School and Youth Groups
Free presentations and information regarding air quality, climate change, stormwater, pollution prevention, and general eco issues are a great fit with Science Day, Earth Day, Love of Reading Week, Career Day and regular science and health classes.
Check out our webpages to have fun and learn more about air quality, water, climate change, soil, reduce, reuse and recycling.
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is committed to this same goal for all communities within Pima County. Environmental Justice will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and has equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work. 
EPA Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice in Pima County
An Environmental Justice Study was performed by Ms. Barbara Tellman as part of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. This study examines the impacts to minority and low income individuals in Pima County of past governmental decision making in the areas of air quality, transportation, water quality, water supply, land use, housing, fiscal decision making, and matters of cultural sensitivity. Pima County Department of Environmental Quality, PDEQ, has established a grievance procedure to ensure prompt and fair resolution of complaints alleging violations in the administration of PDEQ's programs and activities.
At Pima County Department of Environmental Quality, our Environmental Justice Program Coordinator, Natalie Shepp, can be reached via email, or phone (520) 724-6885.
Public Records Request
Requests for information to PDEQ generally fall into two categories: general information requests and public records requests. A general information request may include information about the environment, copies of forms, procedures, pamphlets, or other printed information designed for public distribution. General information requests and payment for completed requests can be made by calling PDEQ at (520) 724-7400. A public records request includes, but is not limited to, documents and electronic files prepared, owned, used, or retained by PDEQ in the course of conducting its work. Request forms and more information are available through our Public Records Request Frequently Asked Questions under "How can I request a PDEQ public record?"
PDEQ maintains records regarding the day-to-day operations for the Environmental Quality Division including the Air, Water and Waste Programs and will provide records that are maintained in the format preferred by the requester. PDEQ records may be paper files, database information, PDF files, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, engineering plans, microfiche or other format. PDEQ is not required to create a record that is not maintained in the normal course of doing business (i.e. manipulate data to meet a specific public record request) nor is it required to obtain new data, perform research or create new report formats.
PDEQ is a predominantly paperless department that utilizes multiple internal databases to house records. PDEQ files and databases provide the most historically accurate and extensive property search results when using a street address. PDEQ is able to provide property records utilizing a parcel number or township/range/section criteria, however, the record information provided will be limited to the particular search criteria provided.
Under Arizona State law, the public can request in writing to examine or copy public records. Arizona's public records law should not be confused with the federal Freedom of Information Act, which applies to records held by federal agencies. Pima County does not have a central repository for all its records. Each department and division within Pima County houses its own records (A.R.S. Public Records Reproduction - A.R.S. § 39-121).
Find answers to most Frequently Asked Questions concerning public records requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the Air
What can I do if I think there is mold in my home or business?
What can I do if I think there is mold in my home or business?
Pima County Department of Environmental Quality does not have the authority to investigate or address mold concerns inside residences or businesses in Pima County. It is the property owner’s responsibility to determine if mold is present and if so, to properly remediate it. There are many mold remediation businesses you can hire to determine if mold is present in your home and to clean up the mold, if you are unable to do it yourself.
In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has information and resources on their
website that might be helpful, including ways to prevent and control mold, guidelines for cleaning up mold, and general information on mold and other indoor air quality topics.
What agency does the air quality monitoring in this region?
Pima County DEQ. Call (520) 724-7446 for more information
How do I know what the current air quality is?
Visit
Air Quality Information or call (520) 724-7400 during regular business hours.
How can I be notified when the air quality is unhealthy?
Call Pima County DEQ at (520) 724-7446 or sign up for email alerts at:
Register for Air Quality AdvisoriesWhere can I get information about air pollution and Tucson’s air quality?
Call Pima County DEQ at (520) 724-7446
Where can I find more information about contrails?
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration to develop an
Aircraft Contrails Factsheet and the
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality also provides information on the formation of contrails.
Questions about Alternative Transportation
Where can I find information about public transit?
Sun Tran: (520) 792-9222
www.suntran.com
Where can I find information about bike riding?
Pima County Department of Transportation:
(520) 243-BIKE or (520) 243-2453
http://bikeped.pima.gov/Where can I get information about carpooling or vanpooling?
Pima Association of Governments Sun Rideshare: (520) 792-1093,
www.884ride.orgWhere can I get information on the car-free, multi-use pathway called The Loop?
Questions about PDEQ's educational resources
Who can I talk with about scheduling an environmental presentation for my class or community group / neighborhood association?
Pima County DEQ, (520) 724-7446
How can I get help with a report on the environment / air quality for my class?
Pima County DEQ: (520) 724-7446
How can I get brochures related to air quality or protecting the environment for my students, business, and neighbors?
Pima County DEQ: (520) 724-7446
Questions about Requesting Records or Filing Complaints
How do I make a public records request for information from Pima County Department of Environmental Quality?
Pima County DEQ, (520) 724-7400
Public Records Request - FAQsHow do I submit a complaint about: buffelgrass, manure, dust, someone burning garbage, my neighbor’s messy yard, or other environmental concerns?