Additional air quality monitoring stations to be installed in District 1
Ramboll Environ, an environmental consulting company, working on behalf of Signature Development Group and Facebook will be installing four temporary air quality monitoring stations north of U.S. Highway 101 October 6-7. Data from these monitoring stations may provide additional information regarding air quality conditions for the background conditions discussion in the environmental analysis for the proposed Willow Village master plan project.

These monitoring stations utilize US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved monitoring and sampling methodologies, and will continuously monitor criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants (TACs). These stations meet the EPA and CARB standards for regulatory compliance and are of the same caliber as the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) monitoring stations distributed throughout the Bay Area.

These stations will specifically monitor the following pollutants:

• Particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5); continuous monitor
• Particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10); filter-based sampler
• TACs as particulate metals
• TACs as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The air quality data collected may be compared to the existing BAAQMD monitoring stations within the vicinity to check the validity of the BAAQMD monitoring stations. The BAAQMD monitoring stations are used to evaluate potential impacts of the project on air quality through the environmental impact report for the proposed project.

Public Works issued encroachment permits for the three sites on City property and one site located on a property leased by Facebook. Installation includes the placement of the monitoring stations and associated equipment, security fencing, electrical connections and signage.

The monitoring stations will be located at: 

• Kelly Park (between the parking lot and the tennis courts)
• Belle Haven Child Development Center (front left of the building)
• Corner of Willow Road and Ivy Drive (vacant lot)
• 135 Commonwealth Drive (parking lot)

The monitoring stations are anticipated to be in operation for a minimum of three months and up to six months, with possible extensions in three-month increments. Any extensions to the operation of the stations would require coordination between the City and Signature Development Group/Facebook.

For any questions regarding the air quality monitoring stations or the proposed Willow Village master plan project, please contact Principal Planner Kyle Perata.