Frequently Asked Questions |
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Select a question above to view the answer. |
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Is today a “no burn day”?
A: No Burn Day restrictions are put into effect when air pollution is expected to reach or exceed the federal standard. While No Burn Day restrictions are typically issued in conjunction with a High Pollution Advisory, the Air Quality Department director has the authority to call a No Burn Day and enforce wood-burning restrictions. Residents are asked to refrain from wood-burning in fireplaces, woodstoves and outdoor fire pits during a No Burn Day, otherwise be subject to fines.
All wood-burning restriction notices will be posted to our home page. You may also call 602-506-6400 to listen to the latest wood-burning restrictions.
What is the air quality in my neighborhood?
A: The Air Quality Department has 24 air monitoring stations
throughout
Maricopa County. You may look at monitoring station site
results any time of the day or night. We do caution you
however to take a look at the big picture. Pollutants
such as ozone and dust can move from city to city depending
on the weather conditions. So, just because you may be
having a great “air” day in your city, you
will want to see what’s happening in surrounding
areas. We measure air quality standards over the entire
county.
What
can I do to help reduce air pollution?
A: Dust Pollution Prevention Tips:
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Use a rake or broom instead of using a leaf blower.
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Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
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Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces or stoves on no burn days.
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Drive slowly or not at all on unpaved roads and vacant lots.
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Avoid driving off-road vehicles in the dirt or on unpaved roads.
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Consolidate errands into one trip.
A: Ozone pollution prevention tips:
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Drive less. When possible, carpool, van pool or use public transportation. To find a carpool or van pool partner, visit Valley Metro’s website at www.sharetheride.com  or call 602-262-RIDE.
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Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks. Park your car and go inside.
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Refuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
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Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
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Delay big painting projects until high-pollution advisories have passed.
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Make sure that containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
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Conserve electricity.
What
do I do if I see someone polluting the air?
A: Call the Maricopa County Air Quality Department to report
a violation at 602-506-6010 or file
a report on-line.
Violation categories:
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Dust from construction, vacant lots or processing plants
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Improper gaseous emissions from businesses
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Illegal open surface coating/painting
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Illegal open burning
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Smoking vehicle
What is the difference between a Health Watch and a High Pollution Advisory?
A: A "Health Watch" means the highest concentration of pollution may approach the federal health standard. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion during a health watch.
"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Maricopa County employers enlisted in the Trip Reduction Program are asked to activate their HPA plans on high pollution advisory days.
Please
keep in mind, our jurisdiction covers the Maricopa County
area (link to
county map
). Any complaints outside of the county boundary
should be directed to the Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality [ADEQ] www.azdeq.gov
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