Clean Air is Vital for Healthy Life

Clean air is vital for healthy life. To help ensure we have clean air, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards that states and municipalities like Gilbert must meet. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and Maricopa County Air Quality (MCAQ) also regulate air quality here in Gilbert.

Why Do We Care?

Poor air quality can cause health problems for everyone but especially for people that are considered at risk: children, seniors, or those who may be sick.

Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) encourages commercial properties, government agencies, and residents to reduce dust this fall when switching to winter rye grass. Overseeding can impact air quality by generating dust when scalping existing Bermuda grass. Each year the department responds to questions and concerns from landscapers, golf course managers, and residents regarding the dust created during the overseeding process. 

 The department offers the following tips to help prevent dust during the overseeding process:

• Avoid scalping on windy days and on High Pollution Advisory (HPA) days
• Don't over-dry the area prior to scalping
• Apply water to moisten the area prior to scalping
• Reduce the area to be overseeded and the depth of scalping
• Keep dust collection screens and filters in good working order
• Sweep loose debris from paved surfaces instead of using a leaf blower
• Moisten material piles before loading into dumpsters

Generally, overseeding/scalping projects do not require a dust control permit. However, the dust emissions generated during these projects are still regulated under MCAQD's Rule 310. Visible dust emissions beyond the property line may result in an air quality violation.

Residents may report air quality concerns or dust control issues by calling the department at (602) 372-2703 or filing a report online at MCAQD.

To Learn More

To learn more about pollutants that affect us, read more about individual pollutants by selecting the 'Pollutants to Watch For' section or the 'Important Links to Regulatory Agencies' below.

To find out more about pollutants discussed on this website and other air quality pollutants, please visit one of the agency websites below.

	The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is tasked by the State of Arizona to regulate air quality in Maricopa County. Learn more about MCAQD and what they regulate.
	The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality  (AZDEQ) is the state agency responsible for protecting the quality of Arizona's air, land, and water.  They may delegate specific responsibilities to other agencies, such as Maricopa County Air Quality.
	Clean Air Make More is MCAQD's initiative to help educate citizens on air quality issues. This website is a great resource for everyone who wants to do their part to clean up our air.
	EPA is the federal regulatory agency charged with protecting the environment and human health. The EPA is responsible for making and enforcing rules that protect the environment and human health. Learn more about EPA’s air quality program.