How does agriculture impact air quality?

The federal Clean Air Act requires that air pollutant emissions be controlled from all significant sources in areas that do not meet the national ambient Air quality standards. Air Quality regulation for agriculture requires farmers and nurserymen in certain parts of Maricopa and Yuma Counties to implement Best Management Practices to reduce particulate emissions from tilling and harvesting, fallow cropland and non cropland areas.

How do Best Management Practices help?

An agricultural Best Management Practice is a practical, economical and feasible technique to reduce particulate matter from regulated agricultural activities. A wide range of variation in soils and cropping systems requires that BMPs are addressed on a case by case basis and fitted to specific farms. The BMPs are based on principles that slow or control soil movement from both cropland and non-cropland. Flexible BMPs for controlling PM10 is an effective and common sense practice that improves local and regional air quality.

Is my operation compliant?

The Agricultural Consultation and Training program ( ACT) offers a non-regulatory compliance assistance program for farmers and nurserymen to ensure compliance with laws and rules that address air quality standards.

During the on site visit, a consultant will:

• Provide information on air quality PM10 standards

• Discuss overall compliance with local, state and federal air quality regulations

• Identify compliance difficulties

• Assist in the selection of agricultural PM10 best management practices

• Offer options available to ensure compliance

Agricultural Worker Training

Educational training is provided to workers on best management practices to reduce PM10 during farming operations. Training materials and a video are provided by the ACT program at no charge.

If you would like to find out more about the ACT compliance assistance program or request a free on-site visit, call (602) 542-3484 or (800) 294-0308 Toll Free Outside the Phoenix Area.

• Order a free Air Quality DVD
• Be included on the Fly in the Eye Newsletter mailing
• Receive a faxed notification of the Dust Control Action Forecast on HIGH risk days

What are the wind forecasts for my area?

Yuma County

Maricopa County

Maricopa County Non-Attainment Area (Map)

How do I find more information about clean air and best management practices?

Maricopa County Agricultural BMP General Permit Record (PDF)

Yuma County Agricultural BMP record (PDF)

Guide to Agricultural PM10 Best Management Practices (PDF)

Ag BMP Technical Work Group Documents and Meeting Schedule

Air Quality Brochure (English) (PDF)

Air Quality Brochure (Spanish) (PDF) - This translation or communication is unofficial and is not binding on this State or a political subdivision of this State.

Conforme al artículo XXVIII de la constitución del Arizona, la lengua oficial del estado del Arizona es inglés. Excepto según lo proporcionado de otra manera por la ley, las traducciones o las comunicaciones en una lengua con excepción del inglés son oficiosas y no están atando en este estado.

Elements of a Dust Plan (PDF)

Open Burn (PDF)

Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act

For more information email Andrea Martin or call (602)-542-3484