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Major Source
|
For all areas - Ten tons of any hazardous air pollutant.
For an attainment area - any facility or stationary source which emits, or
can emit, 100 tons per year or more of any air contaminant. For a
nonattainment area - Ozone emissions tons are less in those counties
designated as nonattainment by EPA's classification schedule.
Source: TCEQ.
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Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)
|
Maximum Achievable Control Technology to reduce specific
air pollutants. Source: TCEQ.
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Methanol
|
A liquid fuel formed by catalytically combining CO with
hydrogen in a 1:2 ratio under high temperature and pressure. Source:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
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Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) |
Refers to a county or group of adjoining counties that contain at least
one urbanized area of 50,000 or more residents. Adjoining counties are
included if they are essentially metropolitan and have close social and
economic relationships with the central county or counties. |
Miles per Kilowatt-Hour (MPkWh)
|
The unit of measure for fuel efficiency of electric
vehicles. The equivalent of miles per gallon (mpg) for liquid fueled
vehicles. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
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Military/Airport
|
Military/Airport sources include both public and
military aircraft, as well as military groundside emissions and
airport support vehicles. Military/Airport emissions also include
on-road emissions generated on base and non-road mobile source emissions.
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Mobile Source Emissions
|
Emissions resulting from the operations of any type of
motor vehicle. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
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Mobile Sources |
When discussing the formation of ground-level ozone, the
term “mobile sources” refers to vehicles that pollute the air because
they are run by engines that combust fossil fuels. These vehicles
might be those that drive on the road, such as cars, trucks, SUVs (called
“On-Road Mobile Sources”) or those that operate off the road, such as
aircraft, small engines, locomotives, and marine vehicles (called “Non-Road
Mobile Sources”). Examples of On-Road and Non-Road Mobile Sources are
listed below:
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Monitoring
|
Taking samples by local, state, and regional agencies to measure air
pollutants. Source: TCEQ.
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National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS)
|
Required by the Clean Air Act for
pollutants considered harmful to public health and the
environment, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) is
made up of two sets of standards. First, the Primary Standards
set
limits to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive"
populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.
Second, the Secondary standards set limits to protect public
welfare, including protection against decreased visibility,
damage to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
established NAAQS for six air pollutants: ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide, and respirable particulate matter. The standards
were established to protect the public from exposure to harmful
amounts of pollutants. When the pollutant levels in an area have
caused a violation of a particular standard, the area is classified as
"non-attainment" for that pollutant. The EPA then imposes federal regulations
on pollutant emissions and designates a time period in which the area
must again attain the standard. |
Natural Gas
|
A
mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, primarily methane, occurring naturally in
the earth and used principally as a fuel. Source: Alternative Fuel
Vehicle Group. |
New Source Review
|
The NSR TTN Web site is designed to
provide material and information pertaining to New Source
Review (NSR) permitting. The user can search the abstracted
index of the "New Source Review Prevention of Significant
Deterioration and Non-attainment Areas Guidance Notebook" by selected
key words or a customized text word or text string. |
|
Nickel-Cadmium
Battery |
Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries use a nickel electrode and a cadmium
electrode with potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. These
batteries are generally in a polypropylene container. As with some
other types of batteries, Ni-Cd batteries are often put in series and
placed in automotive battery containers. Source: Alternative Fuel
Vehicle Group. |
Non-Attainment
|
A non-attainment area is one that
does not meet the Environmental Protection Agency's standards
for ozone pollution and can be classified as "non-attainment"
of those standards. The current standards do not allow areas
to exceed .08 parts per million of ozone over an eight-hour period.
Compliance is based on the fourth highest reading per year averaged
over three years. |
Non-Road
|
Non-road mobile sources consist of all vehicles
and equipment not routinely operated on streets and highways.
These include recreational boats, recreational vehicles, railroad
cars, agricultural equipment and industrial equipment, mining equipment,
logging equipment, residential equipment (lawnmowers, etc.),
and commercial and industrial equipment. |
Notice of Violation (NOV)
|
A
document issued by the air pollution enforcement section of TCEQ to record
the facts about a violation. Source: TCEQ. |
NOx
|
Nitrogen Oxides, which are
emitted from motor vehicles, power
plants and other sources of combustion. |
NPS
|
The National Park Service preserves
unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values
of the national park system for the enjoyment, education,
and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service
cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and
cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout
this country and the world. |
Nuisance
|
Any
activity which creates dust and/or odor that significantly and
unreasonably interferes with a person's rightful use and enjoyment of
property. Source: TCEQ. |
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Office of Mobile Sources
|
Division of EPA that proposes, promulgates, and enforces regulations to
control emissions of NAAQS pollutants and precursors from motor fuels and
vehicles. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
One-Hour Average Ozone Standard
|
The one-hour average ozone standard is one of the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards,
designed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to keep pollution
levels in the
ambient air
within healthy limits. The one-hour standard is set at 125 parts
per billion, that is, there should only be 125 molecules (or less) of
ozone per billion molecules of air in the air we breathe, averaging
over a one-hour period. In judging whether an area’s air quality has
become unhealthy because of ozone pollution, and thus whether the area
should be designated “non-attainment
” of the standard, the EPA examines ozone pollution averages over three
years. If, at any time within a given three year period, an area registers
four one-hour average levels of ozone higher than 125 ppb, they can
be judged to be in “non-attainment” of the standard.
