Air Program

Two workers completing a InspectionPima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) has regulatory authority for air quality within Pima County including municipalities as an Air Quality Control District, with the exception of the Tohono O'Odham, Pasqua Yaqui and San Xavier Indian Reservations established pursuant to applicable provisions of the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.), Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.), Pima County Code (PCC), Federal Environmental Statutes, delegation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) via the Clean Air Act, and by delegation from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). PDEQ regulates ambient outdoor air quality according to rules codified in Title 17 of the Pima County Code, conducts Air Quality Monitoring and provides Community Education about air quality issues.

Sources of Air Pollution Requiring Permits

PDEQ issues air quality operating permits to facilities known as Stationary Sources which may be any building, structure or installation subject to regulation which emits or may emit air pollution. These facilities must comply with the conditions in their operating permits to limit air pollution. The in the following tabs for Stationary Sources includes information regarding Operating Permits and Compliance Guidance for these sources. Other sources of air pollution include Fugitive Dust, Asbestos and Open Burning, which are also regulated by PDEQ. Air quality regulations lay out the requirements and process for the application and issuance of an air quality permit.

Find a Permitted Source

PDEQ maintains searchable tables of stationary sources within Pima County. 

  1. Air Permits

Stationary Source Permits

Air quality operating permits issued by PDEQ include a listing of all air pollution regulatory requirements that apply to the source. The program clarifies the air pollution control obligations of facilities by compiling in one document all of a source's air compliance requirements. The intent is that by including all applicable requirements in one permit it will be easier for the source owner, the regulatory agency, and the public to determine if the source is in compliance.

Asbestos NESHAP

PDEQ administers their asbestos program having adopted by reference in Pima County Code the Asbestos NESHAP (National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants). The program's intent is to minimize the release of asbestos-containing material. The regulations require the owner of the building and/or the operator to notify PDEQ before any demolition, or before renovations of buildings that contain a certain threshold amount of asbestos or asbestos containing materials. Additionally, specific work practices are to be followed during demolitions and renovations.

Fugitive Dust

Fugitive dust is particulate matter which becomes airborne, is not emitted from a stack or vent, and has the potential to adversely affect human health or the environment. High levels of dust particles often originate from agricultural, mining, construction and manufacturing activities. PDEQ protects air quality by regulating fugitive dust emissions and inspecting dust-producing activities and sites.

Open Burning

Open burning is the burning of materials such as trees, brush, leaves, grass and other debris where smoke and other emissions are released directly into the air without passing through a chimney or stack. Air pollution from open burning can cause serious health problems, obscure visibility, or damage the environment. PDEQ regulates open burning to address these concerns. PDEQ rules require a permit for open burning, with the exception of campfires, barbecues, and small fires for warmth.

  1. Air Compliance
  1. Air Quality Monitoring
  1. Emissions Inventory