Landfills and transfer stations operated by the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality Solid Waste Division will be closed Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday.

The closure includes landfills in Sahuarita and Ajo, the Tangerine Landfill and the Catalina and Ryan Field Transfer Stations.

The Solid Waste Administrative Office, 5301 W. Ina Road, also will be closed on Monday.

For more information on the closures, please call the 24-hour Landfill Information Line at (520) 724-7400 or visit www.pima.gov/deq.

Cyclists riding on the north side of the Rillito River on The Loop.

Advocate for all kinds of bicycle riders at the Tucson-Pima Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC). Advise local policy makers on transportation, recreation, and safety issues for bicyclists. The County seeks volunteers who live in unincorporated Pima County to serve on the BAC.

 
The BAC advises City and County government staff and elected officials on bike projects throughout the region. Members attend a two-hour meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Typically, the BAC meets 10 months of the year. Volunteers can also join subcommittees that focus on specific issues like bike facilities, education, enforcement, and a few others.

 
Established in 1987, this committee is the oldest joint committee that includes representatives from the County, City of Tucson, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, University of Arizona, and the Towns of Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita. The BAC has been very successful in helping develop innovative bike projects and bike safety education programs.

 
Due in part to BAC’s efforts, the League of American Bicyclists awarded Gold to the eastern Pima County-Tucson region in 2008 and 2012; and Outside Magazine ranks Tucson as the top “bike town” in the United States.

 
Interested in taking action to keep Pima County and Tucson at the top of national bike lists? Please contact Matt Zoll at 243-BIKE (2453) or Matthew.Zoll@pima.gov.

 
For more information about Tucson-Pima Bicycle Advisory Committee, visit: http://biketucson.pima.gov/

Take a deep breath. How much do you know about the air you are breathing? This week has been designated Air Quality Awareness Week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to highlight the importance of air quality to our health.  Check out the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/airnow/airaware for in-depth information

Interesting air-related facts and tips:

• Pima County has good air quality about 300 days a year.
• Pima County Department of Environmental Quality monitors air quality from 18 different monitoring stations located throughout eastern Pima County.
• The amount of life-sustaining air surrounding our planet is limited. If the Earth were an apple, the depth of the atmosphere would be similar to the apple’s skin
• Air is made of about 78 percent nitrogen.
• On average, we breathe about 3,000 gallons of air a day.
• We take about 20,000 breaths a day.
• Air pollution affects the health of those with cardiovascular disease, not just people with lung disease, children, and the elderly.
• Most of the air pollution in Pima County is caused by motor vehicle use.
• Every 41 miles you drive puts one pound of air pollution into the air.
• We drive about 22,000,000 miles every day in eastern Pima County.
• Emissions are highest when a vehicle is started “cold” and after it sits for more than an hour. If you combine errands into one trip, you can reduce cold starts and help keep the air healthy.
• Properly inflated tires last longer, reduce drag, and save gasoline. Check your tires once a month and add air when needed.

Find up to the hour local air pollution data at the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s

www.AirInfoNow.org website.  Sign up to receive air quality advisories via email at www.deq.pima.gov.

The Regional Flood Control District (RFCD) uses a variety of tools to inform property owners about flood hazards.  Because of RFCD’s excellent flood plain management activities, the National Flood Insurance Program determined that Pima County continues its high rating as a Class 5 community under FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS). This places Pima County in the top six percent of flood control districts in the United States.

The Class 5 rating means that property owners in unincorporated Pima County receive a 25% discount in the premium costs for flood insurance policies issued or renewed in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Insurance must be purchased from a private insurance company 30 days before a flood event in order for the property owner to make a claim.

The rating system is based on four categories: Public Information Activities, Mapping and Regulatory Activities, Flood Damage Reduction Activities, and Flood Preparedness Activities. The rating is based on how a community exceeds FEMA’s minimum requirements. RFCD scored the maximum amount of points for its map information service which includes online maps, printed maps, and in-person help at the RFCD public service counter.  RFCD’s successful public outreach campaign was also recognized. Outreach includes direct mail to property owners, water bill inserts, articles in Tucson Realtor Magazine, meetings with the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association, and numerous seminars for realtors and surveyors when FEMA switched to digital maps in 2010.

In addition, RFCD received high rating for its Drainage System Maintenance, and Director Suzanne Shields provided a recent example. “This month, RFCD removed sediment from the Rillito River between Swan Road and Craycroft Road to mitigate the flood hazard in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season,” she said. “In addition, our inspectors monitor County-maintained rivers, washes and culverts, then alert our maintenance staff where they see problems.”

The County is reviewed every three years and RFCD is working toward a rating of Class 4 next time. A new CRS requirement is what FEMA calls the “Program for Public Information,” or a strategic plan for public outreach including public input and evaluation. “We need to document what we are already doing well,” said Greg Saxe Environmental Planning Manager. He described successful outreach via local television news in preparation for monsoon season, public service announcements, bus stop placards, billboards, school visits, and outreach at public events like Earth Day.

