by local community members of the Salt Lake Valley.  Implementation of the project will allow for scientists at the University of Utah to further evaluate regional air quality.  UTA will be helping to develop new understanding about regional air quality problems and potential solutions. Both Salt Lake County and UTA will each contribute $20,000 toward the project.  The University will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the monitors. DAQ will work with the University to analyze the data.

ALTERNATIVES:

This project builds upon previous air quality monitoring projects implemented on the TRAX system. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

There are no unanticipated fiscal impacts from this agreement.  This is a onetime expense and has been budgeted for in the 2021 operating budget. 

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution R2021-06-04