Is there an air pollution problem?
Air quality in the San Joaquin Valley has steadily improved over the past 15 years and continues to do so through the District’s adoption of new Rules, State Implementation Plans, and the support and participation of Stakeholders, businesses, and the public. The San Joaquin Valley has been attainment for Carbon Monoxide (CO) since 1994 and recently reached attainment for the federal PM10 standard in 2008. The District is currently working on reaching attainment for Ozone and PM2.5.
Details on the District’s progress toward attainment are available in the Annual Report to the Community and the District’s most recent Air Quality Plans:
Air Quality Attainment Plans
Annual Report to the Community
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Why is it so severe?
The San Joaquin Valley Air Basin is approximately 250 miles long and is
shaped like a narrow bowl. The sides and southern boundary of the
"bowl" are bordered by mountain ranges. The Valleys weather
conditions include frequent temperature inversions, long, hot summers, and
stagnant, foggy winters, all of which are conducive to the formation and
retention of air pollutants.
The bowl-shaped Valley collects and holds emissions caused by the activities
of the Valleys three million residents and their two million vehicles, as
well as vehicles from other areas traveling on Highway 99 and Interstate 5. In
addition, pollutants are also transported into the Valley from the Bay Area and
the Sacramento Valley. These characteristics cause the San Joaquin Valley to be
unusually susceptible to significant air pollution problems.
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What causes air pollution?
Ozone precursor emission sources are generally divided into two categories:
stationary and mobile. Stationary sources fall into two types called point and
area sources. Point sources are large, easily identifiable sources such as
industrial facilities and operations. Area sources are sources that individually
emit smaller amounts of pollutants. They include consumer products (for example,
deodorants, and nail polish), house paints pesticides, and agricultural burning,
and small commercial sources such as gas stations and dry cleaners.
Mobile sources also fall into two categories: on-road and non-road. On-road
sources include light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles and motorcycles. Non-road
mobile sources include construction equipment, farm tractors, trains, ships,
aircraft, mobile equipment, and utility equipment such as lawn mowers and chain
saws.
PM10 sources generally fall into two categories: human (anthropogenic)
activity and natural sources (nonanthropogenic). Anthropogenic sources include
agricultural operations, industrial processes, combustion of wood or fossil
fuels, earthmoving activities, and entrainment of road dust into the air.
Nonanthropogenic sources include windblown dust and wildfires.
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How much comes from other areas?
Air pollution transported from the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento areas
account for approximately 27% of the total emissions in the Northern
portion of the District (San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced Counties). In the
Central region (Fresno, Madera and Kings Counties), the percentage drops to 11%, and in the south valley (the Valley portion of Kern and Tulare
Counties), transported air pollution accounts for only 7% of the total
problem.
While some of our pollution is blown in from other areas, most of our air pollution is home grown and it is our
responsibility to clean it up.
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What is being done to improve air quality in the San Joaquin Valley?
The primary mission of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
is to improve the health and quality of life for all Valley residents through
cooperative and effective air quality programs. This mission is being
implemented through developing plans and establishing strategies to attain state and federal ozone and PM10 standards.
To meet federal Clean Air Act requirements, the District has adopted an Ozone Attainment Demonstration Plan (2007), a PM10 Attainment Demonstration Plan (2006), and a PM2.5 Attainment Demonstration Plan (2008). In addition, to meet California Clean Air Act requirements, the District has also adopted an Air Quality Attainment Plan (1991) and corresponding updates to address the California ozone standard.
A broad range of actions to improve air quality that are set forth in the
adopted plans are being taken by the district and by EPA and ARB. These include:
- Adoption of rules that reduce emissions from existing stationary sources;
- Mitigation of any increase in emissions resulting from new or modified
point sources in the District;
- Development of transportation control measures in conjunction with
transportation agencies throughout the Valley;
- Health protective programs such as the Real-time Air Quality Network (RAAN) and the Air Quality Flag Program give the public tools to make daily decisions about air quality;
- Grant Programs such REMOVE and the Medium and Heavy Duty
Engine Emission Reduction Incentive Program;
- Public education programs such as the Healthy Air Living Program;
- State and federal clean vehicle and clean fuel programs.
