As of July 1, 2007, the AQM section began processing Air Permit applications.  These permits require businesses to comply with regulations established under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act (external site), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) (external site), and Orange County's Ordinance.  Applications can be obtained from FDEP's website (external site).   Completed applications and applicable fees should be submitted to Orange County's Environmental Protection Division at 800 Mercy Drive, Suite 4, Orlando, FL 32808.  Please direct any questions regarding permitting to the EPD at 407-836-1400. 

AQM operates four stationary air monitoring stations located throughout the County. Ambient air monitoring is performed for ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a national, standardized system for reporting daily air quality.  It tells you how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects might be a concern for you.  The purpose of the AQI is to help you understand what local air quality means to your health.  This information is especially important and helpful to individuals with heart or respiratory diseases, such as asthma, or for children, active adults and the elderly.

The AQI tracks the levels of two pollutants:  ozone (smog) and particulate matter (tiny particles from ash, vehicle exhaust, soil dust, pollen, and other pollution).  Generally, the air quality in Central Florida is "good," however, elevated ozone levels generally occur in the warm summer months, while PM pollution can occur anytime. 

For more information on the AQI and the air quality in Orange County, please visit the U.S. EPA's AirNow site at www.airnow.gov and click on the Air Quality Index link under Air Quality Basics.  FDEP also provides air quality information (external site) for Orange County.

The AQM section provides educational outreach to citizens, schools and industries.  Activities include promoting energy efficiency, fuel conservation and reducing air pollution.  Keeping the air "clean" is our main priority in the County.

In the fall of 2007, EPD was awarded the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 Clean School Bus USA grant.  The money will go toward retrofitting over 250 Orange County Public School buses with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts.  These devices help reduce harmful tailpipe emissions.  This is an ongoing project to protect sensitive populations, such as children and the elderly, from respiratory irritants.  EPD has already put these devices on nearly 100 school buses including retrofitting all of the Head Start buses.

EPD is also launching an Anti-Idling Campaign at two area elementary schools.  This project focuses on getting parents to turn off their cars while waiting to drop-off / pick-up their children.  During idling, cars emit pollutants into the air, which can be harmful and irritating to children.  By turning the key off, parents not only provide a cleaner air but also conserve fuel.

Air Quality Management Contact Information