Basic Information
CICA, from the Center's name in Spanish (Centro de Información Sobre Contaminación de Aire) provides technical support and assistance in evaluating air pollution problems along the U.S.-Mexico Border. These services and products are available at no cost to Federal, State and Local Agencies and Universities in Mexico. Others, especially Spanish speaking countries, can use these services as available resources allow. CICA is sponsored by EPA's Clean Air Technology Center (CATC) and it provides a wide range of technical assistance on:
- Air pollutants and control strategies
- Emissions inventories and emissions factors
- Dispersion modeling
- Ambient monitoring
- Emission measurements
- Risk analysis
Engineering Assistance, Technical Guidance and Software Tools
CICA provides in-depth environmental engineering assistance, technical guidance and software tools on a range of topics, including:
- Evaluation of source emissions
- Identification of control alternatives
- Estimates of control equipment costs
- Advice on control equipment permit conditions
- Information about air pollution technologies and ambient air monitoring projects
- Studies on emission inventories and factors
- Air quality models and related software
On-line Assistance
- TTN Web (English Only)
The Technology Transfer Network (TTN) Web is a collection of related web sites containing information about many areas of air pollution science, technology, regulation, measurement, and prevention. The Clean Air Technology Center (CATC), the RACT/BACT/LAER (RBLC) Clearinghouse, and CICA are all part of the TTN Web.
- CATC Web (English Only)
CATC Web serves as a resource on all areas of emerging and existing air pollution prevention and control technologies, and provides public access to data and information on their use, effectiveness and cost. CATC Web allows you to access:
- The RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC)
The RBLC provides access to the latest data on air pollution control technologies and case-by-case permit decisions made by state and local permiting agencies in the U.S. The Clearinghouse also has a regulation data base that summarizes all emission standards issued by EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS).
The RBLC includes information about several regulatory programs that pertain to air pollutant emissions from stationary sources. Reasonable Available Control Technology (RACT) is required on existing sources in areas that are not meeting national ambient air quality standards (i.e., they are within nonattainment areas). Best Available Control Technology (BACT) is required on major new or modified sources in clean areas (i.e., attainment areas). Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) is required on major new or modified sources in nonattainment areas.
- The RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC)
- CATC Web (English Only)