News Releases from Region 09
EPA, State, Local Officials to Announce Diesel Truck Enforcement Action Resulting in Installation of Air Filters at School in Torrance, Calif.
Filtration systems can reduce particulate matter in classrooms by 90%
LOS ANGELES – Tomorrow, U.S. EPA Acting Regional Administrator Alexis Strauss will announce the settlement of a federal enforcement action against Halliburton Energy Services, a global energy services company based in Houston, Texas, for violations of California’s Truck and Bus Regulation. EPA will be joined by representatives from the California Air Resources Board, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the Los Angeles Unified School District to highlight projects funded by Halliburton that will reduce indoor air pollution exposure at schools in Los Angeles County and the San Joaquin Valley.
The announcement will be made at Van Deene Avenue Elementary School in Torrance, Calif., where air filters are being installed to protect students’ health. This school is less than one block away from a major freeway, exposing it to air pollution from traffic. It is one of three schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District that will receive funding for the installation of these filtration systems, which are expected to remove more than 90 percent of ultra-fine particulate matter and black carbon from classrooms. Studies have shown that improved indoor air quality in classrooms increases productivity and improves attendance and performance in both adults and students.
WHO:
Alexis Strauss, EPA Acting Regional Administrator
Todd Sax, California Air Resources Board Enforcement Division Chief
Wayne Nastri, South Coast Air Quality Management District Acting Executive Officer
Blanca Esquivel, Lead Operations Coordinator for Local District South
Jennifer Cheng, Van Deene Elementary School Principal
WHAT:
Installation of Air Filtration System at Van Deene Avenue Elementary School, Announce Enforcement Action for Violations of the California Truck and Bus Regulation.
WHEN:
Thursday, October 27, 2016
10:30-11:15 AM
**Please note, due to the school schedule, this event must begin and end on time. Media should plan to arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. to allow time for parking and set-up.
WHERE:
Van Deene Avenue Elementary School
826 W. Javelin Street, Torrance, CA 90502
VISUALS:
Media can view a classroom where the newly installed air filtration system is located. Additionally a portable unit will be installed in two rooms at the school and will be available for viewing, as well as dirty and clean filters. Experts will be on-site to provide technical information.
PARKING:
Parking is available on the streets surrounding the school.
RSVP REQUIRED:
*** Credentialed press who would like to attend this event, or for more information, please e-mail Nahal Mogharabi, mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov.