DEQ, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF), has updated the Oklahoma Smoke Management Plan (SMP) to reflect recent changes in legislation and agency resources related to the smoke management of prescribed burning. The public may review the updated SMP and submit comments by email to AQDSIPComments@deq.ok.gov until 4:30pm on March 18, 2021. For more information including a copy of the updated plan, please see DEQ’s Smoke Management page
The 2020 air emissions inventory reporting season has begun and runs through April 1, 2021. New and existing recorded trainings are now available on our workshop page.
New permitting guidance available to determine the following:
  • Representative Sampling: representativeness of sampling used to calculate emissions from oil and gas facilities.
  • Effluent Water Separator: if a storage vessel qualifies as a vessel operating as an effluent water separator or if the vessel is simply a storage tank.
View Guidance and Learn More
With funding from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement, DEQ has developed several new programs to promote healthier air quality across the state. Learn More about Volkswagen Settlement
In order to facilitate social distancing measures during this time and support industry in their continued compliance with environmental permitting and reporting requirements, AQD is encouraging our industry partners to submit permit applications, annual and semiannual reporting, and any questions through email to the permitting and compliance staff through the following contacts:

Permitting: Richard Kienlen and Phillip Fielder      Compliance: Compliance and Enforcement
Does your Gasoling Dispensing Facility (GDF) need a permit? Check out our new FAQs and brochure on our General Permits & Permits By Rule page. For more information, please contact Cecelia Kleman.

What is Air Quality?

The amount of pollution in the air from all sources – natural and human – defines the quality of the air we breathe. Air pollution isn’t limited to our cities; it can blow into any part of Oklahoma from neighboring states.

Bad air quality can affect everybody’s health. It can have direct effects on the lungs, and it can worsen an existing condition, such as asthma. Some people are more sensitive to air pollution than others. These include young children who are growing rapidly and older adults who have reduced immune systems.

Poor public health also incurs economic costs for society, e.g., increased healthcare costs and loss of working days. A clean environment makes Oklahoma an attractive place to live, work and play: something we can all be proud of.

What does the Air Quality Division do?

The Air Quality Division operates various programs to carry out DEQ’s regulatory duties under state and federal law.

Air Monitoring

Measures the ambient (outdoor) air quality across Oklahoma

Air quality forecasts, alerts, and health advisories

Air Toxics

Air Permits

Issues permits to companies with facilities that produce air pollutant emissions

Emissions Inventory

Collects data about emissions released into the air from all Oklahoma sources

Compliance & Enforcement

Inspects air pollution sources based on permits and potential violations

Asbestos

Lead-Based Paint

Certification and accreditation program

Rules & Planning

Reviews and proposes rule changes to the Air Quality Advisory Council

Researches and develops regulatory strategies