Improving air quality is depends upon a clear understanding of the
sources of air pollution, referred to as the emission inventory. The District is
constantly seeking to improve its emission inventory. Current efforts include
the California Regional Particulate Matter Air Quality Study and the Central
California Ozone Study.
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Frequently Asked
Questions About The Pollutants
Ground Level Ozone
More commonly referred to as smog, ozone is a pollutant that forms on hot
summer days and should not be confused with ozone in the upper atmosphere or
stratosphere. Ozone in the air we breathe is virtually invisible and odorless
but by no means harmless.
Unlike other pollutants, ozone is not directly emitted by any one source. Two
pollutants are needed to create ozone: volatile organic compounds and nitrogen
oxides. In the presence of sunlight, especially on hot summer days, this mixture
of pollution forms ozone.
In the Valley, ozone concentrations are highest in the in the summer months,
and downwind of urban areas.
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Particulate Matter
Particulate matter (PM) is made up of fine solid or liquid such as dust, fly ash,
soot, smoke, aerosols, fumes, mists, and condensing vapors. EPA has set health based
standards for particles smaller than 10 microns (PM10) and particles smaller than 2.5
microns(PM2.5). When these particles become airborne, they can be suspended in the air
for long periods of time. Particulate matter may be either directly emitted (primary PM),
or formed in the atmosphere by the reaction of certain gaseous emissions (secondary PM).
At any given time and place, the composition of PM10 in the ambient air depends upon nearby source types, geographical location and meteorological conditions. The PM10 present in the air usually contains a mixture of primary and secondary particles from a variety of sources.
The Valley is affected by two different PM problems - secondary PM in the winter and primary PM in the fall. More exceedances of the PM standards occur in the winter than the fall, with the highest exceedances occurring in urban areas. While fewer exceedances occur in the fall, they are usually the most severe and at the highest levels.
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Frequently
Asked Questions About Your Health
What are the health effects of
pollution?
Often invisible, but harmful, air pollution threatens the health
and well being of all living creatures. Some health effects of smog and other
types of air pollution include:
- Irritation of mucous membranes
- Coughing and wheezing
- Chest pain and tightness
- Dry throat
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
IAir pollutants such as ground-level ozone and particulate matter
can aggravate chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. When
exposed to high levels, people may experience shortness of breath, pain during
deep breaths, and impaired lung function.
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When should outdoor
youth activities be curtailed?
In the event of a poor air quality episode known as a Health Advisory, the
Valley Air District will notify school districts and the media in the
eight-county area. In the interest of student and faculty safety, schools in the
affected areas should discontinue all outdoor activities for the duration of the
advisory. Anyone scheduled to participate in such activities should make
alternate plans to minimize exposure to ground-level ozone by staying indoors
during the advisory period.
To avoid or reduce air pollution exposure, the following actions should be
taken when a Health Advisory has been declared in a particular area:
- Avoid strenuous, outdoor physical activities that increase breathing rate.
- Remain indoors, if possible, for the duration of the episode. Keep doors
and windows closed and use an air conditioner to recirculate indoor air and
keep cool.
- If outdoor activity is unavoidable, stay away from traffic congested areas
where pollution is high.
- Avoid exposure to dust, solvents, fumes, tobacco smoke, or other
irritants.
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How to obtain daily air
quality information
Air quality affects us year-round. In summer, ozone (smog) can rise to unhealthy levels in late afternoon, affecting outdoor activities. During winter, particulate matter (PM) builds up overnight and can linger into morning.
You need to know the best times for that soccer game, run, bike ride or other outdoor activity.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has valuable tools that you can use to determine the air quality in your neighborhood, year-round. These tools are free but the information they provide is priceless: Data and updates reported directly to your computer or cell phone, helping you determine how the air quality may affect you and your family’s activities, today.
