Air Pollution Control Program

The goal of the Jefferson County Department of Health Air Pollution Control Program is to ensure that the ambient air within Jefferson County meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standards established by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These Federal standards are designed to protect human health and the environment. The Jefferson County Board of Health adopts regulations that meet all Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements and those requirements mandated through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).

A major activity of the Air Pollution Control Program is the operation of the air-monitoring network, which measures criteria pollutant levels in the ambient air (that portion of the atmosphere we breathe). The pollutant concentration data received from the monitoring network are used as the basis for developing control strategies necessary to ensure that health standards are met and maintained. Jefferson County currently meets all ambient air quality standards, except the standard for fine particulates (PM 2.5). Jefferson, Shelby and a small portion of Walker County constitute the Birmingham Non-attainment Area for Fine Particulates. For more information regarding the PM 2.5 problem in the Birmingham area, visit the Voluntary Air Quality Program web page. To view real time ozone and PM 2.5 concentration maps go to EPA’s AirNow web page.

Local industrial facilities and other air pollution sources, including gasoline dispensing facilities, asbestos demolition and renovation sites, and proposed open burning sites are inspected periodically to determine compliance with applicable regulations. Emissions-limiting permits are required for most air pollution sources in Jefferson County. Any person constructing, erecting, altering, or replacing any air pollution source is required to submit an application for an Air Permit at least 10 days prior to construction. All major sources are subject to the Federal Title V program, which encompasses all permitting and compliance monitoring activities for these sources, and is funded by emissions fees assessed per ton of pollutant emitted into the atmosphere. All major sources, synthetic minor and green-field site (new site) sources require public participation in the permit review process. Public Notices are posted in local newspapers to give the general public the opportunity to provide comments on proposed permits, which are available to the general public for viewing during the public notice period.

Call:

• (205)930-1276 for information concerning permitting of sources.
• (205)930-1247 for Gasoline Tanker Truck RM-27 test review and Air Stickers.
• (205)930-1276 for fee information or view the Fees Manual
• 205.930.1276 for general information or goto the Contact Us section of our web site
• 205.933.0583 for the weekday air quality index or view it here.