Sierra Research | Public Health Analysis

Sierra Research offers expert analysis of the potential public health impacts of residential, commercial, transportation, and industrial projects that may emit toxic air contaminants. This type of analysis is often required for industrial and transportation-related projects within the context of regulatory (permitting) reviews and broader environmental reviews required for projects subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Sierra Research bases its public health impact analyses for industry and government clients on methodologies specified by the State of California and local district regulations for California projects and US EPA guidance nationwide, supplemented by a thorough understanding of the toxicology of each toxic air contaminant and a proper interpretation of epidemiological studies of the effects of urban air pollution.

Sierra's unique combination of skills in assessing the emissions and impacts of both industrial and transportation sources assures that a high quality, technically defensible analysis can be prepared for any type of facility.

Specific public health services and products include the following:

Quantitative analysis of potential public health impacts from toxic air contaminant emissions, using the HARP (Hot Spots Analysis and Reporting Program) model.
Preparation of the Public Health section for the Application for Certification required by the California Energy Commission on power plant projects of at least 50 MW.
Health risk assessment and report required for certain facilities under the California Hot Spots "Air Toxics" Information and Assessment Act Program (AB 2588).
Analysis of potential public health impacts of industrial and commercial projects requiring preparation of an Environmental Impact Report under the California Environmental Quality Act or Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Analysis of potential public health impacts of energy projects requiring a Resource Report to obtain authorization and an Order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.