Real-Time Air Advisory Network (RAAN)
Originally developed as a tool for Valley schools to find out whether current air quality in their neighborhoods was acceptable for outdoor activities, the Real-Time Air Advisory Network (RAAN) now is available to everyone!
RAAN offers you:
- Online, 24/7 access to the most up-to-date hourly air quality information for your area;
- Automated email or text messages whenever air quality is poor in your area;
- Specific health recommendations for outdoor exercise based on five different air quality levels.
Sign up at http://www.valleyair.org/Programs/RAAN/raan_landing.htm
Air Quality Daily Forecast Alert
The Valley Air District issues a daily air quality forecast on a county-by-county basis. You can view this daily forecast or sign up to receive emails regarding this daily forecast here: http://www.valleyair.org/aqinfo/forecast.htm. Additionally, the District has an automated air quality information line that gives this information out. The website and phone line are updated each day after 4:00 PM and will provide prevailing air quality conditions and the forecast for the following day. The toll free number for those calling from San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties or the Valley portion of Kern County is 1(800) SMOG-INFO or 1(800) 766-4463. Those calling from outside the District can call (559) 230-5875.
In addition, many major newspapers, television and radio stations throughout the Valley report air quality information on their weather page.
Air Alert
On a typical Valley summer day, conditions are ripe for ozone to form. How do you know when ozone may exceed the health-based standard -- before it gets there?
Air Alert is the District’s latest air-quality information program and was developed let Valley residents know that reducing emissions now may prevent high ozone levels later.
When an Air Alert is called, Valley residents and businesses are asked to reduce vehicle use. Some alternatives are:
- Carpooling or vanpooling;
- Using alternative transportation, such as riding a bus;
- Not idling your car;
- Avoiding the use of drive-through services.
You can receive Air Alert notifications directly to your computer. To subscribe to this free service, visit http://www.valleyair.org/lists/list.htm and click on the Air Alert link to subscribe.
You may also visit the Air
Quality Information Page on this Web site.
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Frequently
Asked Questions About Specific District Programs
Current
rules and regulations
The rules that have been adopted by the District are contained in the
Districts rulebook and can be downloaded from this website. If you have
questions regarding current rules, please contact the Small Business Assistance
staff in the regional District offices.
The draft rules that are under development are not contained in the Districts
rulebook. If you have any questions or would like to get a copy of a draft rule,
please call the Planning Division at (559) 230-6100.
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The
latest version of rules and regulations
In general, the latest versions of District rules are those posted on this website. Certain rules, namely those which
will not be effective until approved by EPA, are not posted but can be obtained
by calling the Valley Air District Rule Development Staff at (559) 230-6100.
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Rules
recently amended
New or amended rules are posted on the website within 30 days of their
Governing Board hearings. Information regarding District rules that have been
recently adopted or amended may be obtained by checking rules
page on this web site or by calling the Valley Air District at (559)
230-6000.
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Rules
under development
The rules that the District is currently developing are posted on the rules
page on this website.
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Title
V permitting requirements
What is a Title V permit?
A Title V permit is an operating permit required by Title
V of the 1990 Federal Clean Air Act Amendments. Under this federal law, state
and local air districts, including the Valley Air District, are required to
issue these new comprehensive operating permits to major sources of air
pollution. The District’s Title V permitting requirements are included in District
Rule 2520 (Federally Mandated Operating Permits).
What is different about the District’s Title V
permitting program?
The District’s program includes many unique features
aimed at helping applicants through the Title V permitting process. For example,
in order to simplify the application process, the District has developed
specialized application forms for both initial Title V permitting and
modifications. Also, for some types of commonly permitted equipment, the
District has developed EPA- approved general permit templates, which eliminate
the need for applicants to address many applicable requirements on a
unit-by-unit basis. Another unique feature of the District’s program is the
"Enhanced NSR" process which allows applicants for new and modified
sources to complete Title V permitting requirements while obtaining Authority to
Construct. In order to obtain further assistance in this process, applicants are
encouraged to contact Title V permitting staff at the District’s Fresno office
to schedule a pre-application meeting.
