SALTON SEA AIR QUALITY MITIGATION PROGRAM2019 Overview

Contents• Proactive Mitigation• Program Components• Activity & Progress• Implementation At-a-glance

PROACTIVE MITIGATION

In order to proactively address air quality mitigation requirements, the IID developed a science-based, adaptive Air Quality Mitigation Program. The Program provides the framework to estimate emissions from the playa and the desert, and to plan and implement dust control measures on targeted playa areas. Proactive mitigation is currently planned or implemented on over 1,900 acres of playa with high emissions potential.

AT THE SALTON SEA

2

Above: Salton Sea Air Quality Infographic

These projects provide dust control, as well as experience in scaling and adapting dust control measures to efficiently achieve control at a larger scale. This approach allows effective use of resources to help protect the public health of communities near and around the Salton Sea.

3

SALTON SEA AIR QUALITY MITIGATIONPROGRAM COMPONENTS

ESTIMATE EMISSIONS PLAN & DESIGN IMPLEMENT & MONITOR

1 2 3

4

The annual Emissions

Estimate identifies the

location and magnitude

of emissions potential

on exposed playa and in

adjacent desert areas.

The Emissions Estimate

informs the prioritization

of areas for proactive dust

control. It also provides an

understanding of desert

emissions, including areas

of sand intrusion from

alluvial fans and dunes

that can affect the playa.

The annual Proactive Dust

Control Plan describes

recommendations for

site-specific dust control

measures based on

rigorous evaluation of the

surface characteristics

and emissions potential.

This evaluation considers

soil suitability, the

availability of water

resources, other planned

stakeholder projects, and

more.

Surface roughening and

vegetation are the most

common dust control

measures, each providing

effective and water-

efficient control. After

implementation, dust

control measures are

monitored to confirm

that adequate surface

stabilization is achieved

and maintained.

5

The infographic at above provides information about each program component, including activity and progress

at each step. This is a cyclical process that repeats each year, providing a growing amount of knowledge to

address air quality mitigation at the Salton Sea.

PROGRAM COMPONENTSACTIVITY & PROGRESS

Above: Air Quality Mitigation Program Infographic

IMPLEMENTATION AT-A-GLANCE

Surface Roughening is implemented with a tractor and common tillage equipment, such as a bull plow or a switch plow. This dust control measure is effective, waterless, and can be quickly implmented. It is typically recommended for areas with fine soil texture. Field studies conducted as part of the Air Quality Mitigation Program inform the surface roughness configurations and the combination of tillage implements best suited for creating and maintaining large, durable ridges that promote dust control.

6

Surface Roughening as Dust Control at the Salton Sea

7

Vegetation as Dust Control at the Salton Sea

Vegetation is recommended for dust control areas where the soils are too coarse for Surface Roughening. The native Iodine Bush (Allenrolfea occidentalis) is the primary species used due to its salinity tolerance. Field studies implemented as part of the Air Quality Mitigation Program inform important guidelines on seeding and germination, soil reclamation, soil amendments and groundwater depth needed for successful vegetation establishment on the playa.

Questions?F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n I I D ’s S a l t o n S e a A i r Q u a l i t y M i t i g a t i o n P r o g r a m ,

p l e a s e v i s i t w w w. i i d . c o m / a i r q u a l i t y .

S e n d q u e s t i o n s t o a i r q u a l i t y @ i i d . c o m