Air Quality Insights: Tehama County's Pollution Districts

Tehama County has its own Air Pollution Control District (APCD), which is governed by a Board of Directors composed of locally elected officials. The Board is responsible for overseeing policies and adopting regulations to control air pollution within the district, including issuing permits for equipment that emits air pollution. The Tehama County APCD has its own set of rules and regulations that are approved by the EPA and are part of the California State Implementation Plan.

Permits for sources of air pollution

The Tehama County Air Pollution Control District (TCAPCD) has outlined permit requirements for sources of air pollution. As per the TCAPCD's Regulation II, Rule 2:1, any equipment or operation emitting pollutants into the atmosphere generally needs a Permit to Operate from the District. This excludes equipment or operations exempted from District Regulations as per Rule 2.4. Any air pollution control equipment associated with a source requiring a District permit must also have a Permit to Operate.

To determine whether a source necessitates a permit or is exempt, facilities can refer to the Permit Exemption Guidance. If a permit is deemed necessary for a specific source or operation, the facility must submit a permit application package to the District to obtain the required permit. The District holds the authority to issue and renew air quality permits for equipment that releases or manages air pollution emissions from facilities of varying sizes.

The TCAPCD's regulations aim to ensure that sources of air pollution are properly permitted and monitored. By requiring permits for equipment or operations that emit pollutants, the District can enforce measures to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of air pollution. This includes setting emission limits, implementing control technologies, and conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance with the established standards.

Additionally, the permitting process allows the TCAPCD to track and manage the sources of air pollution within its jurisdiction. Through the collection and analysis of data from permit applications, the District can identify areas with high concentrations of polluting activities and develop targeted strategies to improve air quality. This proactive approach enables the implementation of preventative measures, such as encouraging the use of cleaner technologies or promoting best practices for emissions reduction.

In summary, the permitting process for sources of air pollution in Tehama County is a crucial aspect of maintaining and improving air quality. By adhering to the TCAPCD's permit requirements, facilities can operate within the established environmental standards, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable community. The District's regulations provide a framework for balancing economic activities with the need to protect public health and the environment from the detrimental effects of air pollution.

EPA-approved rules and regulations

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved rules and regulations for the Tehama County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) as part of the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). The EPA's Pacific Southwest Office maintains and updates tables of these rules and regulations, which are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Tehama County's APCD has several regulations in place to manage air quality. Regulation I is a general provision, while Regulation II outlines rules and permit requirements for sources of air pollution. Any equipment or operation emitting pollutants into the atmosphere requires a Permit to Operate from the District, unless exempted per Rule 2.4. This includes any air pollution control equipment associated with a permitted source. Facilities can use the Permit Exemption Guidance to determine if a permit is required. To obtain a permit, a facility must submit a permit application package to the District, which issues and renews air quality permits for equipment that emits or controls air pollution.

Regulation III of the Tehama County APCD addresses agricultural burning, while Regulation IV covers provisions, and Regulation V outlines procedures before the Hearing Board. Regulation VI focuses on airborne toxic control measures, and Regulation VII is titled Title V. The District also provides information on safe clean-up and work practices during and after wildfires, which can significantly impact air quality.

The EPA-approved rules and regulations for the Tehama County APCD aim to control and reduce air pollution, ensuring cleaner air for the county's residents and the state of California. These regulations are subject to change and are updated by the EPA's Pacific Southwest Office.

Governing board and officials

Tehama County has a dedicated Air Pollution Control District (TCAPCD) that works to control and regulate air pollution within the county. The TCAPCD's Regulation II, Rule 2:1 outlines the requirements for permits for sources of air pollution. Any equipment or operation that emits pollutants into the atmosphere generally needs a Permit to Operate from the District. Similarly, any air pollution control equipment associated with a source requiring a permit must also have a Permit to Operate.

The TCAPCD is responsible for issuing and renewing air quality permits for equipment that emits or controls air pollution from facilities of all sizes. They also make daily burn decisions, aiming to reduce woodsmoke, and provide air quality readings for the county.

The Tehama County government has various departments, each with their own contact information, including the Air Pollution Control District, Agriculture Department, Animal Services, and more. While I cannot find specific names of governing board members or officials for the TCAPCD, the contact number for the Air Pollution Control District is 530-527-3717, and the postal address is Tehama County APCD, PO Box 1169, Red Bluff, CA 96080.

Additionally, Tehama County has a Health Services Agency that addresses drug and alcohol issues, mental health, and public health, with specific contact numbers for each division. The Crisis Response Unit, for example, can be reached at 530-527-5637, while the Drug & Alcohol, Mental Health, and Public Health Division can be contacted at 530-527-8491.

Air pollution control officer

Tehama County is located in California and has its own Air Pollution Control District. The District's address is PO Box 1169 Red Bluff, CA 96080.

An Air Pollution Control Officer is a key member of the District's management team and will serve as the second in command. The Deputy Air Pollution Control Officer will assist the Air Pollution Control Officer in the administration and coordination of the work of the District. The role requires a nuanced understanding of environmental laws and the ability to integrate sustainable practices into various aspects of business operations.

A Pollution Control Officer (PCO) is an individual who is technically competent in environmental management and pollution control. They monitor levels of environmental pollutants in the land, air, and water, and set conditions on industrial processes to minimize their release of pollutants. They are responsible for legislative advice and enforcement, and for ensuring that air quality monitoring equipment is maintained and operational.

To become a PCO, candidates must fulfill a set of qualifications and requirements to be considered for accreditation. The accreditation process is governed by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Candidates must be full-time employees of the establishment where they are being appointed and must possess a degree in a science-based discipline. They should also have good moral character and be mentally and physically healthy.

The day-to-day work of a PCO is varied and may include reviewing contaminated land reports, carrying out inspections, calibrating air quality monitoring stations, and investigating pollution complaints made by the public. They may also be involved in the development and supervision of permit evaluation and issuance, as well as compliance and enforcement activities.

Permit exemption guidance

Tehama County falls under the Tehama County Air Pollution Control District (TCAPCD) and follows the guidelines set by the California State Implementation Plan (SIP). The TCAPCD has a set of rules and regulations that describe the permit requirements for sources of air pollution.

Any equipment or operation that emits pollutants into the atmosphere typically requires a Permit to Operate from the District. This includes any air pollution control equipment associated with a source that needs a District permit. However, there are exemptions to these permit requirements as outlined in the District Regulations per Rule 2.4.

To help facilities determine whether they need a permit or are exempt, the TCAPCD provides Permit Exemption Guidance. This guidance document outlines the criteria for exemption and helps facilities understand if they meet the requirements for exemption. If a facility is unsure about their permit status, they can refer to this guidance and then contact the TCAPCD for clarification.

The Permit Exemption Guidance is a comprehensive document that covers various scenarios and provides clear instructions on how to interpret the regulations. It helps facilities navigate the complex world of air pollution permits and ensures they are in compliance with the District's regulations. By providing this guidance, the TCAPCD promotes better air quality management and encourages facilities to take responsibility for their emissions.

Once a facility has determined that a permit is required, they can obtain one by submitting a permit application package to the District. The District is responsible for issuing and renewing these permits, ensuring that facilities are operating within the permitted emission levels. Overall, the Permit Exemption Guidance plays a crucial role in helping facilities understand their obligations and make informed decisions about their air pollution control measures.

Frequently asked questions