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Dept. > Environmental Health > Bureau of Air Quality Control
BUREAU OF AIR QUALITY CONTROL (BAQC)
The Bureau of Air Quality Control (BAQC) takes action by maintaining an ambient air monitoring network, responding to citizen air quality complaints, operating a mobile air monitoring/laboratory unit, taking on special initiatives that target pollutant reduction, developing partnerships and participating in community clean air efforts, performing infrared surveillance to reveal possible emissions sources and by serving as a primary source for air quality information.
BAQC
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Bureau of Air Quality Control
7411 Park Place Blvd.
Houston, TX 77087
Phone: 713.640.4200 Fax: 713.640.4343
Mission: To protect public healthby improving the quality of ambient air in Houston.
Organizational Structure The Bureau of Air Quality Control is a bureau within the
Environmental Health Division of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) of the City of Houston. It is comprised of four sections: Complaint and Community Assistance, Special Initiatives, Technical Services and Administration.
The Bureau of Air Quality Control works together with Houston area citizens in troubleshooting local issues concerning possible air pollution sources. By calling the 311 Houston Service Helpline, citizens can voice air quality complaints or concerns to the bureau. Callers are asked brief questions that help to characterize and prioritize the problem after which an investigator is assigned to respond. Citizens can report observations of strong odors, excessive smoke, dust, or other air contaminants by contacting the BAQC through the 311 Houston Service Helpline. During normal business hours (6:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday - Friday) your call is answered by an attendant. During non-business hours an automated voice system will prompt you to record your concern, thereby allowing investigators the ability to respond to air quality concerns as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours of your call. Complaints received by our office after normal business hours or on the weekend are routed to an on-call BAQC staff member who reviews the complaint and takes appropriate action. Response can range from immediate action if an air quality incident appears to pose a serious threat to the health or safety of the public, to the dispatching of a BAQC investigator the next business day based on priority. Investigators will contact the complainant.
How to Report a problem
If you smell a strong chemical odor or see a lot of dust or smoke in your neighborhood try to describe the emissions and try to identify the source. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
The time the air quality incident occurred
Whether it is continuing at the time of your call
The nature of the air quality concern
Whether you have experience this type of air quality problem in the past
The name and address of the alleged source and type of operation, if known
Your name, address, and phone number
This information is kept confidential. Although the BAQC does accept complaints from anonymous callers, inspectors cannot contact anonymous callers for additional details or to advise them of findings or results.
Through the Bureau’s Citizen Collected Evidence (CCE) Information Packet Houston area citizens are able to work in partnership with the Bureau of Air Quality Control in the collection of evidence to aid in resolving air quality concerns. Questions about the information packet can be answered by a BAQC investigator by calling (713) 640-4200.
The BAQC’s action may include a service oriented follow-up process that verifies whether the citizen’s needs were met.
The Houston Department of Health and Human Services works with communities to develop partnerships for clean air initiatives to best understand neighborhood concerns and complaints. The Department works proactively and upon citizen's request to inform communities about services provided and to receive input on how to improve the services. Through the Assessment, Intervention and Mobilization (AIM) project Health Department personnel have embarked on a successful door to door information sharing initiative aimed at improving the health and well being of the community by advising households of available services that may address personal needs.
The air quality concerns of Houston area citizens are addressed by the BAQC during presentations and interactive displays at community meetings that have involved residents and neighboring industries. Presentations and direct response to citizen’s concerns have also taken place at several of the city’s community and multi-service centers. In addition to presentations, each section of the Bureau has assisted in hosting field trips and open house events for institutions, organizations and fellow City of Houston employees at its air monitoring facilities and at the BAQC headquarters as a part of fulfilling its role as a significant source of information to area residents. Organizations interested in presentations can call (713) 640-4200 to request.
The Special Initiatives Section conducts compliance inspections in response to emissions events, complaints and air pollution events identified through monitoring data reviews. It collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to advocate for improved air quality permitting and regulations.
