 WELCOME! The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is the air pollution control agency for all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. This is the second most populated urban area in the United States and one of the smoggiest. AQMD
is committed to undertaking all necessary steps to protect
public health from air pollution, with sensitivity to the
impacts of its actions on the community and businesses. |
|
AQMD News
|
|
 Recent
Court Decision Prevents AQMD from Issuing Permits for New
Projects 
AQMD is now required to make significant changes to its
permitting program due to a recent court decision. It will
prevent the agency from issuing permits for new construction,
modification, replacement and relocation of equipment that
increases air pollution, unless the applicant provides its own
Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs).
|
|
 AQMD
to Host a Two-Day Conference on NOx Control at Stationary
Sources – Jan. 29-30
The conference is aimed at assisting stationary sources with
their compliance efforts to meet the most recent AQMD NOx
control requirements. All individuals interested in this topic
are encouraged to attend. Along with knowledgeable speakers, it
will include a complimentary portable analyzer training session
and information on the latest technologies.
|
|
 AQMD
Governing Board Chairman William Burke Announces New “Helping
Hand” Initiative
A plan proposed by Chairman Burke during the Jan. 9 Board
Meeting is expected to support the local economy while keeping
the region on a clean air path. The initiative consists of four
elements, including more web-based training for small businesses
and providing permit holders assistance one Saturday per month.
|
|
 Stakeholders
Meeting on Jan. 21 to Seek Solutions for New Source Review (NSR)
Program
AQMD is hosting a meeting to discuss issues such as
availability of pollution credits and recent litigation that
have impacted businesses in our Basin. Staff is seeking
innovative ideas and hoping to establish a process for
subsequent meetings. The meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.
at AQMD headquarters.
|
|
 Don’t
Miss Out This Winter! Take Advantage of our Healthy Hearths
Program!
More than 1,350 gas log sets have already been sold but
Southland residents still have an opportunity to get a $125
discount toward the purchase and installation of cleaner-burning
gas logs which look so realistic, they look and feel like the
real thing! For more information, check out
www.HealthyHearths.org.
|
|
 California
Air Resources Board Program Seeks Students Interested in Climate
Change
Students in grades 9-12 are being encouraged to apply for a
program, sponsored by the State of California and the British
Council that connects them with “climate champions” across the
globe. Selected youth will teach people in their schools and
communities how they can reduce their carbon footprint.
|
|
 New
Proposed Rule Will Further Reduce Particulate Emissions from
Local Cement Plants
AQMD is in the process of strengthening its
Rule 1156
after elevated levels of hexavalent chromium were found in dust
blowing from a cement facility in Riverside. The new rule would
require ambient air monitoring, wind monitoring and a 24-hour
halt on “clinker” material handling if wind gusts exceed 25 mph.
|
