(Adopted: 5/6/77; Amended: 6/2/78; Amended: 4/4/80;

Amended: 7/9/82; Amended: 9/8/95; Amended: 6/13/97; Amended:

1/20/98; Amended: 07/18/00: Amended xx/dd/yy)

RULE 701

Air Pollution Emergency Contingency Actions

(A) General

(1) PurposeThe purpose of this rule is to: [updated to current rule format throughout]

(a) The purpose of this rule is to:

(ai) Ddefine air pollution Episode criteria;

(bii) Pprovide for Episode notification to the public;

(ciii) Rrecommend precautionary actions to be taken during Episodes; and

(div) Pprevent or reduce the severity of Episodes.

(2) Applicability

(a) This rule shall apply to all persons within the jurisdiction of Antelope Valley Air 

Pollution Control District (AVAPCD)Quality Management District (AVAQMD)

and shall also specify the measures to be taken by AVAQMDPCD during air 

pollution Episodes.[ Amends the incorrect reference to the Antelope Valley Air 

Pollution Control District and replaces it with Antelope Valley Air Quality 

Management District; this change will be made throughout the rule]

(B) Definitions

For the purpose of this rule, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Air Contaminant or Air Pollutant” - Aany discharge, release, or other propagation into 

the atmosphere and includes, but is not limited to, smoke, charred paper, dust, soot, 

grime, carbon, fumes, gases, odors, particulate matter, acids or any combination thereof.

(2) “Air Pollution Control Officer” (APCO) – Tthe person appointed to the position of Air 

Pollution Control Officer of AVAQMDPCD pursuant to the provisions of California 

Health & Safety Code §40750, and his or her designee.

(3) “Air Quality Index” (AQI) - Tthe uniform reporting system established by the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to make air pollution reports more easily 

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understood by the public. The AQI simplifies information by converting units of air

pollution measurement into a uniform scale from 0 to 500.

(4) “Declared Episode” - exists whenever the APCO determines:

(a) that any of the applicable Episode criteria levels specified in this rule have been attained 

or,

(b) that it is likely that any of the applicable Episode criteria levels specified in this rule is 

imminent to be attained that day.

(45) “Child Day Care Facility” - Aa State licensed child day care, pre-school, or after-school 

program.

(5) “Declared Episode” - Exists whenever the APCO determines:

(a) That any of the applicable Episode criteria levels specified in this rule have been 

attained ; or

(b) That it is likely that any of the applicable Episode criteria levels specified in this 

rule is imminent to be attained that day.[Corrected alphabetization]

(6) “Electric Power Generating System” - Aall boiler and approved alternative resources 

owned or operated by, and approved alternative resources and replacement units under 

contract to sell power to, any one of the following: Southern California Edison, Los 

Angeles Department of Water and Power, or any of their successors.

(7) “Employee” – Aany person employed by a person(s), firm, business, educational 

institution, non-profit agency or corporation, government or other entity. The term 

exempts seasonal employees, temporary employees, volunteers, field personnel, field 

construction workers, and independent contractors.

(8) “Episodes” - Tthe intermediate levels between the National Ambient Air Quality 

Standard and the Level of Significant Harm for Air Pollutants at which some pollution 

abatement or health notification action must be taken. The applicable Episode criteria, 

by pollutant and averaging period established by the USEPA and the California Air 

Pollution Emergency Plan, are presented in Attachment 2.

(9) “Essential Public Service”:

(a) Aa sewage treatment facility which is publicly owned and operated consistent 

with an approved regional growth plan;

(b) Aa prison;

(c) Ppolice or fire fighting operations;

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(d) Schools, hospitals, or ambulance operations;

(e) Cconstruction and operation of a landfill gas control or processing facility;

(f) Wwater delivery operations;

(g) Ppublic or private utility operations responding to public emergencies or utility 

outages, excluding routine maintenance, 

(h) Ppublic transit; or

(i) U.S. Postal Service Operations.

(10) “Fleet Vehicles” - Mmotor vehicles as defined by the Motor Vehicle Code Division 1, 

Section 415 of the State of California Vehicle Code and operated from one business 

address.

