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21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182 (909) 396-2000 • http://www.aqmd.gov

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF EXEM PTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT

PROJECT TITLE: PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1173 – CONTROL OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND LEAKS AND RELEASES FROM COMPONENTS AT PETROLEUM FACILITIES AND CHEMICAL PLANTS

Pursuant to the California Environmental Qualit y Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the Lead Agency and has prepared a Notice of Exemption for the project identified above.

The SCAQMD has reviewed the proposed project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15002 (k)(1), the first step of a three-step process for decidi ng which document to prepare for a project subject to CEQA. Since it can be seen with certainty that the proposed project has no potential to adversely impact air quality or any other environmental area, it is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3) - Review for Exemption (General Rule Exemption).

A Notice of Exemption has been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15062 - Notice of Exemption. The Notice of Exemption will be f iled with the county clerks of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties immediately following the adoption of the proposed project.

Any questions regarding this No tice of Exemption should be sent to Barbara Radlein (c/o Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources) at the above address. Ms. Radlein can also be reached at (909) 396-2716. Mr. Kennard Ellis is also available at (909) 396-2457 to answer any questions regarding the proposed amendments.

Date: February 6, 2009 Signature : Steve Smith, Ph.D. Program Supervisor Planning, Rule Development & Area
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Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 14NOTICE OF EXEMPTION

To: County Clerks Counties of Los Angeles, Orange,

Riverside and San Bernardino From: South Coast Air Quality Management District 21865 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Project Title: Proposed Amended Rule 1173 – Control of Volati le Organic Compound Leaks and Releases From Components at Petroleum Facilities and Chemical Plants

Project Location: South Coast Air Quality Management District: the four-county South Coast Air Basin (Orange County and the non-desert portions of Los Angele s, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties) and the Riverside County portions of the Salton Se a Air Basin and Mojave Desert Air Basin.

Description of Nature, Purpose, and Beneficiaries of Project: The proposed amendments to Rule 1173 – Cont rol of Volatile Organic Compound Leaks and Releases From Components at Petroleum Faciliti es and Chemical Plants, will modify the exemption listed in paragraph (l)(5) to correctly referenc e paragraphs (h)(6) and (h)(7) , instead of paragraphs (h)(4) and (h)(5), as was origi nally intended by the June 2007 amendments to Rule 1173. The proposed changes are admini strative in nature.

Public Agency Approving Project: South Coast Air Qualit y Management District Agency Carrying Out Project: South Coast Air Qualit y Management District

Exempt Status: Three-Step Process: CEQA Guidelines §15002(k)(1) General Rule Exemption: CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3)

Reasons why project is exempt: The project was reviewed and determined to be admin istrative in nature with no potential to generate significant adverse impacts on the environment. Therefore, the SCAQMD has determined that the proposal is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3) - Review for Exemption, since it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed project in question has the potential to have a significant adverse effect on the environment.

Certification Date: SCAQMD Governing Board Hearing: February 6, 2009, 9:00 a.m.; SCAQMD Headquarters

CEQA Contact Person : Ms. Barbara Radlein Phone Number: (909) 396-2716

Rule Contact Person : Mr. Kennard Ellis Phone Number: (909) 396-2457

Date Received for Filing: Signature: (Signed Upon Certification)

Steve Smith, Ph.D., Program Supervisor Planning, Rule Development & Area

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