About APCD
The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD
or District) is the local agency working to protect the health of
over 245,000 county residents by preserving good air quality. By
partnering with the local communities and businesses we implement
regulations and programs to reduce air pollution and assist the county in
reaching all outdoor air quality standards.
As stewards of healthful air supporting a healthy environment, our mission is to:
- realize and preserve clean air for all
- promote community & individual responsibility for air
quality, and
- provide quality & cost-effective service.
To carry out this mission, district staff monitor the air
quality, review land use projects, develop and enforce rules and
regulations, issue permits, and create a long-term Clean Air Plan
for our county. We are the primary agency responsible for achieving
clean air standards established by the California Air Resources
Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The District works with government, industry, businesses and the
public to reduce air pollution from stationary sources, such as
power plants, corner gas stations and local dry cleaners. By
involving all members of the community the District works to
preserve air quality at the local level. The support and cooperation
of the public and businesses are crucial to the success of our
efforts.
Since motor vehicles contribute over half of the air pollution in
the county, the APCD also implements programs to promote alternative
means of transportation, such as carpooling, telecommuting and use
of clean vehicle technologies. The District also promotes pedestrian
and transit oriented design in new developments. Mobile sources,
such as cars, trucks, trains and marine vessels, fall outside of the
Air District's jurisdiction and are regulated by state and federal
agencies that establish the air pollution emission standards for
vehicles and the fuel they run on.
Click here to find out more about APCD Programs throughout the
county.
In 1970 California legislation was passed that placed the primary
responsibility of controlling air pollution at the local level.
Following this action, the San Luis Obispo County Board of
Supervisors formed the APCD and became the APCD Board. In 1995, the
APCD Board was expanded to include representation from all
incorporated cities throughout the county. Today the APCD Board
consists of twelve members, five County
Supervisors and one city council member from each of the seven
incorporated cities. The Board is the decision making body for the
District and is responsible for adopting rules, setting policies and
providing direction on important air quality issues impacting the
county.
For more information, see the APCD Board Meetings
& Minutes page.
The San Luis Obispo APCD is one of 35 air districts located
throughout California. Since air pollution does not recognize
boundary lines, the air districts work collectively to develop a
comprehensive approach to reduce air pollution in California. The California
Air Pollution Control Officers Association is an organization
that facilitates discussion among the network of air districts on
critical air pollution issues facing the state. Many Air District
employees are active members of the CAPCOA. Visit the California
Air Resources Board website to learn more about the air
pollution history of California.
Most of our funding comes from fees paid by businesses and
industries that cause air pollution, and from an air quality fee for
vehicles registered in this county. Other minor funding sources
include state and federal grants and some property taxes. The APCD
does not receive money from city or county general funds. Click here to view
the Proposed Fiscal Year 2008/2009
Budget
Summary and Charts (in PDF format).
The District operates on the governmental fiscal cycle that
begins on July 1st of each year and ends on June 30. The District's
annual budget totals about $3.7 million. Each year at the July APCD
Board meeting, the budget allocation is approved. The
approved budgets can be reviewed at the
APCD office.
Contact
us if you have comments or questions.
The APCD has a dedicated staff of 24 individuals including engineers, inspectors, planners, technicians,
and administrative personnel.
Engineers evaluate plans and issue permits for any new projects
that cause air pollution. By working with permit applicants to
minimize air contaminants, District engineers ensure compliance with
all health-based federal, state, and local regulations.
Inspectors provide training to help business owners and conduct
periodic inspections to ensure compliance with permit requirements;
when necessary, APCD inspectors take enforcement action to secure
compliance. Inspectors also investigate complaints regarding smoke,
dust and nuisance odors.
Planners update the Clean Air Plan, propose emission control
strategies, and review new residential and commercial developments
in order to minimize air quality impacts. Planners also administer
grant programs to fund emission reduction projects throughout the
county.
Technicians monitor the county’s air quality through a network
of monitoring stations which record pollutant levels 24 hours a day.
Data collected is published in local newspapers and shared with the
state Air Resources Board and the federal Environmental Protection
Agency.
APCD Board
The APCD Board is the decision making body for the District and
is comprised of 12 elected officials, representing each district of
the county and the incorporated cities. More 
Spotlight on District Programs
Periodically, APCD staff present information on various District
programs during the APCD Board Meetings, in a segment we call
"Spotlight on District Programs". More
Strategic Action Plan
The APCD developed a Strategic Action Plan to set priorities and
establish a road map for future endeavors. More
Links
The APCD works in conjunction with federal and state agencies,
and other local districts to improve our air quality. More
Employment
Are you interested in a career where you can help to preserve the
air quality in San Luis Obispo County? The District periodically has
employment opportunities available. More
Contact Information
Do you need more information or would you like to contact us
directly? More
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Mission