“The National Weather Service gave us their ‘Storm Ready’ distinction,” said Shields. “Our rain gauges are directly linked to the National Weather Service, and when the gauges reach a certain point, NWS sends out an alert through the Emergency Broadcast System.”

Cyclovia Map, Sunday, April 28

Join thousands of walkers, strollers, dancers, skateboarders, and bicyclists at Cyclovia this Sunday, April 28, to celebrate car-free and care-free streets.  Bike Fest month in Tucson and Pima County wraps up with this family event that takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The east end of the festival is Dodge Boulevard, near Brandi Fenton Park, and Keeling Desert Park on Glenn Street marks the west end of the four-mile route.

County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry will lead a ride to Cyclovia from Kory Laos BMX track, part of the Flowing Wells Park, located at 5510 N. Shannon Road, at the Rillito River. The ride begins Sunday at 9:30 a.m., and will follow the Rillito River Park portion of The Loop for a ride of eight miles to Dodge Boulevard.

The attached map shows the location of “activity centers,” including DJs, food trucks, live music, pop-up skate and BMX spots, bike helmet give-aways and more. La Madera Park hosts a bike rodeo and also features jumping castles. Streets closed to cars are Dodge Boulevard, Blacklidge Avenue, Mountain Avenue and Glenn Street.

‪Bring your family and check out the urban wildlife display from Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation. Then walk or ride on wide-open streets to the rock-climbing wall, bike decoration station, and enjoy great food from local restaurants on the route. Cyclovia gives people from the greater Tucson region the chance to see neighbors, friends and other folks from throughout the area, and get a little exercise.

Building on the first Cyclovia on April 7 in downtown Tucson, Pima County will provide information and fun activities from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Air Program, the Health Department, Regional Wastewater and Reclamation Department, and the Office of Sustainability.

For more information about Cyclovia, visit: http://www.cycloviatucson.org/

For more information about The Loop, visit: www.pima.gov/TheLoop.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors proclaimed Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28, “Global Youth Service Days” in the County.

“Pima County youth are critical assets in our community,” said District 5 Supervisor Richard Elías. “This weekend, and throughout the year, youth volunteer to address issues like illiteracy, childhood obesity, hunger, poverty, environmental degradation, and disaster preparedness.”

On Friday, April 26, City High School will host the Pennington Street Block Party in downtown Tucson, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The party will showcase the many creative and productive ways young people improve in their community. The event features live music, street art, street theater, food trucks, and activities for all ages. “We’ll celebrate the great community service work that young people have been doing all year long,” said Maryann Phininzy, Pima Community College Program Coordinator, AmeriCorps Program.

Friday through Sunday, community service will continue with youth volunteering on a range of projects including: Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyle Festival at Tucson Village Farm, Clean Up and Serve in vacant lots around Mansfield Middle School, Book Give-away at the Reading Seed Center, and Cyclovia.

Global Youth Service Days is a program of Youth Service America, an organization dedicated to engaging youth age 5 to 25.

The Service Days are coordinated by the Tucson Service Learning Group with support from a State Farm grant. “It’s about creating our future leaders, and they need support and mentorship from our current leaders,” Phininzy explained. “Youth need to see that the community values their efforts. It’s about creating a reciprocal partnership between the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow.”

For more information about the Pennington Street Block Party, go to: http://cityhighschool.org/community/blockparty.

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Recent changes in one of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards will most likely reduce the number of days that the air in Pima County is categorized as “good” on the Air Quality Index. The changes are based on EPA’s review of thousands of studies and make the air quality standard for fine particulate matter (2.5 microns or less in size) more protective of public health.

Exposure to fine particulate pollution, also known as PM_2.5, can cause premature death and harmful cardiovascular effects such as heart attacks and strokes. In addition, particulate pollution causes haze and obscures mountain views. PM_2.5 can be emitted directly from a variety of sources, including gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles, smokestacks, fires, power plants, and industrial processes.

“Last year under the old standard, there were 361 days classified as ‘good’ days for PM_2.5. With the new standard, some of those good air days will become ‘moderate,’ said Beth Gorman, Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s (PDEQ) Clean Air Program Manager. “It is not that there is more pollution in our air now; rather it is that the new, stricter standards will provide a warning at the lower, more protective level where air pollution amounts could be harmful to our health,” Gorman continued.  PDEQ estimates that there may be about a nine percent decrease in the number of “good” air quality days with the new standard. (See graphs in slideshow above.)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) converts air pollution concentrations to a number on a scale from 0 to 500, where “Good” is 0-50, “Moderate” is 51-100, and “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” is 101-150. “Even with this change to make the standard more stringent, the majority of our days will still be classified as ‘good’ for all the air pollutants we monitor. This is especially beneficial in a community such as ours where there are many people at risk when air pollution levels are elevated,” Gorman said.

