FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 3, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

DEP’S AIR DIVISION RECOGNIZED BY 
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

~Best practices initiatives provide regulatory consistency and staff training~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Air Resource Management (DARM) has been awarded two 2015 Best Practices designations from the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA), for its AirCom compliance and enforcement database and for its Florida Air Inspector Reference (FAIR) training program.

“The division continues to be a model for the nation with innovative, useful tools to assist air program inspectors,” said DEP Deputy Secretary Paula Cobb. “We are celebrating these successes because of the commitment of our air-quality professionals. I am pleased they have been recognized for their effectiveness and dedication.”

DARM staff and Kyra Solutions worked together to develop AirCom, a database and field-inspection tool to better achieve compliance and enforcement goals. Built on a state-of-the-art platform, AirCom is designed to ensure timely and accurate collection and reporting of compliance data.

DARM staff worked with Trinity Consultants to design the FAIR training program, which provides both new and veteran inspectors with the core knowledge and tools necessary to ensure thorough and consistent oversight of Florida’s regulated community. Inspectors statewide have participated in the training. The program identifies the inspectors’ duties and regulatory program objectives, focusing on proactively protecting the environment through education and compliance and also ensuring proper enforcement decisions statewide.

“Investing in technology and staff training are two examples of the department’s commitment to ensuring Florida’s air quality continues to be excellent,” said Justin Green, director of the Division of Air Resource Management. “The FAIR training program will further elevate the knowledge of our compliance and enforcement staff and increase compliance statewide.”

According to the American Lung Association’s 2015 State of the Air report, Florida experienced zero unhealthy days for ozone pollution during the three-year study period. In addition, Florida has 28 of the cleanest cities nationwide.

More information about DARM is available at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/air/. 

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department’s website at www.dep.state.fl.us.

Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies

The Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA) is a national, non-profit, consensus-driven organization focused on assisting state and local air quality agencies and personnel with implementation and technical issues associated with the federal Clean Air Act. There are 18 state environmental agencies that currently sit on AAPCA’s Board of Directors. AAPCA is housed in Lexington, Ky., as a policy program with The Council of State Governments. You can find more information about AAPCA at: http://www.cleanairact.org. 

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/122fcff