JAC Strategic Plan Project #4

Contact Person(s):

Project Description:

The Paso del Norte air basin currently exceeds U.S. and Mexican ambient air quality standards for ozone, CO and PM10. Mobile source emissions are a principle contributor to ozone and CO air quality problems, representing 65% of basin-wide VOC (HC) emissions, 50% of basin-wide NOx emissions and 90% of basin-wide CO emissions. Distribution of low RVP gasoline in the summer months reduces evaporative VOC emissions that contribute to the ozone problem. Low RVP gasoline (7.0 psia) is currently sold in El Paso County and Cd. Juarez from June 15 through September 15 of each year.

A recent study by DRI reports that the low RVP gasoline sold in El Paso-Juarez is actually lower (6.7 psia) than the TX (7.0 psia) and federal requirements (8.1 psia). Adopting the Phase II Reformulated Gasoline standards would achieve additional emission reductions in ozone precursor and hazardous air pollutant emissions. This project would examine 1) the distribution of Phase II reformulated gasoline; 2) the distribution of the same RVP gasoline throughout Paso del Norte air basin (extended to Do?a Ana County).

Use of oxygenated gasoline in the winter months reduces cold start CO emissions. The use of oxygenated fuel in El Paso has decreased the number of exceedances of the CO standard from 3 exceedances to 1 exceedance in 1997, since the program was implemented in October 1992. This project would promote the distribution of oxygenated gasoline throughout the Paso del Norte air basin (extended to Juarez and Do?a Ana County).

Cost/Cost Effectiveness:

Historically in El Paso the added cost per gallon when distributing oxygenated gasoline has been 4 US cents, which means $.09 pesos per liter. This represents $21,809,250 pesos ($2.4 million US) during the 6 months season. There is a minimal cost that should be absorbed by the service stations at the beginning of the cold season, since changing the filter and cleaning the storage tank is required.

SEMARNAP has negotiated with PEMEX the evaluation of the feasibility of distributing oxygenated gasoline. This proposal is being studied by PEMEX’s Committee on Specifications. It is equally imperative to present the same proposals for the distribution of oxygenated gasoline in Do?a Ana County to the appropriate authorities in New Mexico.

Significance of Impact:

The joint strategy of distributing fuels appropriate for each season, along with the proper maintenance of gasoline powered motors and a vehicle fleet that has emission control devices in good conditions, as well as an engineering system of transit to improve vehicle traffic flow, offer the complete opportunity to significantly reduce ozone precursors and CO emissions.

What is the likely impact of this project on ambient concentrations?

Distribution of low RVP gasoline in Dona Ana County has the potential to achieve VOC reductions. Oxygenated gasoline reduces cold - start CO emissions. Extending the oxygenated gasoline in Ciudad Juarez and Dona Ana County should have a significant reduction of ambient CO concentration and exceedences.

Does it have the potential to achieve emissions reductions of multiple pollutants?

Low RVP gasoline reduced VOC emissions only with a slight increase in NOx. Feasibility

This project is technically feasible, however, there may be significant institutional hurdles (PEMEX, NMED). On the other hand, as long as the cost of gasoline does not increase significantly over the stretch of the year, the public will probably support the strategy without any setbacks.

Is there public resistance/ acceptance associated with this project?

As long as fuel prices do not increase dramatically, there should be public acceptance of this project.

Are issues of fairness addressed?

Yes, since the proposed project is to be inplemented basin - wide.