The agreement provides funding to the oregon department of environmental quality (DEQ) in order to partner with klamath county public health (kcph) to deliver a comprehensive program that…

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) received a $4,669,372 Project Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Targeted Airshed Grant Program (CFDA 66.956). The funding will enable ODEQ to partner with Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) to implement a comprehensive program that permanently reduces fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in the Klamath Falls, OR non-attainment area. Key program activities include replacing 210-323 uncertified residential wood stoves with non-wood heating devices, installing weatherization upgrades for 100 homes, providing utility assistance to low-income participants, and conducting community education/outreach. The grant will also fund the hiring of a Klamath Air Program Coordinator to manage deliverables and enhance coordination between ODEQ and KCPH. The expected outcomes include 9-15 tons of annual PM2.5 reductions, as well as long-term lifetime reductions of 300-400 tons of PM2.5 and 44-66 tons of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

The agreement provides funding to the oregon department of environmental quality (DEQ) in order to partner with klamath county public health (kcph) to deliver a comprehensive program that permanently reduces emissions from the major sectors contributing to PM2.5 emissions in the klamath falls nonattainment area: residential wood combustion and on-road sources. Specifically, the recipient will build and improve upon woodstove changeout programs in the area by converting wood-burning residential heating devices to non-wood burning devices, with a focus on improving services to underserved populations who rely on wood for heat. This effort also includes ongoing education and outreach efforts that will be coupled with weatherization and utility assistance to maximize heating efficiency and reduce costs for residents. Dedicated strategic program coordination and management between DEQ and kcph will ensure continued benefits from woodstove changeouts and continuity of enhanced clean air ordinance enforcement and public outreach programs. Funding from the environmental protection agency (EPA) targeted airshed grant program will allow DEQ and kcph to change out 300 woodstoves and weatherize 100 houses.activities:the activities include replacing 210-323 uncertified and non-step 2-certified wood stoves with non-wood heating devices; installing upgraded weatherization for 100 homes; distributing $323,630 in utility assistance granted to low-income changeout applicants; hiring a klamath air program coordinator; and providing education and outreach to underserved households. Subrecipient:klamath county public health will be administrating the grant in the nonattainment area, which will be working with the klamath and lake community action for utility assistance. Klamath county public health will also be working with the south central oregon economic development district to implement the woodstove changeouts and home weatherizations.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include replacement of 210 to 323 woodstoves, upgraded weatherization for approximately 100 homes, utility assistance to low income change out applicants, the hiring of a klamath air program coordinator and education/outreach to underserved households in the klamath area. The expected outcomes include reductions in 9-15 tons of PM2.5 and 1-2 tons of haps along with a potential lifetime reduction of 300-400 tons of PM2.5 and 44-66 tons of haps. An increase in participation from low income residents from the utility assistance. The klamath air program coordinator will help to manage deliverables and reporting along with better coordination between agencies. Education/outreach will help to increase public participation. The intended beneficiaries include local stakeholders of the klamath county area, while trying to improve participation among the spanish speaking residents of the area to broaden outreach.