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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.
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