Air Quality Compliance

The University of Arizona (U of A) was first issued a Title V Air Quality Permit #2371 in 2001 by the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ).  The Permit has been renewed and revised multiple times, most recently in November 2012.  The Permit governs University operations and activities that generate regulated air emissions under the Federal Clean Air Act.  PDEQ is the local agency that has been delegated authority to regulate air emissions and permitting in Pima County.  University emissions-generating equipment is managed by multiple units, including Facilities Management, Arizona Student Unions, University Animal Care and Residence Life.

The Permit requires the University to maintain documentation regarding air emissions, and report this information to PDEQ on a regular basis.  In addition to operating procedures to minimize emissions, specific pollutants addressed in the University's Permit include: nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and other hazardous air pollutants.

The Title V Air Quality Permit must be renewed through application to PDEQ every five years. Regulated equipment and activities include fossil-fuel burning equipment such as: natural gas fired turbines, emergency generators, steam boilers, gasoline fired equipment, incinerators and non-vehicle air conditioner maintenance. Visible emissions from all activities are also regulated. In addition, the evaporation of waste solvent through laboratory fume hoods is prohibited as part of best management practices (BMPs) defined in the Permit.

If you have witness an unusual air emission, or have questions about the University's Title V Air Quality Permit compliance effort, please contact RMS.