The Bureau of Air Quality strives to protect public health by improving the quality of our air by working with industry, businesses, schools and citizens. A main function of the bureau is limiting air pollution through a coordination of local, state and federal efforts. The bureau issues permits, regulates emissions, approves air quality plans for the construction and modifications of air pollution sources. The bureau also enforces Pennsylvania's clean air requirements by performing our own monitoring of sources throughout the state. We implement outreach programs to educate residents on their role in improving air quality.

Air Pollution

For over 20 years, the bureau has successfully focused on reducing ground-level ozone pollution in Pennsylvania. Ozone is formed from the pollution emitted by cars and trucks, power plants, industry, small businesses, and consumers. Many programs have been developed to address the ozone problem and its sources.

To address the pollution from vehicles, the Drive Clean PA program deals with annual emissions testing of vehicles. The alternative fuel vehicle program promotes the use of nonpolluting vehicles. Efforts have been made to require clean fuels and vapor recovery for vehicles and service stations. Small Business Assistance is offered to help with compliance of the various ozone-reducing regulations. Public outreach is coordinated through the Air Quality Partnership program which provides daily forecasts of ozone and particle conditions insome areas, as well as information on what can be done.

The effort has brought ozone levels for most of the state under the national 1-hour ozone standard. Continuing efforts and planning are necessary to comply with the 8-hour ozone standard. The Commonwealth faces challenges in reducing fine particle pollution and haze. Work must continue with other states to reduce the amount of pollution that is transported into Pennsylvania.

Toxics, acid rain, and nitrate deposition remain important issues.

Working Together

One obligation of the bureau is to work with businesses to assure compliance with Pennsylvania’s environmental laws and regulations. This is often achieved through the use of permits.

Permits are issued for sources to operate, for construction of new sources, or modification of existing ones. To be sure businesses are meeting permit requirements, inspections and stack tests are conducted on a routine basis. For certain sources, emission monitors are installed to continuously keep track of pollution. To aid in the bureau's planning effort, an emissions inventory is required from pollution sources each year. The results are reported to the EPA, and also stored in the Department's eFACTS system.

The bureau is committed to assisting small businesses with limited resources. Technical guidance is available in a wide-range of topics.

Reporting to the public on compliance with environmental requirements is accomplished through eFACTS. Good reporting is necessary to maintain credibility with the public and to get better compliance from those facilities regulated.

Contact

If you have questions or would like more information on the material presented above, contact the Bureau of Air Quality.