Air Quality Division
Learn More About Air Quality Programs
The Air Quality Division protects public health and the environment by controlling present and future sources of air pollution. Core responsibilities include: Air Quality forecasting, monitoring and analyzing data, issuing permits, compliance inspections, vehicle emissions testing, asbestos and preserving visibility in urban areas, national parks and the wilderness. We do this through the following Air Quality programs:
Air Quality Forecasting
ADEQ meteorologists issue air quality forecasts for pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter in Maricopa County and some other parts of the state to inform the public when unhealthy pollution levels are anticipated.
Monitoring Network
Air quality monitoring networks operate in urban and rural areas throughout Arizona. They provide local air quality conditions to the public and help identify the causes of air pollution. The networks are composed of individual monitoring sites that collect ambient air quality data in a variety of settings. The results determine if public health standards are met and allow scientists to assess the effects of pollution on public health and welfare | Learn More >
Air Quality Plans
The State Implementation Plan (SIP) is the cumulative record of all air pollution strategies, state statutes, state rules and local ordinances implemented under Title I of the federal Clean Air Act within Arizona. The state currently has 14 air quality planning areas, each with specific plans related to the larger SIP | Learn More >
Permits
The Air Quality Division issues air quality permits to industrial facilities that emit significant quantities of air pollutants to ensure that the emissions do not harm public health or cause significant deterioration in air quality | View Permits >
Air Compliance Assistance
This program assists regulated entities in understanding complex air quality requirements. It also conducts inspections and follow-up compliance activities at facilities that generate air pollution. Community liaisons assist citizens with complaints about air quality throughout the state | Learn More >
Vehicle Emissions Control Section (VECS)
Vehicle use in metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson contributes to air pollution, endangering public health. To improve conditions, the Air Quality Division administers a mandatory vehicle emissions testing and repair program that emphasizes the importance of maintaining vehicle efficiency, which reduces emissions and results in cleaner air | Learn More >
Arizona Emissions Bank
The Arizona Emissions Bank holds emission reduction credits (ERCs) generated by facilities that have emission reductions in order to promote the use of credits for new projects or existing expansions in nonattainment areas within the state of Arizona. A new rule change also considers adding credits from nontraditional sources. I Learn More >
Agricultural Dust
The Agricultural Dust Program addresses public complaints regarding dust from agricultural operations and provides outreach to agricultural operations on rule requirements and measures to reduce dust. This program also implements and enforces Agricultural Best Management Practices (Ag BMP) rules that are required for commercial agricultural operations in areas that do not meet federal air quality standards for particulate matter 10, also known as PM10 non-attainment areas | Learn More >
Clean Air Initiatives
ADEQ designs and manages a variety of initiatives that improve Arizona’s air quality to help protect public health and the environment. These initiatives are non-regulatory (i.e., participation is voluntary), but they work to support state and federal regulations. Clean air initiatives often involve collaboration with partners from other air monitoring agencies, state/local governments, businesses and community organizations | Learn More >