|
On-Road
|
On-road mobile sources consist of vehicles operated
on the streets and highways. The vehicles are broken down into
gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. |
Open-Loop Fuel Control
|
System in which the air/fuel mixture is preset by design with no feedback
correction signal to optimize fuel metering. Source: Alternative
Fuel Vehicle Group. |
Original Equipment Manufacturer
|
Manufacturer that certifies that all of its vehicle components have been
installed under its direct supervision by its own assembly processes and
are covered by the manufacturer's full warranty protection. Source:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
Oxygenate
|
A
term used in the petroleum industry to denote fuel additives containing
hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen in their molecular structure. Includes
ethers such as MTBE and ETBE and alcohols such as ethanol and methanol.
Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
Oxygenated Fuels
|
Fuels
blended with an additive, usually methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) or
ethanol to increase oxygen content, allowing more thorough combustion for
reduced carbon monoxide emissions. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Group. |
Ozone
|
Ozone is a gas that forms in the atmosphere
when 3 atoms of oxygen are combined (03). At ground
level, the ozone It is not emitted
directly into the air, but is instead created by a
chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and volatile
organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Ozone has
the same chemical structure whether it occurs high above the earth
or at ground level and can be "good" or "bad," depending on its
location in the atmosphere. |
Ozone Flex Plan
|
The Ozone Flex Plan is a voluntary
approach to ozone attainment with pollution controls tailored
to local conditions for areas currently monitoring attainment
for the 1-hour standard but may be violating the 8-hour standard.
Ozone Flex encourages innovative efforts that are cost-effective,
flexible, and make sense to local areas. Areas with air quality
meeting the 1-hour ozone standard are eligible to participate
in the Ozone Flex Plan. Early, local controls can improve air quality
in advance of EPA's designating areas as attainment or non-attainment
for the 8-hour ground-level ozone standard.
While Austin, Texas has adopted this plan, the San Antonio MSA adopted
the Clean Air Plan,
which is more catered to our needs and goals.
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Ozone Precursors
|
Chemicals such as, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) that react to form ozone in the atoms.
Click here
for more information:
http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/gooduphigh/#bad
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Ozone Season
|
From April to October in San Antonio.
During this time special meteorologists predict Air Quality
Health Alerts one day in advance.
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Parallel Drivetrain
|
The
parallel vehicle components include an engine, batteries, and a motor.
Is named parallel because both the motor and the engine can apply torque
to move the vehicle. The motor can act in reverse as a generator for
braking and to charge the batteries. Source: Alternative Fuel
Vehicle Group. |
Particulates
|
Different sized particles of solid or liquid substances primarily
produced by stationary fuel combustion and industrial processes.
Source: TCEQ. |
PATH
|
The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing improves
the development, dissemination, and use of new housing technologies. |
Permit
|
A
document that resembles a license required by the Clean Air Act for major
sources of air pollution. Source: TCEQ. |
Photochemical Oxidant
|
Photochemical refers to the result from the chemical
action of radiant energy and especially light.
Photochemical oxidant, however, is a term used
to describe a complex mixture of chemicals produced when in the
presence of sunlight, oxides of nitrogen react with photochemically
reactive volatile organic compounds to form photochemical smog. The
principal component of photochemical oxidant is ozone. |
Photovoltaics
|
Also
called "solar cells", these are cells that convert solar energy to
electrical energy. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
PM-10
|
A
standard for measuring the amount of solid or liquid matter suspended in
the air ("particulate matter" or "particle pollution"). Refers to
the amount of particulate matter over 10 micrometers in diameter.
Source: TCEQ. |
Pollutant
|
Unwanted chemicals or other materials found in the air that can harm
health, the environment and property. Source: TCEQ. |
Point
|
When discussing the formation of ground-level ozone, the term
“point sources” refers to stationary equipment, whether industrial or
non-industrial, that emits
ozone precursors
. This is the type of pollution source most closely affiliated with
smokestacks. A good example of a point source is a power plant. |
PPB
|
Parts per billion are used to determine the concentration
of a chemical substance in a given volume. First of all, the volume is
divided into a billion of equal parts. Each billionth part, that
corresponds to the studied substance, is considered as a part per billion
(PPB) of the substance.
PPB are used to determine very small gas concentrations in the atmosphere. |
Private Fleet
|
A
fleet of vehicles owned by a non-governmental entity.
|
Propane
|
Propane is a clean-burning,
environmentally-friendly fuel that can be stored safely in residential and
commercial underground tanks.
