Environmental Quality Newsroom

Aug 04, 2020 - We are now more than halfway through the 2020 ozone air pollution season and Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) has recorded two days where levels of this air pollutant exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health standard. 

Jun 30, 2020 - If a charcoal BBQ is going to be part of your celebration of Independence Day, declare freedom from stinky charcoal lighter fluid that causes air pollution; is a safety hazard when stored around your home; and can leave a residual taste on your food.  

Jun 25, 2020 - The green waste fire located at Tank’s Ina Road Land Reclamation Facility on west Ina Road near I-10 continues emitting smoke into nearby areas. Smoke may continue to be present for several more days as the vegetation in the large stockpiles continues to smolder. Work is being done by facility staff and Northwest Fire District to extinguish the fire as quickly and safely as possible, however, it could be several more days before the fire is completely out.  

Jun 22, 2020 - A fire located at the Tank’s Ina Road Land Reclamation Facility on west Ina Road near I-10 is causing smoke in the area. Smoke may continue throughout today and into tomorrow as the vegetation in the stockpile continues to smolder.  

Jun 17, 2020 - Changes in the location of the Bighorn Fire and the direction of the wind are affecting air quality in the communities north of the City of Tucson. The fire has moved into the higher elevations of the Santa Catalina mountain range where there is more vegetation to fuel the flames. As wind direction changes, the smoke will impact different areas of the region. 

Jun 12, 2020 - Several days of poor air quality in eastern Pima County are giving way to healthier air over the weekend. The forecast for the weekend includes afternoon winds that will help move smoke out of the Tucson metro area.