The surveillance, investigations and follow-up actions of the Special Initiatives Section are an important part of the Bureau of Air Quality Control's daily action that are designed to help reduce emission of ozone precursors, particulate matter, and air toxics. This section of the BAQC is responsible for addressingcompliance concernsassociated with larger facilities in the Houston region. Historically, its investigations have lead to the identification of the most significant sources of air pollution associated with area facilities. Airborne pollutants as benzene, 1,3-butadiene, ozone and particulate matter are among several that draw the attention of the Special Initiatives Section because of the risk that they pose to human health and the environment. Investigation and surveillance activities are conducted to help verify compliance by a regulated entity, identify improvement opportunities and support a facility work plan designed for air quality improvement and to address neighborhood concerns. Investigations and surveillance are also undertaken in a manner that will support litigation for violations not otherwise resolved.
The use of portable equipment like the Haz-Dust particulate matter sampler (shown above) and the PPB RAE volatile organic detector/monitor serve as helpful tools that help take the BAQC’s air monitoring and evaluation to the source of community concerns.
Monitoring equipment like the Hi-Q “Hi-Vol Sampler” (left) and the Grimm “Environmental Dust Station” (right) in conjunction with the Haz-Dust particulate sampler (center) helps Investigators objectively respond tocitizen’s concerns. The Technical Services Section of the BAQC, in concert with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), maintains and operates an ambient air monitoring network for the City of Houston that follows U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols and quality assurance/control procedures. This network is part of a broader and more comprehensive network that includes facilities operated by the TCEQ, area counties, nearby cities, and private entities.
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Technical Services is responsible for monitoring up to fifteen different parameters at these stationary locations throughout the City of Houston. However, all are not measured at each facility. Included among those monitored are five that are defined by the EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as criteria pollutants due to their effect on human health and the environment. They are carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Lead, the sixth criteria pollutant, is not monitored at these facilities.
Eight locations have trailers that house air collection apparatus that includes analyzers, calibrators and a computer data logging system that allows BAQC investigators and TCEQ personnel to view real time data. State-of-the-art equipment, strategic locations and adherence to U.S. EPA-approved operating standards are among the important influences that allow monitoring stations to be a critical ally in the clean air effort.
Particulate Matter sampling units at some of the City of Houston facilities collect air samples of suspended particles measuring 10 microns or less (above left) and of 2.5 microns or less (above right) in size. Samples are collected at 3-day and 6-day intervals, as well as on a continuous basis. The TEOM PM2.5 unit (above right foreground) is a continuous online monitor that is connected to the TCEQ database in Austin, TX. and can be observed at HDHHS' BAQC headquarters.
The deployment of the Mobile Ambient Air Monitoring Laboratory (MAAML) allows for the implementation of a systematic approach to identifying and characterizing specific emission sources. Funded by the EPA's Community-scale Air Toxics Monitoring Grant, the Houston Endowment Inc., and the City of Houston's Department of Health and Human Services, the MAAML represents another means to achieve City and BAQC objectives for improving Houston’s air quality.
Onboard the MAAML, chemists employ an automatic sampling and sample analysis (gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector/mass spectrometer) system. This gives the BAQC the ability to detect and quantify many different organic compounds at low detection levels, including such air toxics of interest as 1,3-butadiene and benzene.
The MAAML also contains meteorological monitors for determining atmospheric conditions and a Geographical Positioning System (GPS) for specifying sampling locations. In conjunction with other technologies, like organic vapor detection by the Bureau’s infrared cameras, also funded by the Houston Endowment Inc., the MAAML will help to identify and characterize emissions from facilities.
The EPA uses BAQC monitoring information and other data to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI) for criteria pollutants. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index for reporting daily air quality. It indicates how clean or polluted the air is and relates the associated health effects that may be of concern to humans and the environment.
Particular watch is given to the formation of ozone in the Houston-Galveston region. On a day-to- day basis the TCEQ issues an ozone watch when atmospheric conditions may exist that contribute to high levels of ground level ozone.