Propane, or liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas), is
one of the nation's most versatile sources of energy and supplies 3 to 4
percent of our total energy. Propane is an approved, alternative clean
fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as well as the National Energy
Policy Act of 1992.
Click here for more information: http://www.propanegas.com/consumer/what.html |
P-Series Fuels
|
Fuels
designed by the Pure Fuel Corporation to run in E85/gasoline flexible fuel
vehicles. Added by DOE after EPAct as an alternative fuel.
Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
Public Hearing
|
An
open meeting when arguments are presented and recorded about TCEQ
regulations, compliance by a source, and/or permit application(s) for
construction or operation of a business. Source: TCEQ. |
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Range
|
The distance that an
electric vehicle (EV) can travel on a charge. Source: Alternative Fuel
Vehicle Group. |
Reasonably Available Control
Technology (RACT)
|
Air pollution abatement
equipment that is both technologically feasible and cost effective.
Source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District. |
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)
|
Gasolines
that have had their compositions and/or characteristics altered to
reduce vehicular emissions of pollutants, particularly pursuant to the
EPA regulations. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
Refueling Emissions
|
VOC vapors that escape from
the vehicle fuel tank during refueling. Source: Alternative Fuel
Vehicle Group. |
Regenerative braking
|
Means of recharging the
batteries by using energy created by braking the vehicle. Source:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
Regulator
|
The regulator is a device
that regulates the fuel pressure of LPG or CNG to the mixer. An
LPG regulator usually also contains a vaporizer for converting the
liquid propane to gas. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
Retrofit
|
To change a vehicle or
engine after its original purchase, usually by adding equipment such as
conversion systems. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
RideShare
|
Benefits of RideShare (carpool):
Cuts gas and parking costs
Reduces stress
Lowers insurance costs
Fits individual work schedules
Reduces energy consumption, air
pollution, and need for road repair
Cuts down on traffic congestion
Improves work productivity and employee
morale
Reduces tardiness and absenteeism
Enhances the corporate image.
Click here for more information
or call (210) C-A-R-P-O-O-L |
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Smart Charging
|
The use of computerized charging stations
which constantly monitor the battery so that charging is at the optimum
rate and temperature is monitored to prolong battery life. Source:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group. |
Smart Metering
|
Advanced meters that utilities can use to measure electricity usage,
which are capable of separately measuring usage of different appliances
such as electric vehicles, identifying what time of day the electricity
was consumed. A smart meter will be capable of communicating with
a "smart charger" in recharging an electric vehicle in a manner that can
minimize utility system impacts. Source: Alternative Fuel Group. |
Smog
|
The word smog is actually a combination
of the words smoke and fog. Smog is the most visible form
of air pollution. It is a brownish-yellow hazy cloud caused
when heat and sunlight react with various pollutants emitted
from industry, cars, pesticides and oil based home products. Smog
is a year-round problem but most smog watches and alerts occur
from May to September, especially on hot days. |
Solar film
|
Often used on commercial buildings,
Solar film is a reflective coating that adheres to glass.
blocking up to 85% of incoming sunlight. Solar film stops
the heat outside the window without obstructing the view. |
Solar screens
|
Solar screens are exterior full length
screens that cover the entire glass of your windows and
doors. Solar screens shade, reflect the sun's rays off the
screens not letting the heat touch the window, and absorb heat
in the screen and then disperse the heat back into the air away
from the glass.
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Source
|
Any
place or object from which pollutants are released. Source: TCEQ.
|
Spark Ignition Engine
|
Internal combustion engine in which the charge is ignited electrically
(e.g., with a spark plug). Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
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Standard Exemption
|
Any
exemption facilities may claim if they are constructed and operated in
such a manner that it will not make a significant contribution of air
contaminants into the atmosphere. Source: TCEQ. Source:
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group.
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State Implementation Plan (SIP)
|
The State Implementation Plan (SIP)
is a compilation of federally approved State air pollution
regulations which are intended to ensure that the State attains
and maintains the NAAQS. Revisions to the SIP must be submitted
to EPA for approval. Once approved by EPA, the SIP regulations
may be enforced by both the State and by EPA
. |
Stationary Source
|
Any
building, structure, facility, or installation from which pollutants are
released. Source: TCEQ. |
Stratospheric
|
Referring to ozone in the stratosphere,
the part of the earth's atmosphere extending from 7 miles
above the surface to 31 miles and where temperature increases
gradually to about 32° Fahrenheit (0° C) and clouds
rarely form.
|
Stratospheric Ozone
|
Chemicals that deplete the upper (stratospheric) ozone layer which
protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation.
Source: TCEQ. |
Super Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
|
A
vehicle that produces fewer exhaust emissions than do ultra-low-emission
vehicles. SULEV credits can also be banked in the consolidated
Metropolitan Statistical Area. Source: Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Group.
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