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23. PILOT FIREPLACE RETROFIT PROGRAM The authorization to develop, administer and fund in the amount of $300,000 a Pilot Fireplace Retrofit Program. This program will, at no charge to the residents, retrofit with catalytic conversion technology or convert from wood burning to natural gas wood burning fireplaces to mitigate fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) emissions that can have a harmful impact on residents. The boundaries of the pilot program area are Baseline Road, Northern Avenue, 59th Avenue, and 16th Street. Subsequent phases will be introduced to provide further emission reduction opportunities and may include differing elements to improve program effectiveness. According to the EPA and studies targeting Maricopa County, PM 2.5 emissions from burning wood in fireplaces are a significant contributor to breathing related health issues including hospitalizations from acute asthma symptoms. Currently, Maricopa County is in attainment with the EPA health based standard for PM 2.5; however, three local monitors show significant PM 2.5 concentrations during the fireplace burning season (November through February). Exceedances of the annual standard and being designated as non-attainment for PM 2.5 would require more stringent regulations that would limit economic growth. This proposal to fund and implement a Fireplace Retrofit Program is a preventative approach aimed at reducing PM 2.5 emissions to improve community well-being and to eliminate the threat of PM 2.5 violations that would result in increased regulatory burden. The Pilot program will focus on developing partners, outlining the process, preparing the outreach material, and contracting with a vendor to conduct the installations. Initially, the program will focus on houses without access to natural gas and offer the installation, by an Arizona provider, of catalytic conversion technology in the chimney to reduce the wood burning emission of PM 2.5 by up to 75%. The next priority will be to offer conversion from wood burning to natural gas burning logs in houses that have access to natural gas. The costs of retrofits may vary from $900 to $1,500, depending on the specific product and the situation at the residence. The initial $300,000 authorization to initiate the pilot program will include outreach efforts, administration costs, contracting, and product installation (we anticipate that approximately 200 homes will be retrofitted during the Pilot Fireplace Retrofit Program). Permit fees will not change due to this action. (C-85-17-001-2-00)