Air Division

Mike Bates – Chief - (501) 682-0730

Ambient air monitoring throughout the state of Arkansas speaks to the effectiveness of the ADEQ's Air Division program -- Arkansas is only one of a handful of states in the country that currently and consistently meets all federal air quality standards for criteria pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and lead.

The Air Division also has received all delegable air programs, including the Title V program for major sources of pollutants, from Region 6 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These programs include the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and the State Implementation Plan (SIP).

By working closely with businesses and industries, the Air Division issues permits that help maintain and improve the air quality for all citizens in the state. The Air Division has four branches, Program Support, Planning and Air Quality Analysis, Permits, and Compliance Monitoring. Staff in these branches are available to answer questions and help with any technical problems that arise.

The ADEQ Air Division is located at 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock.  Click the "Where We Are" menu button to the left for maps and directions.

 

Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule

In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule” (GHG Tailoring Rule), ADEQ has proposed amendments to Regulations No. 18, No. 19, and No. 26 to incorporate the portions of the GHG Tailoring Rule that are needed for ADEQ to be able to permit greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sources. So that there will be no period of time when businesses in Arkansas are unable to obtain the necessary permits, the responsibility of issuing the GHG portion of PSD permits to sources located in the state remains under the purview of EPA’s authority in accordance with the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP). ADEQ is in the process of developing a working agreement with EPA that will allow ADEQ to review and draft the GHG portion of any PSD permit and EPA will issue that portion of the permit through their administrative processes. When Arkansas’s GHG Tailoring Rule SIP revisions are approved by EPA, ADEQ will gain authority to issue GHG permits in the state. Below is a link to a PowerPoint presentation with information about greenhouse gases and permitting in Arkansas.

 

Emissions Inventory & Ambient Air Monitoring of Natural Gas Production in the Fayetteville Shale Region

ADEQ completed a two-part study that estimated emissions associated with natural gas production and performed air quality monitoring at gas production sites in the Fayetteville Shale. The resulting inventory estimated county-level emissions from gas production for the year 2008. Ground-based ambient air monitoring was performed from 2010 - 2011 at sites including compressor stations that transport natural gas and new wells that were undergoing drilling or hydraulic fracturing. This preliminary study could support future assessments of the effects of natural gas production on air quality and public health.

 

EPA Clean Diesel News: 9/13/2012

EPA is announcing a new National Clean Diesel Campaign Rebate Program for clean diesel. As part of the reauthorization of the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA), EPA will offer rebates to fund projects that reduce emissions from diesel engines. The program is designed to target specific medium and heavy-duty diesel engines and technologies each year (as funding is available). This is the first ever rebate program in EPA. As such, the National Clean Diesel Campaign is starting with a pilot program that will focus on school bus replacements. EPA anticipates the acceptance of applications to start in November. EPA will send another email when the rebate application acceptance period opens. For more information on the National Clean Diesel Campaign Rebate Program, visit http://epa.gov/cleandiesel/dera-rebate.htm.

  

Tips for Burning Wood

In the winter, residential wood smoke can be a significant source of fine particle pollution in many areas across the U.S. The pollutant can trigger asthma and aggravate other lung diseases. Research indicates that pregnant women, newborns, and people with certain health conditions, such as obesity or diabetes, also may be at increased risk. For more information on how to select the right wood visit http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/. The site also offers information on selecting wood-burning appliances and more. The videos below offer tips on how to properly dry, stack and store wood.

 





 

Contact Information

Chief:  Mike Bates  (501) 682-0730  bates@adeq.state.ar.us
Assistant Chief:  Mike Porta  (501) 682-0730  porta@adeq.state.ar.us
Compliance Monitoring Branch:  Heinz Braun  (501) 682-0756  braun@adeq.state.ar.us
Permits Branch:  Thomas Rheaume  (501) 682-0762  rheaume@adeq.state.ar.us
Planning & Air Quality Analysis Branch:  Tony Davis  (501) 682-0728  davisa@adeq.state.ar.us
Asbestos Licensing and Certification:  Torrence Thrower  (501) 682-0740  thrower@adeq.state.ar.us
Program Support Branch:  Mike Porta  (501) 682-0730  porta@adeq.state.ar.us
Fax: (501) 682-0880
Street Address: 5301 Northshore Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118-5317

Mission Statement

To preserve and protect the air quality for the citizens of Arkansas through implementation and enforcement of applicable regulations in a fair and equitable manner.