Who is required to obtain a Title V permit?
Sources currently required to obtain Title V permits
include:
1) Major sources of criteria pollutants
with a potential to emit of more than 10 tons per year of oxides of nitrogen, 10 tons per
year of volatile organic compounds, 70 tons per year of sulfur oxides, 70 tons
per year of PM10, or 100 tons per year of carbon monoxide.
2) Major air toxic sources with a
potential to emit of 10 tons per year of any single hazardous air pollutant, or
25 tons per year of any combination of hazardous air pollutants.
3) Electrical power generators for which
an application for an acid rain permit is required under Title IV of the CAA;
4) Any source required to have a
preconstruction review permit pursuant to the requirements of the prevention of
significant deterioration (PSD) program under Title I of the Federal Clean Air
Act;
5) Solid waste incinerators subject to a
performance standard promulgated pursuant to section 111 or 129 of the CAA.
Are there exemptions to Title V requirements?
Major sources whose actual emissions are or can be reduced
below Title V thresholds may be exempt from Title V requirements in one of two
ways:
1) Operators may modify their facility or permit to limit
their potential to emit to below Title V thresholds; or
2) Operators may choose to comply with the requirements of
District Rule 2530
(Federally Enforceable Potential to Emit).
Facility operators interested in pursuing these options
may contact Permit Services staff at their regional offices for more
information.
How can I find out more about Title V?
The District’s Title V program is described in District
Rule 2520 (Federally mandated operating permits). Because the District’s
program includes many unique features aimed at simplifying and streamlining the
Title V permitting process, applicants are encouraged to contact staff in the
District’s Fresno office to discuss their options.
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Obtaining an Authority to
Construct
Why do I need
a pre-construction permit from the Valley Air District?
The pre-construction approval, called an Authority to Construct, is required
by air pollution regulatory agencies (such as the Valley Air District) to help
ensure that business will not build or modify equipment that does not operate in
compliance with air pollution regulations. Please visit the permits page for
more information.
How long does
it take to obtain an Authority to Construct?
Generally,
applications are processed in the order that they are deemed complete. Depending
on the number of complete applications received and staffing resources,
processing begins as soon as possible after the application is deemed complete.
Once an
applicant has provided all of the information needed to process an application,
the District sends a written receipt for the completed packet. By law, the
District has up to 180 days from the date an application is deemed complete to
take final action to approve or deny the application. Recognizing the
enormous costs that permitting delays can cause, the District has implemented a
number of permit streamlining measures to reduce permit processing time.
Depending on the complexity of the project, some
applications require less than one hour of processing, others require more than
one hundred.
If the application is subject to public noticing provisions, a 30-day public commenting period
is required. For a more accurate estimate on permit turnaround time,
please contact permitting staff at the district regional
permit office where the equipment will be located.
Once an applicant has provided all of the information needed to process an application, the District sends a written receipt for the completed packet. This marks the beginning of a 180-day period for final approval or denial of the application. Depending on the number of complete applications received and staffing resources, processing begins as soon as possible after the application is deemed complete. Some applications require less than one hour of processing, others require more than one hundred. If the application is subject to public notice, a 30-day public commenting period is required.
What can be done to minimize the amount of
time it takes to obtain an Authority to Construct?
Submitting a complete application with all
the information requested in the instructions is the best way to reduce the
application processing time. Hiring a
Certified Air Permitting Professional (CAPP) to prepare the application may also
expedite its processing. CAPP
consultants have completed District training and passed a comprehensive
examination that allows them to submit a complete application, a draft
engineering analysis, and draft permit conditions. This enables
the District to do a final review of the CAPP submittal, bypassing the need for
District staff to perform these steps. Hiring a Certified Air Permitting Professional (CAPP) to prepare the application may also expedite its processing. CAPP consultants have completed District training and passed a comprehensive examination that allows them to submit a complete application, a draft engineering analysis, and draft permit conditions. This enables the District to do a final review of the CAPP submittal, bypassing the need for District staff to perform these steps.
