Air Quality: About Us

Air Monitoring:

The Air Monitoring Program has been in existence since 1975 and is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved program. This program evaluates and manages the ambient air quality monitoring network which collects air quality data from monitors located throughout the county. Air Monitoring’s primary activity is the monitoring of ambient air quality for the national criteria pollutants. These pollutants include ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PM10 and PM2.5). Air pollutants from businesses, industry and transportation sources are monitored in areas of expected maximum, as well as typical, concentrations.

The program is subject to a rigorous quality assurance process ensuring the validity of the data. This quality assurance process is audited annually by both the EPA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Other activities include air toxic's monitoring and special purpose monitoring.

Additionally this program features an Environmental Laboratory. The lab performs sampling analysis and identification for lead, asbestos, volatile organic compounds and particulates, and provides technical information to the public and private sectors on issues related to air pollution.

Permitting and Compliance:

The Permitting and Compliance Program regulates both permitted and unpermitted sources of air pollution and asbestos removal projects within Pinellas County. These sources include power plants, waste incineration facilities, gasoline stations, paint and coating operations, and other stationary sources of air pollutants. A primary activity of the Permitting Section is the review of state permit applications for air pollution sources to ensure compliance with pollution control standards. The Compliance Section investigates citizens’ complaints, compiles annual emission inventories for stationary sources of air pollutants, inspects permitted point sources of air pollution, inspects gasoline facilities and tanker trucks for vapor recovery, and enforces the county’s comprehensive Air Quality Ordinance. They also observe stack tests, perform visible emission tests, and review stack test and compliance reports.

 

The asbestos/air toxics program investigates complaints, cooperates with state and local agencies for asbestos project notification, and inspects demolition and renovation projects for proper removal and disposal of asbestos material. Other activities include computer modeling to evaluate potential air toxics emission impacts, development of an air toxics control program and special project development.

Emissions Inventory and Data Analysis:

The Emissions Inventory and Data analysis Program's primary activities include air quality trends and associated risk analysis, reviewing and estimating air pollutant emissions (for the US Environmental Protection Agency National Emission Inventory). air quality regulation attainment analysis, new regulation reviews and policy analysis. Other activities include preparing air quality reports, control strategy assessments, emissions modeling, selected research projects and daily Air Quality forecasting, area/mobile/air toxic emission inventory development and risk analysis for pollution exposure.

Administration:

Administration supports key management functions and daily operational needs. Staff is responsible for the division’s budget and general grant preparation and management, program and policy development, inter-agency coordination, media relations and clerical support.

Our Mission:

Air Quality is dedicated to protect and preserve the air quality within Pinellas County. Air Quality will accomplish its mission by providing and maintaining for the citizens and visitors of Pinellas County, standards and programs that will ensure proper management and control of air pollution to enhance public health and welfare.