[pct-l] SCAQMD Rule 1143 & Denatured Alcohol Question

[mikepinkus at hotmail.com]

Hi Donna,
I'm a Canadian doing the trail this year. From roughly what mile to what mile will this be in effect? I planned on using an alchohol stove for the whole PCT.  Looks like I might have to go with a cannister now though.

Cheers,
Mike
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Donna Saufley" <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
Sender: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
Date: Sat, 2 Apr 2011 13:19:28 
To: 'Bob Bankhead'<wandering_bob at comcast.net>; <pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] SCAQMD Rule 1143 & Denatured Alcohol Question

The rationale stated on their site:

"Consumer products, which include everything from nail polish to floor wax,
emit more than 110 tons per day of smog-forming volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) in the Southland. Consumer products are the largest source of VOCs in
the region, eclipsing cars, trucks or industry. 

"This rule, a first in the nation, is going to significantly benefit all of
us who live and breathe in the greater Los Angeles Basin," said AQMD
Governing Board Chairman William A. Burke, Ed.D. "In less than two years,
the rule will have reduced VOC pollution by up to 9.75 tons per day. That is
the equal to shutting down all seven major oil refineries in Los Angeles
County!" "

I don't know enough about the science or concrete evidence behind their
statement, but it does seem clear that we humans are polluting our beautiful
planet, and that we can all make choices in our lives to make less of an
impact.  

It's just what the choices are that is unclear right now . . . without Heet
and denatured, hikers may need alternative fuel for a big chunk of trail in
SoCal.

LR


-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Bankhead [mailto:wandering_bob at comcast.net] 
Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2011 12:55 PM
To: 'Donna Saufley'; pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: RE: [pct-l] SCAQMD Rule 1143 & Denatured Alcohol Question

Yet another example of poor judgment by California officials. Your tax
dollars at work.



-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Donna Saufley
Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2011 12:48 PM
To: pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] SCAQMD Rule 1143 & Denatured Alcohol Question

This morning we stopped by our local hardware store.  The owner Trish, who
has done countless kindnesses for hikers including donating denatured
alcohol, gave us her last three cans and told us she will not be able to
order any more.  She said South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule
1143 is the reason;  it bans numerous paint solvents within their district
boundaries  www.aqmd.gov/news1/2009/Rule1143PR.html   

 

According to their map, www.aqmd.gov/map/mapaqmd1.pdf the PCT goes through
SCAQMD boundardies from San Bernardino to where the trail meets the Mojave
floor at Hwy 138.  "Rule 1143 - Reduction of VOC Emissions from Consumer
Paint Thinners and Multi-Purpose Solvents establishes an interim VOC limit
of 300 grams/liter (g/l,) effective January 1, 2010, and a VOC limit of 25
g/l effective January 1, 2011, for all consumer paint thinners and
multi-purpose solvents."

 

The denatured alcohol we've been using (the cans Trish just donated) is VOC:
815 g/L, obviously way in excess of the new limit within the district.  Can
anyone verify the VOC of Heet?  Or know if the new lower VOC products will
work in stoves?

 

It sounds like SCAQMD is acting as environmental leaders with this rule, and
I have not heard that denatured and other solvents will be banned in other
areas.  Imagining enforcement on the PCT is difficult.  However, hikers may
not be able to buy denatured at resupply locations within the district, and
other regions may be considering similar bans.

 

L-Rod





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