Environment

Various checks are in place to maintain a high level of air quality. The Kentucky Division for Air Quality is the state agency primarily responsible for enforcing Kentucky state and federal air quality standards. Permits or permit denials are also handled by this agency.

Air Quality

The EPA is proposing to determine that the Cincinnati MSA moderate ozone nonattainment area has attained the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone. The EPA proposes to redesignate the area because three years of ambient air monitoring data demonstrate that the ozone NAAQS has been attained and the area has satisfied the requirements for redesignation. The Kentucky Division for Air Quality is the state agency primarily responsible for enforcing the state and federal air quality standards in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, with the goal of protecting public health and welfare.

Permitting

The permit review branch of the Kentucky Division for Air Quality is staffed with environmental engineers and scientists who review applications and recommend permits. The branch assists companies that are regulated by state and/or federal air quality regulations by providing guidance during pre-application meetings. For major sources, a 30-day public comment period is provided on draft permit determinations. Tri-ED and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KCED) work together to effectively assist industrial projects regarding air quality permits. Assistance in expediting permits is regularly provided by Tri-ED and KCED.