Announcements____________________________________________
PUBLIC NOTICE
Increased Gasoline Throughput Fastrip #798 in Ridgecrest
Section 42301.6 of the California Health and Safety Code requires the District to prepare a public notice and 30-day comment period prior to taking final action on an application to construct or modify a source that emits hazardous air pollutants and is located within 1,000 feet from the outer boundary of a school site.
The District received an Authority to Construct application to allow an increase in the maximum annual gasoline throughput at Fastrip #798/Howard’s Mini Mart (851 Ridgecrest Blvd.). The modification is expected to result in an increase in emissions of hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes. The District’s Air Quality Analysis shows that the health risk associated with this increase in gasoline throughput is not significant to nearby residents or businesses. Therefore, the modification is not expected to pose adverse public health impacts.
However, re-assessment of existing potential health risk from the facility indicates that hazardous air pollutant emissions that occur during filling of the underground gasoline storage tanks by gasoline delivery vessels may present a significant acute (short-term exposure) non-cancer health risk at some nearby residences. This activity is part of existing facility operations and is not expected to be affected by the increase in annual gasoline throughput.
The comment period ends October 9, 2025, at 5:00 pm. A copy of the District’s analysis can be downloaded from the link below. Comments may be submitted in writing to the District Administrative office: EKAPCD, 2700 M Street, Suite 302, Bakersfield, CA 93301. For more information, please contact Samuel Johnson at: 661-862-5250.
Click here for District Evaluation
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Program
The ZEV Rebate Program incentivizes Eastern Kern County residents to reduce their motor vehicle emissions by purchasing a zero-emissions automobile.
Eligible applicants will receive a Rebate of up to $4,000, not exceeding 25% of the total cost of purchasing a new ZEV with an EPA Smog Score of 10. All ZEV Rebate Program applications will be processed in the order they are received. ZEV Rebates are awarded first-come first-served until program funds have been exhausted. Standard processing time is 30 days from date of receipt.
Click Here for ZEV Rebate Program Guidelines & Application
Open Burning on SRA land Closes April 28, 2025
The Kern County Fire Department announced open burning of hazard reduction fuels on SRA land will close on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Be advised: Fire hazard reduction open burning requires a burn burmit. Burn Permits can be obtained online through Community Connect. Community Connect can be accessed by clicking the link below, or through the Hazard Reduction Pile Burning Permit Application widget on the sidebar. Instruction for obtaining a burn permit can be found by clicking the link below.
Hazard Reduction Burn Permit Instructions
Link for obtaining Hazard Reduction Burn Permit
Hearing Board Vacancy 2/20/2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that one unscheduled vacancy has occurred on the five-member Variance Hearing Board. The District is soliciting candidates willing to serve in this position. The District is required to try to fill this position with an attorney or medical professional, as we do not currently have these professions represented on the five-person Hearing Board, however, all general public candidates will be considered.
Any person interested in being considered to fill said vacancy should file a written statement requesting to serve on the Hearing Board, addressed to: Cristina Bolton, Clerk of the Board of Directors, EKAPCD, 2700 M St., Ste. 302, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Submit the statement as soon as possible, please include the candidate’s name, address, telephone number, brief statement of work experience, education, and other qualifications.
Click here for complete details
Health Effects of Inhaling Smoke
Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burns. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases and are even linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.
People with asthma, heart disease, lung disease, older adults, and children are at greater risk of being affected by smoke. If you are healthy, you're usually not at a major risk from smoke but it's still a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. It's important to limit your exposure to smoke, especially if you may be susceptible.
How to tell if smoke is affecting you:
Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes or a runny nose. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms.
Protect yourself:
Watch local news and weather stations, pay attention to health warning and air quality reports, you can also use the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI). Use common sense; if it looks smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn, go for a run, or let children play outside.
If your advised to stay indoors take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if needed but make the fresh air intake is closed and the filter is clean. Do not use a swamp cooler as it will pull in lots of smoke from outside. If your house becomes to hot to be comfortable seek alternative shelter. If it is cool outside try to avoid anything that produces heat from burning such as a fireplace, gas logs, or a gas stove.
Residential Wood Burning
Many Eastern Kern County residents
use woodstoves and fireplaces to heat
their homes.
If you burn please remember to do so
as cleanly as possible.
Never burn household waste in your
woodstove or fireplace and only burn
clean, dry, seasoned wood, and maintain
a hot fire.
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Homeowner Guide
