Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions
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Open Burning – Questions
What can I burn with a valid permit?
‘Brush, trees and vegetation burned on the property where grown’Burning of any milled lumber, paper, cardboard or other materials is illegal and can result in fines and possible criminal prosecution.
Who decides it is a ‘burn day’ or a ‘no burn day’?
The State Air Resources Board meteorologist determines the burn status. However, the local Air District and Fire Agencies can suspend burning based on local conditions. Some major holidays are always designated no burn days.
Permitting – Questions
When Do I Need An Air Quality Permit?
State and federal law require permits for any operation or equipment that has the potential to emit, reduce, control, or eliminate the emissions of air contaminants. Permits are required:
- Before construction begins for a new operation;
- Before any modification to permitted equipment; or
- Before equipment is moved or relocated.
How do I apply for an air quality Permit?
Contact the District for permit application materials. These include an application form and instructions.
Do I need an Air Quality Permit to use my engine in Mendocino County?
All Stationary and Portable engines over 50hp need permits.
Gasoline Dispensing Facility – Questions
What is an Aboveground Gasoline Storage Tank or AST?
Answer: An AST is a gasoline storage tank that is intended for fixed installations, without backfill, that is located above or below grade. ASTs are commonly classified as either “single-wall” or “protected”. Single-wall ASTs are constructed with a primary (single) wall typically made of steel. Protected ASTs are constructed with a primary (inner) tank encased by a secondary (outer) tank, with a layer of insulating material (at least three inches thick) between the primary and secondary walls. The insulating material is usually lightweight concrete or a similar material.
Are gasoline dispensing facilities equipped with ASTs located in “attainment areas” for the Federal standard for ozone exempted from SLC requirements?
Answer: Yes, existing ASTs in Federal ozone attainment areas are not required to comply with SLC, but these ASTs must keep their pre-EVR Phase I and Phase II equipment. Any new AST installed after April 1, 2009, regardless of whether it is in an attainment area or not, must comply with SLC requirements. See responses to questions 3.3 and 3.4 for Phase II requirements for new AST installations.
Who is subject to Phase II EVR?
Answer: No new or existing ASTs are subject to Phase II EVR as of April 1, 2014. Phase II EVR requirements will apply once a Phase II system is certified for ASTs. Existing ASTs subject to Phase II EVR will have four years from the effective date to comply. The effective date is the date when the first Phase II EVR system for ASTs is certified. A Phase II EVR system is expected to be certified sometime in 2014.
Air Quality Complaint – Questions
How do I report a smoky vehicle?
This includes complaints about excessive exhaust from cars, trucks or buses. For information about filing a complaint, please see the Smoking Vehicle Complaint page. You can complete an online smoking vehicle complaint form report or call the 24-hour toll-free smoking vehicle complaint line at Air Resources Board (throughout California) 1-800-END-SMOG.
Asbestos – Questions
Are new building materials asbestos free?
Answer: No. EPA did require that all building materials sold be free of asbestos, however a lawsuit resulted in that regulation being thrown out. Currently new products that contain asbestos cannot be developed, but existing products can be manufactured and sold. Read more.
No asbestos was found, do I still need to notify the District?
Answer: The notification requirement exists even if Asbestos is NOT present. Read more.
Engine – Questions
Who needs a permit?
Answer: All Stationary and Portable engines over 50hp need permits. Read more.
What’s a stationary engine?
Answer: A stationary engine stays at a fixed location for 12 months at a time, or is regularly operated as part of an existing permitted facility. Read more.
What’s a portable engine?
Answer: A portable engine is one that moves to multiple locations and is never in one location for more than 12 months. Read more.
Hot Spots Report – Questions
Is the AB 2588 Air Toxics ‘Hot Spots’ Program Report Available?
The Mendocino County Air Quality Management District (MCAQMD) is pleased to provide information to the public about the Air Toxics “Hot Spots” Information and Assessment Act of 1987 (AB 2588), a California law designed to give communities access to information about air emissions that may affect public health.
Under the AB 2588 Program, local air districts collect information from permitted facilities about the types and amounts of certain air contaminants they may release. This information is used to evaluate potential health risks and, when needed, guide actions to reduce those risks. The overall purpose of the program is to support public health while helping the community understand local air quality. The program is overseen statewide by the California Air Resources Board.
Community members who are interested are encouraged to review the report to learn more about reported air emissions in their area.
The 2025 AB 2588 Air Toxics “Hot Spots” Program Annual Report can be viewed here: 2025 MCAQMD AB2588 Report(pdf)