Outdoor Air Quality Enforcement

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Report Outdoor Air Pollution

Call to report a problem/violation:
311

What Is Outdoor Air Quality Enforcement?

Chapter 3 of the Montgomery County Code is the Air Quality Control Ordinance. The ordinance authorizes DEP to protect ambient (outdoor) air quality and indoor air quality in the County. It also prohibits air pollution from crossing property lines or leaseholds.

Air pollution is defined in the Air Quality Control Ordinance as the presence in the atmosphere of any substance (or combination of substances) likely to pose a health hazard to humans, plants, or animals or unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of property. Air pollutants include odors, smoke, gas, and dust.

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What Kinds of Problems Are Enforced by the Air Quality Ordinance?

Common air quality complaints include:

Dust from a commercial operation or construction site crossing property lines
Odors from commercial or residential activities
Illegal open burning.
Visible emissions (other than steam) from any installation or commercial operation

What Is Excluded from the Ordinance?

Certain emissions are specifically excluded from the Air Quality Ordinance:

Short-term startup emissions from installations
Emissions from food installations with an opacity of no more than 10 percent
Emissions from residential wood stoves or indoor fireplaces
Emissions from legal open fires

How Do I Register an Ambient Air Quality Complaint?

Report outdoor air quality violations, call 311, or email DEP at askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov.