Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: September 4, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Tanya Wilson, AICP, Director Planning, Environmental and Development Services Department
CONTACT: Renée H. Parker, LEP, Manager
PHONE: (407) 836-1402
DIVISION: Environmental Protection Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cooperative Grant Agreement Grant Number (FAIN): 5T-03D14424-0 between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Orange County, Florida with an award amount of $365,500, and subject to availability of funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency relating to support of ambient air monitoring for NAAQS pollutants, and authorization for the Environmental Protection Division Manager to make non-substantial amendments to the agreement, including additional service periods. The grant period is from May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2029. All Districts. (Environmental Protection Division)
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PROJECT: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant No. 5T-03D14424-0
PURPOSE: The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has received Grant No. 5T-03D14424-0 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to upgrade aging air monitoring equipment and provide on-site training opportunities to staff and to support the County's efforts with staying in compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
This grant is funded under the Inflation Reduction Act with the purpose to enhance monitoring of Particulate Matter 2.5 and other NAAQS pollutants in and near communities with environmental justice concerns who face disproportionate exposure to these pollutants and health risks and other communities. EPD will purchase new equipment to be deployed at existing air monitoring sites, new backup equipment for data continuity, and training for air quality monitoring staff.
This new grant award provides funding to support EPD’s continued monitoring of concentrations of fine particulate matter and other NAAQS pollutants for comparison to health-based standards established by EPA. This grant will coincide with the Specific Operating Agreement (SOA) between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Board, which was approved by the Board on April 9, 2024. The SOA defines the scope of services that EPD will provide as a designated local air program.
The total award amount authorized for this grant is $365,500 with a project period from May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2029, for the purchase and installation of the ambient monitoring equipment and training for staff. EPA agrees to a cost share of 100% of all approved budget period costs incurred up to and not exceeding $365,500 (i.e., no match is required). The total project period cost amount of $365,500 is expected to cover most of the purchase cost of the new monitoring equipment, backup equipment, and staff training. If additional funding is required to complete the project, EPD could use funding from air permit fees, asbestos abatement fees and enforcement penalties (Fund 1013) to complete the project. Funding from existing federal and state grants as well as Fund 1013 will support the operation and maintenance of the monitoring equipment.
It is also requested that the EPD Manager be granted authorization to make non- substantial amendments to the agreement, including additional service periods.
As indicated in the Notice of Award, a representative from Orange County is not required to sign the agreement. The County’s commitment to carry out this award is demonstrated by either drawing down the funds or not filing a notice of disagreement with the award terms and conditions within stipulated timeframes.
Cooperative Agreement, Grant No. 5T-03D14424-0 was reviewed and approved as to form by the County Attorney’s Office.
BUDGET: N/A