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District Info

The North Coast Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) is a regional environmental regulatory agency that is a Special District of the State of California whose jurisdiction is Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in Northern California.

The NCUAQMD's primary responsibility is controlling air pollution from stationary sources, and we are committed to achieving and maintaining healthful air quality throughout our tri-county jurisdiction. The NCUAQMD is one of thirty-five local air districts in California and enforces local, state, and federal air quality regulations.

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The District accomplishes its mission through public education and outreach, planning, enforcement of local rules and regulations, air quality permits, and promotion of clean air programs. We work closely with the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). It is also a member of the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA).

As part of our clean air strategy, we:

  • Adopt rules that limit pollution, issue permits to ensure compliance and inspect pollution sources.
  • Monitor the North Coast's air quality by operating air monitoring stations throughout the District.
  • Investigate public complaints and respond to requests for information.
  • Inventory and assess the health risks of toxic air emissions.
  • Analyze and comment upon the air quality impact of new businesses and land development projects.
  • Administer a District burn permit program for open burning and minimize the effects of agricultural burning through the use of smoke management plans.
  • Administer various grant programs to provide incentives to utilize clean air technology and equipment.
  • Partner with other government agencies to promote air quality projects.
  • Provide individuals and businesses with training on Federal, State and local air pollution control topics.