Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection Division, Air Protection Branch

The Ambient Monitoring Program measures concentrations of criteria (health based standard) air pollutants and non-criteria air pollutants at various locations throughout the State. The Program also issues daily air pollution forecasts. The Ambient Monitoring website contains hourly measurements, maps, Air Quality Index (AQI) values, and reports on the quality of Georgia's air.

The Industrial Source Monitoring Program specifies monitoring and testing procedures, conducts emission monitor and stack test audits, and reviews and approves final reports, for stationary sources. The monitoring program conducts "smoke school" for affected industry personnel. The monitoring program also designs and implements the data systems that the Air Branch uses to collect and store its data for stationary sources, including Title V electronic applications, stationary source emission inventories, stationary source emission statements, and Permit Fees.

The Mobile and Area Sources Program evaluates and controls emissions from mobile (on-road and off-road) sources and area (small industrial) sources. The program administers the vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program through "Georgia's Clean Air Force." The program also addresses nonattainment issues through control strategies such as low sulfur gasoline, ultra low sulfur diesel, and alternative fuel vehicles. The program strives to create and communicate the Air Protection Branch messages and to provide timely, accurate, and relevant information regarding the region's air quality through the Public Affairs unit.

The Planning and Support Program is responsible for all rulemaking and air quality planning activities for the Air Protection Branch. This includes making recommendations to U.S. EPA for air quality nonattainment areas and developing plans for bringing these areas into attainment with air quality standards. The Planning & Support Program also handles all of the financial planning and management for the Branch. Visit this site to obtain the most recent copy of the Air Quality Rules, for Permit Fee documents and information, proposed air quality rules and plans, and information about on-going rulemaking efforts.

The Stationary Source Compliance Program consists of three units: Chemicals/Minerals, VOC/Combustion, and Air Toxics Units. The program is responsible for evaluating stationary sources of air pollution throughout Georgia for compliance with state and federal environmental rules/regulations, as well as compliance with Air Quality Permit conditions. This is accomplished through onsite inspections, reviews of periodic monitoring reports, stack test results, and annual compliance certifications. We are also responsible for taking timely and appropriate enforcement action to remedy conditions of noncompliance, investigating air pollution complaints, assisting the District Offices with air quality matters, and reviewing draft air quality permits for enforceability.

The Stationary Source Permitting Program (SSPP) implements all air quality related permitting requirements. This includes New Source Review and all Operating Permit Programs. The permitting process consists of a detailed technical review of facility submitted applications that ultimately culminates in the issuance of a Construction and/or Operating Permit. This review includes a rule applicability analysis (federal and state), a Toxic Impact Assessment (if necessary) and development of periodic monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable regulations. SSPP is divided into five industry-specific units: Chemicals, Combustion, Minerals, NOx and VOC. We are also involved in the development of regulations on local and national levels.