In exceptional cases, an applicant may be
able to identify compelling environmental and economic reasons that make
priority processing appropriate. In such cases, the applicant may request that the complete application be processed on an extra-hours basis with the applicant bearing the fiscal responsibility for overtime processing of the application. Most applications processed on an extra-hours basis are completed in one or two weekends unless a public notice is required.
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The
agricultural burning program
State law allows commercial agricultural operations to burn specific types of crop debris to eliminate
waste and control pests. In order to protect public health and preserve the Valley's economy,
the Valley Air District regulates burning through a process of permits, rules and regulations.
To assist farmers, the District issues burn permits that will allow farmers to burn specific types
of vegetative agricultural wastes. Burning is authorized for each individual burn on a daily bases
when there is ample air movement to pick up and quickly disperse the smoke effectively.
The open burning of garbage, household trash, or yard debris is strictly prohibited, as are burn barrels
or other outdoor fires. Residents are encouraged to report unauthorized burns or those that create a public
nuisance to the Valley Air District.
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Obtaining a burn permit
Applications for agricultural burn permits are processed over the telephone. Please call:
- In the Fresno Area (559) 227-7143
- Outside the Fresno Area (800) 665-2876
For more information, please visit the Agricultural Burning page on this website.
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Toxics program
Toxic air emissions are regulated under the Districts Integrated Air Toxic
Program. This program integrates the state and federal requirements and is aimed
at protecting public health. Major goals of this program are as follows:
1) Assuring compliance with State and Federal requirements aimed at
protecting public health;
2) Eliminating duplication and redundancy by consolidating requirements
where multiple rules, programs, and emission limits apply to a single
operation;
3) Maximizing the use of existing programs for quantifying, assessing,
and controlling air toxic emissions;
4) Maximizing the use of the Districts existing ozone and PM10
regulations that also result in air toxic emissions reductions;
5) Maximizing the use of the Districts existing permitting,
inspection, and emission inventory systems to minimize the burden of State
and Federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements; and
6) Not Federalizing "State-only" requirements unless
doing so provides a corresponding benefit by substantially streamlining the
program.
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The
California Environmental Quality Act
What is CEQA?
CEQA, or the California Environmental Quality Act, is a
statute that requires state and local agencies to identify the significant
environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts,
if feasible.
When
and why was it enacted?
The impetus for CEQA can be traced to National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. In response to this federal law, the
California State Assembly created a committee to study the possibility of
supplementing NEPA through state law. In
1970, this legislative committee issued a report entitled The Environmental Bill of Rights, which called for a California
counterpart to NEPA. Later that same year, this legislature passed and Governor
Reagan signed the CEQA statute.
Who
must comply with CEQA?
Just about anyone who wants to plan and build nearly
anything in California, including state and local public agencies, private
individuals, and companies, must comply with CEQA. Examples of projects that are nearly always subject to CEQA
are city and county general plans, zoning changes, subdivision maps, conditional
use permits, and air district attainment plans. Each jurisdiction responsible for approving projects decides
which are subject to CEQA within the framework and guidelines provided.
The Act identifies many activities that are exempt from CEQA
requirements. Some notable examples
are building and Air District permits.
If
it applies, what are the basic requirements of environmental review under CEQA?
The required environmental review imposes both procedural
and substantive requirements. At a
minimum, an initial review of the project and its environmental effects must be
conducted. Depending on the
potential effects, a further, and more substantial, review may be conducted in
the form of an environmental impact report (EIR). A project may not be approved
as submitted if there are feasible alternatives or mitigation measures are able
to substantially reduce the environmental effects of the project.
What
are the CEQA Guidelines?
The Guidelines are the regulations that explain and
interpret the law for the public at large and public agencies required to
administer CEQA. The Guidelines
provide objectives, criteria and procedures so that public agencies can evaluate projects
and prepare environmental impact reports, negative declarations, and mitigate
negative declarations by public agencies. The fundamental purpose of the
Guidelines is to make the CEQA process comprehensible to those who administer
it, are subject to it, and benefit from it.