(11) “Force Majeure Natural Gas Curtailment” - Aan interruption in natural gas service due 

to unforeseeable failure, malfunction, or natural disaster, not resulting from an 

intentional or negligent act or omission on the part of the owner or operator of a boiler, 

or a supply restriction resulting from California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) 

priority allocation system of CPUC Rule 23, such that the daily fuel needs of a boiler 

cannot be met with the natural gas available.

(12) “News Media” - Tthe written press, television, radio, and other mass media of 

communication such as on-line computer information services.

(13) “Outdoor Activity Curtailment Actions” - Mmeasures, as presented in Attachment 1, to 

reduce outdoor activities by children during periods when air quality exceeds the Health 

Advisory Episode level for ozone or the Stage 1 Episode for all other pollutants for 

which Eepisode criteria are defined.

(14) “Predicted Episode” - Eexists whenever the APCO determines that it is likely that any 

of the Eepisode levels specified in this Rule will be reached during the following day.

(15) “School” - Ppublic and private educational institutions for children ranging from grades 

Kindergarten through 12.

(16) “Upset of Production” - Aa situation in which the process throughput or production rate 

is reduced by more than 20 percent of normal daily operations as a direct result of 

reducing emissions in order to comply with this regulation for Stage 2 or Stage 3 

Episodes.

(17) “Volatile Organic Compound” (VOC) – Any compound of carbon which may 

participate in such atmospheric photochemical reactions and contribute to the formation 

of photochemical smog, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, 

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metallic carbides or carbonates, ammonium carbonate and those exempt compounds 

listed in 40 CFR 51.100(s)(1).

(18) “Wildland Vegetative Management Burning” - Tthe use of prescribed burning 

conducted by a public agency, or through a cooperative agreement or contract involving 

a public agency, to burn land predominantly covered with chaparral, trees, grass or 

standing brush as defined by Title 17, California Administrative Code, Section 80100.

(C) Facility Requirements

(1) The following actions are required for the owner or operator of any facility which has 

actual emissions of 91 metric tons (100 tons) or more per year of either VOCs, oxides 

of nitrogen (NOx), or oxides of sulfur (SOx), and are encouraged for all other emitters of 

these pollutants:

(a) Upon notification of a predicted Stage 2 or Stage 3 Eepisode either from the 

APCO or via the News Media, reduce combined emissions for VOCs, NOx, and 

SOx, by at least 20 percent of normal weekday operations.

(b) Upon notification by the APCO of the declaration of an air pollution state of 

emergency by the Governor, take the applicable actions which the Governor 

requires.

(2) The following actions are required for any facility having 100 or more Employees:

(a) Upon notification of a predicted Stage 2 or 3 Episode either from the APCO or 

via the News Media, post at least one sign in a conspicuous place designating 

the Predicted Episode stage and requesting ridesharing and telecommuting.

(b) Upon notification of a predicted Stage 2 or Stage 3 Eepisode either from the 

APCO or via the News Media, reduce Fleet Vehicle miles traveled by at least 20 

percent of normal week day operations.

(c) Upon notification by the APCO of the declaration of an air pollution state of 

emergency by the Governor, take the applicable actions which the Governor 

requires.

(3) All facilities subject to subsections (C)(1) or (C)(2) are encouraged to develop and 

maintain an internal plan to meet the specified requirements.

(4) Upon a predicted Stage 2 or Stage 3 Episode, an owner or facility shall maintain a log 

of the actions taken to meet the requirements in subsections (C)(1) or (C)(2).

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(5) Facilities required to implement Stage 2 or Stage 3 actions shall implement such actions 

by at least just after midnight (00:01 hours standard time) or upon commencement of 

normal business hours on the day for which an Episode is predicted.

(6) Liquid or solid fossil fuel shall not be burned in Electric Power Generating Systems on 

predicted or declared Stage 2 or Stage 3 Eepisode days of ozone, sulfur dioxide, sulfur 

dioxide plus ozone, or sulfates in combination with ozone unless a Force Majeure 

Natural Gas Curtailment is in effect.

(D) AVAQMDPCD Requirements

(1) Measurements

(a) The APCO shall maintain air monitoring stations throughout AVAQMDPCD so 

that air quality can be monitored on a continuous basis and air pollution 

Episodes can be measured and predicted. Air quality information will be 

reported daily using the AQI.

