Environmental Quality Newsroom

Oct 21, 2021 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is holding an In Person Open House on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Lauffer Middle School, 5385 E. Littletown Road, Tucson. All in-person attendees are encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and face masks will be required. The purpose of this open house is to share information on the proposed Becton, Dickinson & Company (BD) Air Quality Permit. Written comments regarding this project will be accepted by PDEQ during the official Public Comment Period which began on September 17, 2021 and ends on December 17, 2021. 

Oct 12, 2021 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) has issued a High Pollution Advisory for Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) for October 12, 2021, triggered by high winds. PDEQ air quality monitors that measure particulate matter are in the “unhealthy” range this morning. The strongest winds have passed through the area, however rain is not in the forecast, so these wind-blown particles may stay airborne for a while.  

Sep 30, 2021 - Pima County encourages students to use active transportation to get to school during the week of October 4 - 8, 2021 by hosting Walk 'N' Roll to School Week. The purpose of this week-long event is to promote active ways to get to school, such as walking, biking, scootering, skateboarding, or rollerblading, in order to reduce congestion and emissions from motor vehicles near schools. Walk 'N' Roll to School Week also promotes physical fitness, builds community, and inspires families to use their feet more often for their school commute.  

Sep 30, 2021 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is holding a virtual Open House on October 6, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this open house is to share information on the proposed Becton, Dickinson & Company (BD) Air Quality Permit. 

Sep 20, 2021 - World Car Free Day is this Wednesday, September 22nd, and the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) Clean Air Program will celebrate with two mini-fairs for commuters who use alternate modes of transportation. In the morning, snacks and beverages will be offered to commuters who walk, bike, skate or scooter at Rillito Park, along The Loop east of First Avenue, 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. At lunch time, more snacks will be on offered at Jacomé Plaza in front of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library at Stone and Pennington, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PDEQ will also be providing information about air quality and ways to make using alternate modes of transportation easier. 

Sep 17, 2021 - PDEQ is opening a 90-day public comment period today in order for the public to provide comments on the proposed Becton, Dickinson & Company Air Quality Permit. PDEQ will also host a virtual Open House on October 6, 2021, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and an in-person Open House on October 27, 2021, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Lauffer Middle School, 5385 E. Littletown Road, Tucson. All in-person attendees are encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and masks will be required. A virtual Public Hearing will be held on November 3, 2021, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The purpose of these meetings is to share information and obtain public comments on the proposed issuance of the BD air quality permit. Written comments regarding this project will be accepted by PDEQ during the official Public Comment Period which begins on September 17, 2021 and ends on December 17, 2021. 

Sep 13, 2021 - Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is issuing an advisory for ground-level ozone air pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area. Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort. It is also possible that particulate matter levels (PM10 and PM2.5) may be elevated.  

Sep 09, 2021 - Send a selfie from your commute. 

Aug 04, 2021 - Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is issuing a High Pollution Advisory for ground-level ozone air pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area. Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort. It is possible that ozone levels may be elevated tomorrow, if weather conditions are similar. 

Aug 03, 2021 - Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is issuing a High Pollution Advisory for ground-level ozone air pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area. Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort. It is possible that ozone levels may be elevated tomorrow, if weather conditions are similar. 

Aug 02, 2021 - Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is issuing a High Pollution Advisory for ground-level ozone air pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area. Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort. It is possible that ozone levels may be elevated tomorrow, if weather conditions are similar 

Jul 28, 2021 - Pima County Department of Environmental Quality is issuing a High Pollution Advisory for ground-level ozone air pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area. Individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution may experience shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing and breathing discomfort. It is possible that ozone levels may be elevated tomorrow, if weather conditions are similar. 

Jul 22, 2021 - A High Pollution Advisory for ground-level ozone air pollution is issued for the Tucson metropolitan area. 

Jul 20, 2021 - PDEQ issued an advisory for ground-level ozone pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area on July 20, 2021. 

Jul 09, 2021 - Ozone Pollution Air Advisory has been issued for ground-level ozone air pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area.  

Jun 14, 2021 - Ozone Pollution Air Advisory has been issued for ground-level ozone air pollution for the Tucson metropolitan area. 

May 27, 2021 - Use the Pima County Cut Down Pollution Lawn and Garden Equipment Replacement voucher program to replace gasoline-powered devices with zero-emission equipment. 

May 25, 2021 - In accordance with 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §58.10 Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) has the annual ambient monitoring network plan available for public inspection on May 25, 2020, more than 30 days prior to submission to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The 2020 Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan contains descriptions of and changes to the air quality monitoring network. The document is also available for review at PDEQ, 33 N. Stone Ave., Suite 700, Tucson, AZ from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Public comments may be submitted in writing to PDEQ, Attention: Mike Draper, 33 N. Stone Ave., Suite 700, Tucson, AZ 85701. Written comments are due before the close of business on June 25, 2021. Additional information is available by calling 520-724-7400. 

Apr 29, 2021 - Ozone season has begun. Longer, hotter days means ground-level ozone air pollution may be an issue. Levels have been trending down through time, but still: protect your health and keep aware of air pollutant levels now through Sept. 

Apr 21, 2021 - Pima County DEQ issues Air Quality Health Watch for particulates due to forecasted high winds. 

Apr 01, 2021 - We challenge you to 'picture' clean air. Submit photos or poetry about designated air themes for a chance to win prizes in our #ThisIsCleanAir Challenge. Entry deadline is April 22.  

Mar 12, 2021 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is holding a virtual Formal Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. PDEQ proposes to revise the EPNG existing Air Quality Permit No. 425. EPNG is proposing to install gas cooling equipment and gas recirculation for compression to allow for operational flexibility. An emergency generator is also proposed to be added to the site. The proposed project expects to trigger a major modification for Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) subject to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting pursuant to title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 52.21 (40 CFR 52.21). 

Mar 05, 2021 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is holding a virtual Open House on March 9, 2021 from 5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. PDEQ proposes to revise the El Paso Natural Gas (EPNG) existing Air Quality Permit No. 425. EPNG is proposing to install gas cooling equipment and gas recirculation for compression to allow for operational flexibility. An emergency generator is also proposed to be added to the site. The proposed project expects to trigger a major modification for Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) subject to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permitting pursuant to title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 52.21 (40 CFR 52.21). 

Feb 12, 2021 - On Sunday, March 7, 2021 Pima County Flood Control, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, and the Sonoran Institute invite you to participate in a public clean up event for our washes. Check out the event sign-up page for three sites along the Santa Cruz River and to see the event flyer. Participants will be requested to follow COVID-19 Safety Guidelines. Hope to see you there!