Environmental Quality Newsroom

May 26, 2020 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is issuing an Air Pollution Advisory for May 26, 2020, due to the potential for elevated levels of ground-level ozone air pollution in the Tucson metropolitan area. 

May 06, 2020 - Yesterday, Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s (PPDEQ) air quality monitors near Tangerine Road, Saguaro Park East and Children’s Memorial Park recorded exceedances of the EPA health standard for ground-level ozone. PDEQ is issuing another Air Quality Health Watch today because conditions are similar to yesterday, although we are seeing some beneficial breezes that could help to ventilate the valley more than yesterday. 

May 05, 2020 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) Clean Air Program is issuing a Health Watch for May 5, 2020, due to forecasted levels of ground-level ozone air pollution that could approach the EPA health standard in the Tucson metropolitan area.  

Apr 27, 2020 - Southern Arizona is now entering the time of the year when levels of an air pollutant called ground-level ozone begin to climb. Fortunately, during most days from April to September the air quality in Pima County is in the good or moderate range. But there are days when the air we breathe can be unhealthy, especially for those who are sensitive to ozone.  

Apr 21, 2020 - Normally, during this time of year, staff at Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is preparing for Earth Day celebrations. It is usually our busiest and most rewarding time of the year. But this year is very different. This is a big year for the annual April 22nd Earth Day celebrations around the world. It was 50 years ago that the official Earth Day was born to focus much-needed attention on our planet.  

Feb 14, 2020 - Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to start a healthy habit that is good for your lungs and your heart. According to the American Lung Association, the number of cases of pediatric and adult asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular disease in Pima County amounts to over 200,000 of us. . By skipping a commute trip in your motor vehicle each week and sharing rides, taking transit or riding a bike instead, you can reduce air pollution by more than 1,000 pounds a year and help keep the air healthy for those you love on Valentine’s Day and beyond. 

Jan 17, 2020 - The Pima County Board of Supervisors (PC-BOS) as the governing body for the Pima County Air Quality Control District adopts rules for Pima County Code (PCC). The Pima County Air Quality Control District operates within the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ). PDEQ periodically proposes updates to PCC by and through the rulemaking process set forth by the PC-BOS. The intention of this rulemaking was to conform to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in an effort to achieve consistency and accuracy in Title 17 of the PCC. PDEQ added new and updated incorporations by reference of the following federal regulations: Acid Rain, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and other parts of Title 40 CFR. The federal regulations for Acid Rain, NESHAP, and the NSPS in effect July 1, 2019 were incorporated. The intention in updating the incorporations by reference is to continue the Pima County Air Quality Control District’s delegated authority from EPA to implement and enforce the Acid Rain, NESHAP, and NSPS programs in Pima County. 

Jan 13, 2020 - To improve air quality and reduce pollution created by gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment, the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ), in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, is launching the “Cut Down Pollution” Program. This voluntary lawn and garden equipment replacement program opens to the public today, and will continue throughout 2020 as funding remains available. If successful, this program will remove tons of air pollution from the air we all breathe.  

Jan 06, 2020 - As predicted, several Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) air monitoring stations reported elevated levels of small particulate matter during the overnight celebrations for New Year’s Eve. Fireworks and wood burning activities caused smoke to permeate the air and triggered higher than normal readings at the six PDEQ air quality monitoring sites that measure small particulates. 

Dec 31, 2019 - Some New Year’s resolutions fall by the wayside quickly. But here is one that has so many benefits that you will keep it going all year long. Drive Less and Smile More in 2020. The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Air Program suggests you try to drive less by sharing rides with friends and coworkers, trying transit, or using The Loop for your commute. By the end of 2020, you will have saved hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars, reduced traffic congestion, created new relationships with people you meet along the way, experienced your surroundings more than if you were alone inside your car, and helped the planet by reducing carbon emissions.  

Dec 30, 2019 - As the crystal ball drops in Times Square, so might the quality of our air in Tucson. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is forecasting moderate air pollution levels for several hours during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. “During that chilly night and early morning, there will be more fireplaces in use which, along with celebratory fireworks, will increase the amount of particulate matter in the air,” said Beth Gorman, Senior Program Manager at Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ). The hours around midnight are forecasted to be in the moderate range. But when averaged in with the 24 hourly readings of each of those days, the overall Air Quality Index is expected to remain in the good range.  

Nov 26, 2019 - Cooler temperatures over Thanksgiving will cause fireplaces to light up. Wood-burning fireplaces can cause smoke that makes it hard for some people to breathe. Learn how to burn wisely if you choose to light a fire. 

Nov 13, 2019 - The Pima County Board of Supervisors (BOS) as the governing body for the Pima County Air Quality Control District adopts ordinances which are codified in the Pima County Code (PCC). The Pima County Air Quality Control District operates within the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ). PDEQ periodically proposes updates to PCC through the BOS. PDEQ is proposing updating incorporations by reference for the following federal regulations: Acid Rain, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and other parts of Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The federal regulations would be incorporated as of July 1, 2019. PDEQ's intention is to continue its delegated authority from EPA to implement and enforce these programs in Pima County. In addition, PDEQ is updating the definition of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Section 17.04.340 to conform to federal regulations. The expedited rule text and other related information is available at the PDEQ office, on the Pima County Homepage, and on the PDEQ website, or you may request a copy by contacting our department. 

Oct 31, 2019 - Avoid vehicle engine idling to reduce air pollution for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, Park and turn off the engine to keep the air healthy to breathe.  

Oct 02, 2019 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is issuing an air pollution health watch due to fire smoke and the potential for elevated levels of particulate matter in certain areas of town, particularly west and southwest of Tucson.  

Oct 01, 2019 - The 2019 ground-level ozone season in Pima County has ended with one day exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's health standard.