(2) Episode Notifications by the APCO

(a) The APCO shall notify the California Air Resources Board and the News Media 

(e.g. those media in each county determined to be most likely to result in 

widespread public knowledge) whenever an Eepisode is predicted, declared, or 

terminated.

(b) The APCO may notify directly or shall otherwise rely on the News Media to 

disseminate to the following whenever an Eepisode is predicted, declared, or 

terminated:

(i) School officials;

(ii) Local and state law enforcement agencies;

(iii) Public safety personnel who have responsibilities for or interest in air 

pollution control;

(iv) All facilities or activities subject to subsectionsparagraphs (C)(1) or 

(C)(2).

(c) The APCO shall announce the prediction of an Episode not later than 2:00 pm 

(4:30 pm for sulfate portion of ozone/sulfate Episode) of the day before the 

Episode is predicted to occur.

(d) A declared or Predicted Episode shall be terminated whenever the Air 

Contaminant which caused the Episode has been verified by the APCO to be 

below the applicable Episode criteria set forth for the calling of such Episode 

and the available scientific and meteorological data indicate that the 

concentration of such Air Contaminant will not likely increase again within the 

next hour so as to reach the previously attained Episode.

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(e) The notice of an Episode shall include the following:

(i) Stage level and predicted duration.

(ii) The affected source and receptor areas.

(iii) Air Contaminants for which the Eepisode is declared.

(iv) The AQI value for the Air Pollutant with the highest predicted or actual 

AQI reading and associated health message.

(3) Upon the declaration of any Predicted or attained Episode, the APCO shall take the 

following actions:

(a) For Ozone Health Advisories Only:

(i) Recommend as part of the notification required by subsection (D)(2) that 

Schools and Child Day Care Facilities take the actions specified in 

Attachment 1, paragraph (b);

(ii) Recommend as part of the notification required by subsection (D)(2) to 

the public that individuals with special health problems follow the 

precautions recommended by their physicians or health officials;

(iii) By means of a telephone recorded message, notify members of the public 

who contact the AVAQMDPCD.

(b) For Stage 1 Episodes:

(i) Recommend as part of the notification required by subsection (D)(2) that 

Schools and Child Day Care Facilities take the actions specified in 

Attachment 1, paragraph (c); 

(ii) Take the actions specified in subsections (D)(3)(a)(ii) and (iii); 

(iii) Encourage the public to reduce unnecessary driving; 

(iv) Encourage the public to ride share; 

(v) Encourage employers to limit the amount of time their Eemployees work 

outdoors to the degree practicable.

(c) For Stage 2 and Stage 3 Episodes: 

(i) Recommend as part of the notification required by subsection (D)(2) that 

Schools and Child Day Care Facilities take the actions specified in 

Attachment 1, paragraph (d); 

(ii) Take the actions specified in subsections (D)(3)(b)(ii) through (v); 

(iii) Within the receptor area(s) of the Episode: 

a. Recommend the suspension of programs which involve the 

physical exertion by participants using public parks or public 

recreation facilities; 

b. Recommend that all non-emergency driving be discontinued as 

soon as possible.

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(iv) The APCO shall implement source inspections upon a Predicted 

Episode.

(E) Special Actions for Wildland Vegetative Management Burning 

(1) Upon declaration of any predicted Stage 2 or Stage 3 Episode, all Wildland Vegetative 

Management Burning is prohibited. 

(2) Upon the declaration of any attained Stage 2 or Stage 3 Eepisode, all Wildland 

Vegetative Management Burning, if already ignited, shall be terminated. 

(F) Interdistrict Coordination 

Upon request of an air pollution control officer in an adjoining air basin for action to abate 

Stage 2 or Stage 3 Episodes occurring within that district, the APCO shall make a 

determination, and if the need for action is confirmed, direct the implementation of the actions 

required in this Rule for any significant source area identified within the District which 

contributes to the ongoing Episode in the adjoining district. Sources in that area shall comply 

as though an Episode has been declared in their area.

(G) Exemptions

(1) Percentage emissions reductions or percentage reductions in vehicle miles traveled 

lower than those specified in section (C) shall be allowed by the APCO:

(a) Iif the facility submits a letter to the APCO, not later than 30 days following a 

predicted Stage 2 or Stage 3 Episode, demonstrating at least one of the following 

conditions:

(i) Tthat meeting the stated percentage reductions jeopardizes public health 

or safety, 

(ii) Tthat meeting the stated percentage reductions damages equipment or 

creates an Upset of Production, or

(b) tThe facility or activity is an Essential Public Service.