To that end, the Guidelines are more than mere regulations that implement
CEQA, as they incorporate and interpret both the statutory mandates of CEQA and
the principles advanced by judicial decisions.
How
are the Guidelines crafted?
The Governor's Office of Planning and Research prepares and
develops proposed amendments to the Guidelines and transmits them to the
Secretary for Resources. The Secretary for Resources is responsible for
certification and adoption of the Guidelines and any amendments. To obtain
public comment, the Secretary holds a 45-day written comment period, which
includes a public hearing to receive testimony on the proposal.
All public comments, whether written or verbal, are considered by the
Secretary in determining whether to adopt the proposed amendments prepared by
the Office of Planning and Research. Once edited, amendments are adopted and
sent to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) for review and final approval.
Guidelines approved by OAL are deposited with the Secretary of State and go into
immediate effect.
How
often are the Guidelines amended?
Revision of the CEQA Guidelines is an on-going process. By
statute, the Secretary of Resources is required to review and consider
amendments to the Guidelines every two years. Annual changes to CEQA and
evolving case law make revision to the Guidelines necessary on a continual
basis. By the time one revision is completed, another one begins. Because the
subject is so large and complex, a definitive, one-time revision is not
possible. The actual process of amending the Guidelines is governed by the
Administrative Procedure Act and is the same as that described above in
"How are the Guidelines crafted?"
Who
enforces CEQA? What role does the Resources Agency have in enforcement of CEQA?
CEQA is a self-executing statute. Public agencies are entrusted to comply with CEQA with little
or no enforcement. Instead, the
public enforces its provisions through litigation, when necessary.
While the Resources Agency is charged with the adoption of CEQA
Guidelines and often assists public agencies in interpreting the ACT, it is each
agency's duty to determine what is and is not subject to CEQA.
As such, the Resources Agency does not review the facts and exercise of
discretion by public agencies in individual situations.
The Agency does not enforce CEQA, nor does it monitor state and local
agency actions that are subject to CEQA compliance.
What
aspects of CEQA compliance is the Secretary for Resources responsible?
In addition to adopting the CEQA Guidelines and amendments,
the Secretary for Resources also has the following responsibilities:
-
Determines if a class of projects given categorical exemptions will have
a significant environmental impact;
-
Certifies state environmental regulatory programs that meet specific
standards as being exempt from certain provisions of CEQA;
-
Receives and files notices of completion, determination, and exemption;
and
- Provides
assistance in interpreting the provisions of CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
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The
INSPECT program for industry
The Industry Self-Inspection program known as
INSPECT was developed by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District (Valley Air
District) in partnership with business and industry leaders to improve
compliance with air quality regulations and streamline the Districts
inspection program.
Through the INSPECT program, the Valley Air District
assists businesses in developing self-inspection programs for their facilities. This helps each business operator to
implement routine inspections of their equipment and promptly correct any
deficiencies that may be discovered. In return, the Valley Air District will eliminate penalties
for many self-reported violations and reduce penalties for others.
The INSPECT program represents the newest effort in
the Districts compliance assistance program, which focuses on education,
prevention, and cooperation. Anyone
wishing to receive more details about the INSPECT program may call the District
at (559) 230-5950.
For more
information, please visit the INSPECT
page on this website.
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Frequently Asked
Questions About Public Involvement
Calling
in complaints
Complaints should be reported as quickly as possible after you have detected
an offensive odor, observed smoke, fallout, dust, or any other pollution
problem. The sooner a complaint is received, the sooner it will be dispatched to
an inspector who can begin an investigation. Problems should be reported each
day that they occur. The most efficient way to make a complaint is to use one of
the Valley Air Districts toll free complaint lines:
- Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties - (800)
281-7003
- Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties - (800) 870-1037
- Tulare County and the valley portion of Kern County - (800) 926-5550
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Commenting
on rules and regulations
The rules that have been adopted by the District are contained in the
Districts rulebook and can be downloaded from this website. If you have
questions regarding current rules, please contact the Small Business Assistance
staff in the regional District offices.
