Environmental Quality Newsroom

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! 

Feb 12, 2021 - Because about half the pollution emitted into Pima County’s air comes from motor vehicle emissions, consider the following ways to reduce driving: bike, walk, take transit, carpool, telework and skip trips. 

Feb 10, 2021 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) proposes to revise the El Paso Natural Gas, L.L.C (EPNG) existing Air Quality Permit No. 425. EPNG is located at 1200 South Rita Road, Tucson Arizona 85747. 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 (herein known as the piping modification 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). PDEQ is holding a virtual Open House on March 9, 2021 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. and a virtual formal Public Hearing on March 16, 2021, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Jan 14, 2021 - 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 proposed these updates to PCC by and through the rulemaking process set forth by the PC-BOS. The control officer initiated this rule in order to simplify the fee schedule for residential, construction, and agriculture open burning permits, and to clarify terms of residential, construction, and agricultural burning permits. These updates include changes to PCC Sections 17.14.080 and 17.14.090. 

Jan 07, 2021 - Occasionally, the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) receives complaints from community members regarding the burning of trash in their neighborhood. Smoke from any type of fire can affect your health, but smoke from burning garbage can be especially dangerous and highly polluting. In most cases, the burning of household garbage is prohibited within Pima County. 

Jan 04, 2021 - It’s that time of the year when we consider making positive changes in our lives for a better future. Because of COVID-19, many of our transportation habits changed in 2020. For those who are fortunate enough to have a job where they can work from home, the drudgery of a daily commute was eliminated. You may not have realized it, but reducing the time spent driving may have reduced your level of stress and allowed you to feel a little happier in spite of the pandemic. 

Dec 22, 2020 - Finally, some precious, life-supporting rain came to the scorched desert and what did it encounter when it hit the ground? Trash, cigarette butts, and, among other items, pet waste. Litter is obnoxious and pet waste can actually be harmful. Dog poop can contain disease-carrying microorganisms and transmit diseases to other pets, wildlife and even children. 

Dec 21, 2020 - Cooler nighttime temperatures and the approaching holiday season mean an increase in fireplace use in many neighborhoods throughout Pima County. During this unusual year dealing with COVID-19 precautions, we may be celebrating the holidays in a very different way. If your celebration includes lighting a fire in the fireplace, it may feel comforting, but for some people fireplace smoke can make it very hard to breathe. 

Dec 03, 2020 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) has issued an Air Quality Health Watch for December 3, 2020, triggered by prolonged hours of high winds.  

Nov 30, 2020 - Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) has issued an Air Quality Health Watch for November 30, 2020, triggered by high winds. Several of the PDEQ air quality monitors that measure particulate matter are in the “moderate” or “unhealthy” range at the moment. 

Oct 28, 2020 - COVID-19 has changed how we are celebrating Halloween this year with more focus on safety and physical distancing during the fun. It’s expected that costumes may be creepy, but the air shouldn’t be scary to breathe. If your plans involve using your vehicle, the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Air Program suggests that you consider turning the engine off, if waiting more than 10 seconds, to keep the air free from health-damaging tailpipe emissions. 

Oct 26, 2020 - Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) has issued an Air Quality Health Watch for October 26, 2020 due to elevated levels of particulate matter caused by high winds. 

Oct 19, 2020 - After cutting back on services due to the COVID-19, the Cut Down Pollution program is now functioning at full capacity to bring healthier air to our region. Residents in Pima County can trade gas-powered landscaping equipment for up to $400 worth of vouchers towards the purchase of zero emission electric-powered equipment (corded or battery) and in some cases, manual landscaping tools. 

Oct 12, 2020 - he 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. This rulemaking is proposed to simplify the fee schedule for residential, construction, and agriculture open burn permits, and to clarify terms of residential, construction, and agricultural burn permits. These updates include changes to PCC Sections 17.14.080 and 17.14.090. 

Oct 09, 2020 - Smoke from two wildfires south and west of Tucson is causing hazy skies and an increase in airborne particles. 

Oct 06, 2020 - Cooler temperatures have finally arrived, after an extended summer of record breaking heat! The long-awaited dip in temperatures this weekend will cause a drop in our tires’ air pressure. PDEQ recommends checking your vehicle’s tire pressure when temperatures get chilly. 

Oct 01, 2020 - The last day of September officially marked the end of the ground-level ozone season in Pima County. The 2020 ozone season had numerous exceedances of the EPA health standard along with days of hazy skies burdened with wildfire smoke generated both near and far away.  

Sep 11, 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. This rulemaking is proposed to simplify the fee schedule for residential, construction, and agriculture open burn permits, and to clarify terms of residential, construction, and agricultural burn permits. These updates include changes to PCC Sections 17.14.080 and 17.14.090. 

Sep 08, 2020 - A change in the weather is, again, allowing smoke from multiple wildfires in California to come into the Tucson area. So far, the smoke is high enough in the air to avoid being recorded at Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s (PDEQ) monitoring locations, but if forecasted winds increase, that could change.  

Sep 04, 2020 - Is a road trip or BBQ in the plans over the Labor Day weekend? Save money and reduce air pollution and waste while you enjoy the holiday with theses tips.  

Sep 04, 2020 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s (ADEQ) request to redesignate the Ajo planning area in Pima County to attainment of the EPA health standard for particulate matter of 10 microns or less (PM10) in size. EPA’s redesignation of the Ajo planning area became effective September 3, 2020. 

Sep 01, 2020 - The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s (PDEQ) Clean Air Program launched the #ThisIsCleanAir Photo Challenge Sept. 1 to encourage individuals to share ordinary (and extraordinary) actions they can take to improve air quality in our community. The deadline to submit family-friendly photographs is Sept. 30.