air monitoring

The federal Clean Air Act requires states to submit plans to ensure the attainment and maintenance of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The common term used to refer to these federally enforceable plans is "State Implementation Plans" or SIPs. The six criteria pollutants as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. SIPs are also prepared to protect visibility at federal Class I areas consisting of national parks and wilderness areas.

REGIONAL SCALE AIR QUALITY SOURCE DISPERSION MODELING

These pages are intended to provide overviews on regulatory concerns and requirements for specific source categories. They are not intended to provide a complete, detailed review for each category. Those seeking more specific information  are encouraged to contact the  AQCD Permits & Engineering Section.

Air Quality & Climate Division Permits to "Construct"

The Clean Air Act, which was last amended in 1990, requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. The Clean Air Act established two types of national air quality standards. Primary standards set limits to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.

The Vermont Air Quality & Climate Division (AQCD) of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) implements state regulations and the federal Clean Air Act. As part of this implementation, the AQCD monitors ambient air quality and air pollution emissions from sources, proposes regulations to improve existing air quality, ensures compliance with the regulations, and issues permits to control pollution from sources of air contaminants across the state.