The draft rules that are under development are not contained in the Districts
rulebook. If you have any questions or would like to get a copy of a draft rule,
please call the Planning Division at (559) 230-6100.
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Ordering
materials
Copies of the rulebook and subscriptions to rule updates may be obtained by
calling the Valley Air District at (559) 230-6000. You may also visit the rules
page on this web site for more information.
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What
you can do to reduce air pollution?
- Encourage your employer to become a
Healthy Air Living Partner to educate and encourage employees on pollution
prevention activities.
- Carpool whenever possible.
- Organize errands into one motor vehicle trip, not several.
- Walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation.
- Shop by phone, mail, or Internet.
- Telecommute.
- On smoggy days, postpone yard care with gasoline-powered equipment, or
better yet, use electric or manual tools.
- For clean fun in the sun, try sailing, swimming, hiking or cycling but
remember to consider air quality and your health when planning outdoor
activities.
- When air quality is poor, postpone the use of your motor boat or off-road
vehicle for 24 hours.
- Start your briquettes with electric or chimney starters or use a propane
or natural gas barbecue.
- Paint with rollers and brushes, and use water-based paints instead of
oil-based.
- Keep the tops closed on all paints and solvents and store them in airtight
containers.
- Use solid or gel alternatives to aerosol and pump sprays.
- Keep your car in good working condition.
- Maintain proper tire pressure.
- Don’t top off the gas tank.
- When replacing your vehicle, look for the most efficient, lowest polluting
model.
- Redesign or modify processes at the worksite to reduce waste, energy, and
emissions.
- Improve methods for handling of materials, storage, and management practices to reduce waste, spills, leaks, and fugitive emissions.
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Frequently
Asked Question About State and Federal Agencies
What is the
Air Districts relationship to the EPA and the California Air Resources Board
The Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) requires the EPA to set National Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) for several problem air pollutants to protect human
health and welfare criteria. Standards were established for carbon monoxide,
ozone, fine particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and
lead. Of these criteria pollutants, the San Joaquin Valley does not meet the
standards for ozone and PM10. The FCAA requires that the California Air
Resources Board prepare an air
quality control plan referred to as the State Implementation Plan (SIP) that
contains the strategies and control measures that California will use to attain
the NAAQS.
The California Air Resources Board is the agency responsible for coordination and oversight of state and
local air pollution control programs in California and for implementing the
California Clean Air Act of 1988 (CCAA). California Air Resources Board has also developed state air
quality standards. The California standards for ozone and PM10 are generally
more stringent than the federal standards. Other California Air Resources Board duties include monitoring
air quality in conjunction with local air districts, setting emissions standards
for new motor vehicles, and reviewing district input for the SIP. The SIP
consists of the emissions standards for vehicular and consumer-related sources
set by the California Air Resources Board, and attainment plans and rules adopted by the local air
districts.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is a separate
governmental entity with its own Governing Board. It has jurisdiction over
certain categories of air quality matters in the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin:
Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera, Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced Counties, and
the Valley portion of Kern County. (The District has the primary responsibility
for control of air pollution from sources other than motor vehicles and consumer
products, which are the responsibility of the California Air Resources Board and EPA.)
The District is responsible for preparing attainment plans for each
nonattainment criteria pollutant (ozone and PM10) for which it does not meet the
standard. These plans establish the
strategies that the District will use to attain the federal standards. Until the
passage of the CCAA, the 1990 Amendments to the FCAA, and the federal Intermodal
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), the Districts primary activity
was the control of stationary sources of pollution such as industrial processes
and equipment. With the passage of those acts, the District was required to
include transportation control measures in its strategies and was encouraged to
adopt indirect source programs to reduce mobile source emissions. Upon adoption
by the Districts Governing Board, the plans are transmitted to California Air Resources Board
for
approval and then to EPA for incorporation into the SIP.
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