Services / Air Quality
California Air Quality Management & Air Permitting
Navigating California's Most Complex Regulatory Framework
Air quality permitting in California is among the most technically demanding regulatory disciplines in the United States. With 35 independent air quality management districts — each maintaining its own rulebook, thresholds, and procedures — facilities face a layered framework of local district, state (CARB), and federal (EPA) requirements that must all be satisfied simultaneously.
Our team provides professional engineering services across all California air districts, with deep expertise in the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD), Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). Whether your project requires a routine Authority to Construct or a complex Title V major-source permit, we manage the entire process from initial engineering review through final permit issuance.
We serve industrial manufacturers, commercial facilities, fueling operations, healthcare institutions, food processors, and any entity required to hold an air permit in California. Our approach is technically rigorous, agency-tested, and built around minimizing disruption to your business while keeping you permanently ahead of regulatory obligations.
Core Technical Services
Authority to Construct (ATC) & Permit to Operate (PTO)
Engineering review, equipment specification sheets, and complete permit packet preparation for new installations, modifications, relocations, and change-of-ownership scenarios. We interface directly with California's 35 air quality districts — including SMAQMD, BAAQMD, SCAQMD, and SJVAPCD — to process applications efficiently and respond to district comments.
Title V Operating Permits
Major-source permitting under the federal Clean Air Act requiring rigorous Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting (MRR) plans, annual compliance certifications, and deviation reporting. Our team manages the entire Title V lifecycle from initial application through renewal, keeping your facility in continuous good standing.
Permit Exemptions & Rule Filings
Not every piece of equipment requires a formal permit. We analyze your operations against current district rules to identify and register exempt equipment, reducing regulatory burden while maintaining documentation for inspection readiness.
NSR & BACT Analysis
New Source Review evaluations determine whether a proposed project triggers major-source review thresholds. Where required, we conduct Best Available Control Technology (BACT) engineering analyses, prepare BACT determinations, and track emission offset requirements to satisfy district and federal standards.
Emission Calculations & Annual Reports
Custom database management systems track facility-wide throughput, fuel usage, and process parameters to produce defensible criteria-pollutant and toxic air contaminant (TAC) emission inventories. We prepare and submit Annual Emission Statements, AB2588 reports, and CARB inventory submittals on schedule.
Compliance Audits & Source Testing
Pre-inspection facility evaluations identify compliance gaps before regulators arrive. We coordinate and provide oversight of official source test protocols — including stack testing and continuous monitoring system performance audits — ensuring tests are conducted correctly and results are properly documented.
Notice of Violation Resolution & Air District Compliance
Receiving a Notice of Violation (NOV) demands a rapid, technically sound response. Our team provides direct agency advocacy, rule clarification, and drafts Compliance Schedules or proofs of correction to minimize penalties and restore compliance standing as quickly as possible.
Service Highlights
- ATC & PTO Permits (All California Districts)
- Title V Major Source Permitting
- BACT & New Source Review Analysis
- Emission Calculations & Inventory Reporting
- AB2588 Air Toxics Hot Spots Program
- Source Testing Coordination & Oversight
- Compliance Audits & Pre-Inspection Prep
- Notice of Violation (NOV) Resolution
Ready to get compliant?
Contact Us TodayAgencies We Work With
SMAQMD · BAAQMD · SCAQMD · SJVAPCD · VCAPCD · MDAQMD · U.S. EPA Region 9 · CARB
Need an air permit or facing a district violation?
Our engineers have worked directly with California air districts since 1991. Let's talk through your situation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationPlanning your air quality & permitting review
Air permitting addresses equipment and emissions regulated by your local air district. It is distinct from underground tank monitoring, hazardous waste management and stormwater permit coverage, even when those programs apply at the same facility.
What to prepare for a consultation
Have your equipment list, fuel and material usage, existing air permits, proposed changes and any district correspondence ready for an initial review.
Regulatory reference: California Air Resources Board: local air districts. Requirements vary by site and jurisdiction.
Discuss your facility or project with ECARelated compliance services
Your facility may have obligations across more than one program. Explore related requirements before planning your next step.