PDEQ monitors fine particulate matter at six different monitoring locations throughout eastern Pima County.  Up-to-the-hour air quality information can be obtained at www.AirInfoNow.org. Additional information regarding the EPA’s decision to revise the Air Quality Standard for PM_2.5 and the recently issued formula forthe Air Quality Index can be found at http://www.epa.gov/pm/actions.html#dec12

Bike commuters to downtown Tucson will find an energy boost in front of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library on Wednesday, April 10. As part of “Pedal the Pueblo” week, bike commuters will enjoy free drinks and snacks downtown courtesy of Living Streets Alliance and the Pima Association of Governments.

Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s (PDEQ) Clean Air Program staff will be available to provide information and offer clean air tips.

From 7 to 9 a.m., commuters can pick up information about Bike Fest commuter contests, Pima County’s commuter contest, PAG’s travel reduction program, and the latest Tucson Metro Bike Map. There will be juice, fruit, small pastries, and Ike’s will provide free coffee.

“We all know that non-motorized bicycles don’t pollute the air, but there are so many other benefits to bicycling that we don’t always consider,” said Beth Gorman, PDEQ Senior Program Manager. “Each additional car on the road increases the travel time of all of us behind that car, so every time a car is replaced by a bike, traffic congestion is reduced.”

The Jácome Plaza commuter station at the library at 101 N. Stone Ave. is one of three events happening tomorrow, the designated “Bike to Work and School Day.” The other two commuter stations will be at Treat Avenue and Third Street, and at Mountain Avenue and Ft. Lowell Road.

Be sure to check out other great events during Pedal the Pueblo week.

For tips on clean air, visit the DEQ Clean Air program.

The air quality advisory issued yesterday by Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is continued for today as the wind-blown particulate matter from yesterday’s storm remains airborne.  Winds are also forecast for today but are not expected to reach the speeds and consistency of yesterday’s winds.

Particulate matter levels are in the “Unhealthy” range this morning. Particulate matter is made up of tiny specks of soot, dust, and aerosols that are suspended in the air we breathe.

Individuals with heart disease and respiratory sensitivities should reduce exposure to outside air today. If you need to go outside when particulate levels are elevated, it is suggested you reduce your level of exertion to decrease the amount of particulates you breathe into your lungs.

This advisory will be in effect as long as current conditions last.

PDEQ monitors air pollution in our region at 18 air quality monitoring stations. Up-to-the-hour air pollution levels are available online at the PDEQ website www.airinfonow.org or by calling the PDEQ hotline at (520) 882-4AIR.

The Tucson Pima Bicycle Advisory Committee presented two Staff Appreciation Awards to Pima County at the “Pedal the Pueblo” Kick-Off Breakfast today. Deputy County Administrator John Bernal and Bicycle Education Program Coordinator Ignacio Rivera de Rosales received awards.

“It’s an honor to receive this award on behalf of all the Public Works staff who work so hard on The Loop,” said Bernal. The Loop started as a Regional Flood Control District (RFCD) bank protection project with river parks built to mitigate project impacts. Staff from RFCD; Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation; and the Department of Transportation worked together on the path and adjacent recreational facilities.

The Loop’s shared-use path encompasses both banks of four major river systems or waterways. Pima County residents and visitors can enjoy biking, walking, or horseback riding along the Rillito River, the Santa Cruz River, the Pantano Wash, the Julian Wash and the Harrison Greenway. The Loop also has path extensions along tributary washes. This includes the Tanque Verde Wash and the Cañada del Oro Wash.

More than one third of the metropolitan population lives within a half mile of The Loop or Loop extended paths.

In addition to excellent infrastructure, Pima County has great bike education programs, too. “I love my job,” said Rivera de Rosales, “I get to play games with kids this morning, teaching them about bike safety, and this afternoon, I’ll be riding with kids at a pump track we built together.” He works with elementary and middle school students, teaching bike safety in fun ways that emphasize individual responsibility. He also works with adult refugees, teaching them how to bike safely on Tucson’s busy streets.

Other award recipients today were: Greg Yares, Bicycling Advocacy Award; Duncan Benning, Bicycling Advocacy Award; Elizabeth Crump, Bicycle Commuter Award; Joseph Suida, Bicycle Commuter Award; and Technicians for Sustainability, Bicycle-Friendly Business Award.

Be sure to check out other great events during Pedal the Pueblo week, including Bike to Work and School Commuter Stations on Wednesday, April 10. The stations will be open 7 to 9 a.m. with free snacks at Jácome Plaza downtown, Himmel Park Library, and Mountain Avenue and Ft. Lowell Road.

For more information about The Loop, visit: www.pima.gov/TheLoop.

For more information about bicycle education programs, visit: http://bikeped.pima.gov/index.html.