(2) Buses, commuter van pool vehicles or other vehicles, used exclusively for multipassenger commuting between home and the place of work or School are excluded from 

the Fleet Vehicle reduction provisions of subsection (C)(2)(b).

Programs that include adult participants in scheduled athletic events with paid 

attendance are exempted from subsection (D)(3)(c)(iii)a..

[SIP: Approved 03/07/03 68 FR 10966, 52.220(c)(285)(i)(D)(1); Approved 3/18/99, 64 FR 13351, 40 

CFR 52.220(c)(256)(i)(D)(1); Approved 9/16/97, 62 FR 48483, 40 CFR 52.220(c)(229)(i)(A)(2); 

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Approved 6/3/80, 45 FR 37428, 40 CFR 52.220(c)(39)(iii)(E); Approved ________, ________, 40 

CFR 52.220(c)(38)(i)]

[SIP: See SIP Table at http://www.avaqmd.ca.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=921]

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ATTACHMENT 1 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY CURTAILMENT ACTIONS

State and federal guidance identifies the following actions that Schools and Child Day Care Facilities 

can take to curtail outdoor activities to reduce or minimize children's exposure to air pollution:

(a) For periods of unhealthful air quality (exceeding the federal clean air standards):

(1) Susceptible individuals, e.g. children with heart or lung disease:

Minimize outdoor activity.

(2) Healthy individuals with a noticeable adverse health response to existing conditions: 

Minimize outdoor activity.

(b) For Health Advisory Episodes (applies only to Oozone and PM2.5):

[Clarification added pursuant to EPA letter dated 04/02/14]

(1) All children:

Discontinue prolonged, vigorous outdoor exercise lasting longer than one hour.

(2) Susceptible persons, such as those with heart or lung disease:

Avoid outdoor activity.

(3) Examples of the kinds of outdoor activities that should be avoided are calisthenics, 

basketball, running, soccer, football, tennis, swimming laps, water polo.

(c) For Stage 1 Episodes:

(1) All children:

Discontinue all vigorous outdoor activities regardless of duration.

(2) Outdoor physical education (PE) classes, sports practices, and athletic competitions 

should be re-scheduled or canceled if practicable.

(d) For Stage 2 or Stage 3 Episodes:

(1) All children:

Discontinue all outdoor activities.

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ATTACHMENT 2

EPISODE CRITERIA

For the purpose of Rule 701, the following Eepisode criteria shall apply: 

Air Contaminant Averaging 

Time 

Health 

Advisory

Stage 

1 

Stage 

2 

Stage 

3 

Ozone 1 Hour 0.15 ppm 0.20 ppm 0.35 ppm 0.50 ppm

Ozone, In Combination w/ith Sulfur 

Dioxide 

1 Hour 0.20 ppm* 0.35 ppm* 0.50 ppm* 

Carbon Monoxide 1 Hour 40 ppm 75 ppm 100 

ppm** 

8 Hours*** 15 ppm 30 ppm 40 ppm 

Sulfur Dioxide 1 Hour 0.5 ppm 1.0 ppm 2.0 ppm 

24 Hours*** 0.2 ppm 0.6 ppm 0.8 ppm 

Sulfate, in Combination with Ozone 24 Hours*** 

(Sulfate) 

25 ug/m3

1 Hour (Ozone) 0.20 ppm 

Nitrogen Dioxide 1 Hour 0.6 ppm 1.2 ppm 1.6 ppm 

24 Hours*** 0.15 ppm 0.3 ppm 0.4 ppm 

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.510) 24 Hours*** 35.5

μg/m3

350 ug/m3

55.5

μg/m3

420 ug/m3

150.5

μg/m3

500 

ug/m3250.

5 μg/m3

* These levels shall apply when the ozone concentration and the sulfur dioxide concentration each 

exceeds 0.10 ppm, one-hour average, and shall be determined by adding the ozone and sulfur dioxide 

concentration.** For one hour and predicted to persist for one additional clock hour. *** Averaging 

time is based on a running clock hourly average. 

(Updated to comply with recommendation from Patrick Au, ARB comment letter dated 12/16/2013)

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