New Source Inspection and Permitting Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2019

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s (MCAQD) goal is to provide clean air to Maricopa County’s residents, visitors and customers so they can live, work and play in a healthy environment. In order to make this goal a reality, MCAQD has established robust permitting and inspection programs. Historically, MCAQD’s inspections have focused on permitted facilities. These facilities, for the most part, submitted permit applications to MCAQD on their own or were discovered as the result of a citizen complaint. In order to better account for facilities that may be operating at a level that requires a permit, but have been operating with a permit, MCAQD created the New Source Inspection Program. Over time, this program evolved and has become the New Source Inspection and Permitting Program (program). The program’s main goals are:1. Survey facilities that are likely to conduct regulated activities that impact the County’s air quality2. Regardless of permitting status, educate the facility on how to comply with MCAQD standards and assist MCAQD with providing the County’s residents, visitors and customers with clean air3. For facilities that require a permit, focus on education with a visit from MCAQD’s business assistance team4. Have a specialized group of inspectors will handle the facility’s first inspection to ensure the facility is in compliance with MCAQD standards5. Ensure there is a level playing field for regulated business operating within Maricopa County6. Serve a previously underserved segment of the regulated community (unpermitted facilties)By meeting these goals, MCAQD strives to ensure that it meets its obligations to the County’s residents, visitors and customers.