Clean Air Act Compliance
Ambient air quality has a significant effect on human health. Research shows that air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter increase the amount and seriousness of lung and heart disease and other health problems. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease are at greater risk of adverse health impacts caused by air pollution. Human activities can adversely affect air quality; therefore, emissions to the atmosphere are regulated closely.
The pollutants monitored and regulated by the EPA include:
- Carbon Monoxide
- Lead
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Ozone
- Particle Pollution
- Sulfur Dioxide
Within Bernalillo County, the City of Albuquerque regulates these emissions to the atmosphere; UNM falls under the City's regulations. EHS is the point of contact and works with City to ensure our emissions are within allowable limits. EHS ensures UNM compliance with the operating permit issued as part of Title V of the Clean Air Act. Regulated sources at UNM include:
- Cogen Turbines for Electricity and Steam Generation
- Steam Boilers
- Emergency Generators
- Chemical Emissions from Research
EHS should review all stationary sources of emissions for the applicability of emission limits and possible permitting with the City of Albuquerque before work begins on the project.
