Cali Environmental

HRA

Toxics – HRAs and AB 2588 Prioritization Scores Overview

Prioritization scores are essential tools for assessing the chronic, cancerous, and acute risks associated with toxic air contaminants (TACs) in California. Under Assembly Bill 2588 (AB 2588), facilities are required to undergo evaluations to determine their prioritization scores. A higher score can necessitate conducting a health risk assessment (HRA), creating isopleth maps to illustrate health risks, and submitting annual reports on criteria pollutants and TACs to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Conversely, a lower prioritization score can exempt facilities from these extensive requirements.

Health Risk Assessments (HRAs)

HRAs are methods used to estimate the likelihood of individuals or populations experiencing cancer or other adverse health effects due to exposure to TACs. The complexity of an HRA can vary based on site-specific conditions, the intended purpose of the assessment, and regulatory demands.

In addition, laws such as Proposition 65 and various “right to know” regulations require facilities to inform employees and, potentially, local communities about toxic substances.

CaliEnvironmental’s Expertise

CaliEnvironmental offers a team of environmental engineering professionals proficient in the latest risk assessment methodologies. Our staff is adept at designing and executing HRA projects tailored to meet specific needs, regardless of complexity.

Toxics Services Offered

  • AB 2588 Facility-Wide Prioritization Scores and HRAs
  • AB 2588 Reporting and Inventories
  • Air Quality Permitting-Based HRAs
  • Air District Rule-Based HRAs
  • CEQA-Based HRAs
  • HRAs for Proposition 65 Notification Mapping
  • HRAs for In-House Engineering or Project-Specific Evaluations
  • HRAs for AB 617 Communities

HRA Tool Proficiencies

Our team is skilled with various tools and models for conducting HRAs, including:

  • Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program, Version 2 (HARP2)
  • Refined Air Dispersion Models (e.g., AERMOD)
  • Screening-Level Air Dispersion Models (e.g., AERSCREEN)
  • Air District-Specific Health Risk Calculators

Toxics and AB 617 Compliance

Facilities with an “elevated prioritization score,” as determined by local air districts, must report their criteria and toxic emissions to CARB on an annual basis. CaliEnvironmental can assist with:

  • Management of Elevated Prioritization Scores
  • Refinement of HRAs to Potentially Reduce Prioritization Scores
  • Establishment of Recordkeeping Systems for Annual Reporting
  • Emission Quantification for Compliance Reporting

Agency-Specific Expertise

CaliEnvironmental has extensive experience in preparing HRAs for a variety of regulatory agencies, including:

  • California Air Resources Board (CARB)
  • Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
  • South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
  • San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD)
  • Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
  • All Additional 31 Air Districts in California

For comprehensive support and expertise in navigating the complexities of toxic air contaminant assessments and compliance, CaliEnvironmental, LLC is your trusted partner.