FAQs
What does PDEQ do?
Pima County Department of Environmental Quality
(PDEQ) is a regulatory agency whose job is to enforce state
and federal laws regarding Pima County's water and air quality. PDEQ
increases public awareness of environmental issues through
its public education and outreach programs. PDEQ also provides
pollution prevention opportunities through programs such as
the Voluntary Vehicle Repair & Retrofit Program and the Voluntary
Lawn & Garden Equipment Retirement Program, when funding
is available.
What is the difference between PDEQ and the EPA?
Pima County Department of Environmental Quality
(PDEQ) administers state laws and regulations. The U.S Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) administers federal laws and regulations,
but delegates much of its enforcement authority in Arizona
to PDEQ and Arizona Department or Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
How does PDEQ work with business and
industry?
The Business Assistance Program offers assistance
to businesses in complying with local, state and federal hazardous
materials, waste and air quality regulations. We offer assistance
in these areas:
* Permitting Services
* Compliance Assistance
* Regulatory Support
The Small Business Waste Assistance Program
provides an environmentally safe alternative for some businesses
to dispose of small amounts of commercial hazardous waste.
The Environmental Services Directory is a partial listing of
area businesses that provide services related to environmental
issues such as Hazardous Waste Transportation & Disposal, Environmental Consulting, Dust
Control, etc.
How can I report someone who I think
is illegally polluting?
To file a complaint either call (520) 740-3340
and ask to speak to a Complaint Coordinator, or fill out our
online complaint form.
How can I find out the status of a project
that's in the review process?
Because each project is unique, the timeline for completion varies.
To get the status of your particular project contact the Business
Assistance Program at (520) 740-3340.
Air Quality
What is the largest contributor to air pollution?
Nearly 70% of Pima County's air pollution is
caused by motor vehicle usage.
How can I improve the air quality in
my community?
There are many ways to improve air quality. Instead
of driving alone, try carpooling, walking, riding your bike
and taking the bus. See 26
Ways to Healthy Air for more tips.
How do I manage asbestos in my house
or apartment building?
Even if asbestos is in your home, this is usually
NOT a serious problem. The mere presence of asbestos in a home
or a building is not hazardous. The danger is that asbestos
materials may become damaged over time. Damaged asbestos may
release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard.
THE BEST THING TO DO WITH
ASBESTOS MATERIAL IN GOOD CONDITION IS TO LEAVE IT ALONE! Disturbing
it may create a health hazard where none existed before.
Read the asbestos awareness
information before you have any
asbestos material inspected, removed, or repaired.
What can I do if my older car fails the
state emissions test?
Since the majority of our air pollution in Pima
County comes from motor vehicle use, maintenance of your vehicles
emission system is critical to improve and maintain our air
quality. If your vehicle is 12 years or older and it fails
the state emissions test, you may qualify for financial assistance
for vehicle emission repairs through the PDEQ
Voluntary Vehicle Repair and Retrofit Program.
Waste Management
What are hazardous wastes?
A waste is any solid, liquid, or contained gaseous
material that is discarded by being disposed of, burned or
incinerated, or recycled. (There are some exceptions for recycled
materials.) It can be the by-product of a manufacturing process
or simply a commercial product that you use in your business--
such as a cleaning fluid or battery acid-- that is being disposed.
Even materials that are recyclable or can be reused in some
way-- such as burning used oil for fuel-- may be considered
waste.
How do I know if waste is hazardous or
just garbage?
Read the label. In many cases, a hazardous material
will be indicated by a Caution, Warning, or Danger heading.
(For example, a pesticide might say Warning: Poison.)
How do I know if my small business is
generating hazardous waste?
A waste is hazardous if it demonstrates one or
more of the following characteristics:
* Ignitable. Ignitable wastes can create fires under certain
conditions. Examples are paints and certain degreasers and
solvents.
* Corrosive. Corrosive wastes are those that corrode metals
or have a very low pH. Examples are rust removers, acid or
alkaline cleaning fluids, and battery acid.
* Reactive. Reactive wastes are unstable under normal conditions.
They can create explosions and/or toxic fumes, gases, and vapors
when mixed with water or under other conditions, such as heat
or pressure. Examples are certain cyanides or sulfide-bearing
wastes.
* Toxic. Toxic wastes are harmful or fatal when ingested
or absorbed; or they leach toxic chemicals into the soil
or ground water when disposed of on land. Examples are wastes
that contain high concentrations of heavy metals, such as
cadmium, lead, or mercury. Additionally, a mixture of hazardous
waste with solid waste (e.g., motor oil, trash, debris) may
become a hazardous waste.
What are the hours of operation
and materials accepted by Household Hazardous Waste Program?
Where are they located?
The main site is open every Friday & Saturday 8
AM TO 12 noon
Address: 2440 West Sweetwater Drive.
Directions: I -10 to Prince Rd., west to Business Center Dr., north to
River Park Dr. and turn left, then right on Commerce Dr., left
on Access Dr. and right on Sweetwater Dr. or once at Business
Center Dr., follow the white and teal signs.
For a list of the materials accepted, look at the HHW page.
Water Quality
Where do I report someone who I think is illegally dumping into
our streams?
To file a complaint either call (520) 740-3340
and ask to speak to a Complaint Coordinator, or fill out our
online complaint form.
Who do I contact if I need to drill a
well?
Arizona Department of Water Resources has authority
for well drilling in Pima County. Before you drill, contact
them at 400 W. Congress Suite 518 or phone (520) 770-3800 for
more information.
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