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City of Pleasanton CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds and Guidance 6 Quantifying GHG Emissions There are a variety of analytical tools available to estimate project-level GHG emissions, including the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod),26 which is a free, publicly available computer model developed for the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) in collaboration with various air quality districts throughout the State.Alternative tools may be used to quantify emissions if they can be substantiated. In general,the most current version of CaIEEMod should be used to calculate total emissions for discretionary development projects.The analysis should focus on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide(N20) because these are the GHGs that most development projects would generate in the largest quantities. Fluorinated gases, such as hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluorides,should also considered for the analysis. Emissions of all GHGs should be converted into their equivalent global warming potential in terms of CO2 (CO2e). Calculations should be based on the current methodologies recommended by the CAPCOA and the BAAQMD.27,28 6.1 Construction GHG Emissions Construction activities emit GHGs primarily though combustion of fuels(mostly diesel) in the engines of off-road construction equipment and in on-road construction vehicles and in the commute vehicles of the construction workers. Smaller amounts of GHGs are emitted indirectly through the energy required for water used for fugitive dust control and lighting for the construction activity. Every phase of the construction process, including demolition,grading, paving, and building, emits GHG emissions in volumes proportional to the quantity and type of construction equipment used. Heavier equipment typically emits more GHGs per hour of than lighter equipment because of its engine design and greater fuel consumption. BAAQMD recommends quantifying and disclosing construction-related GHG emissions and making an impact level determination. CaIEEMod generates a default construction schedule and equipment list based on the plan-/project-specific information, including land use, project size, location,and construction timeline.29 in general, if specific applicant-provided information is unknown,the default construction equipment list and phase lengths are the most appropriate inputs. However, if more detailed site-specific equipment and phase information (i.e.,data from the project applicant) is available,the model's default values can (and should) be overridden.30 26 The most current available version of CalEEMod should be used.As of February 2022,CalEEMod version 2020.4.0 is the most current version and should be used to quantify project-level emissions. 27 California Air Pollution Control Officers Association.2008.CEQA and Climate Change:Addressing Climate Change through California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA).January 2008. 28 BAAQMD.2022."CEQA Thresholds and Guidelines Update."https://www.baagmd.gov/plans-and-climate/california-environmental- qual ity-act-cega/u pdated-cega-guidelines. 29CAPCOA.2020.California Emissions Estimator Model User Guide:Version 2020.4.0.Prepared by BREEZE Software,A Division of Trinity Consultants in collaboration with South Coast Air Quality Management District and the California Air Districts. http://www.aqmd.gov/caleemod/user's-guide. 301bid. 32