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The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) works to advance environmental policies and actions that will improve and protect air quality not only in the County, but within the region. Montgomery County, MD is located in the Washington Metropolitan nonattainment area for the Federal National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. Regions in nonattainment for a NAAQS must develop a State Implementation Plan, or SIP, which describes what emission reduction measures the region will implement in order to comply with the Federal air quality standards. DEP represents the County during the development and implementation of Washington metropolitan region State Implementation Plans (SIPs) developed by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. DEP also coordinates efforts with other County agencies to develop innovative and practical SIP commitment measures that will reduce County emissions. DEP works with other County Departments to provide technical assistance, implement strategies, and draft procedures and regulations to reduce emissions of and exposure to harmful ambient and indoor air quality pollutants.
DEP also enforces Chapter 3 of the County Code, the Air Quality ordinance. The Ordinance provides enforcement options for common local air quality concerns such as dust, and other emissions crossing property lines and creating nuisances. The Ordinance also addresses odors and other indoor air pollutants across property lines or leaseholds.
The Department also recognizes the public’s need for information on indoor air issues such as radon and mold. DEP provides basic information and resources to residents on common indoor air concerns.
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