Houston area citizens can receive a Morning Air Pollution Forecast that is updated each weekday morning by Bureau personnel by calling (713) 640-4358. This recorded message informs listeners of valuable air quality projections and information sources for current conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
AIR POLLUTION INSIDE THE CITY OF HOUSTON
What should I do if I smell or see smoke, odor, or dust that may be causing a nuisance from a specific address or location?
Complaints about nuisance smoke, odors, or dust should be made to 311.
How can I tell if there are high levels of air pollutants in Houston "today"?
The BAQC has an air pollution index that predicts the air pollution for the day. The index includes ozone warnings and is updated each weekday morning. You can call 713-640-4358.
You can sign up for air pollutions warnings from Harris County at hcoem.org.
What should I do if I observe a significant air pollution release or if I think a company is violating air pollution regulations?
Complaints about significant air pollution releases or violations of air quality regulations should be made to 311.
My next-door neighbor conducts auto body repair, welding, and sandblasting in his backyard. Who do I complain to about the odor, paint over-spray, and fumes that come onto my property? Does my neighbor need a permit to conduct these activities?
Complaints about air pollution from companies or individuals that affect Houston residents should be made to 311.
What should I do if I see or smell gasoline coming from a gasoline nozzle/pump at a gas station/convenience store?
Complaints about leaking gasoline nozzles/pumps should be made to 311. They will take the complaint and refer it to the proper agency.
How does the BAQC know where "air polluters" are located?
The BAQC utilizes its computer database, citizen complaints, air monitoring and surveillance information to track the location of companies that emit air pollution.
Are companies that emit air pollutants required to register or get a permit?
Companies that emit air pollutants must qualify as a “De Minimis Facility”, claim a “permit-by-rule”, or obtain a state air permit from TCEQ. Companies may also need to obtain a U.S. EPA Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) air permit.
To determine if a smaller company needs to register under the City of Houston Local Air Pollution Ordinance contact the BAQC through 311.
What should I do if I suspect the release of Freon into the air from a vehicle or building air conditioner?
Complaints about leaking Freon should be made to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 281-983-2153 or 1-800-296-1996.
What should I do if I observe demolition/construction activities that I suspect emit lead paint or asbestos into the air?
Complaints about asbestos from demolition/construction activities should be made to the Texas Department of State Health Services at 713-767-3000.
Complaints about asbestos from demolition/construction can also be made to the EPA at 1-888-963-7111.
Complaints about airborne lead paint should be made to the 311 for referral to the proper City agency.
Who addresses general air pollution concerns like haze?
General air pollution complaints can be made to 311.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Region 12 Office also handles general air pollution complaints at 713-767-3712.
General air pollution complaints can also be made to Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services at 713-920-2831.
The car I recently purchased has had its emissions control system tampered with and cannot pass an emissions test. What can I do?
Complaints about tampering with a vehicle's emissions control system should be reported to 311.
What should I do if I see a smoking vehicle in Houston?
Call the TCEQ smoking vehicle phone number at 1-800-453-7664.
What should I do to protect my family and myself if there is an air pollution problem (like high ozone levels) in Houston?
On high air pollution days, people should stay inside as much as possible and reduce personal activities, like exercise, which increases the rate and volume of the air that you breathe.
What can I do to improve the air quality in Houston?
As a consumer you can shop for products that create less air pollution like fuel-efficient automobiles, energy-saving household appliances, and low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints.
You can change your daily actions to reduce air pollution by refueling your automobile and mowing your lawn when air pollution levels are low.
You can contact local, state, and federal elected officials and tell them you support air pollution control laws.
HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Harris County Environmental Public Health (713) 920-2831
Galveston County Health District Pollution Control Dept. (409) 938-2251
Fort Bend County Environmental Health (281) 342-7469
Brazoria County Environmental Health Services (281) 756-1600 Montgomery county Environmental Health Dept. (936) 539-7839
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (713) 767-3714
Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) (281) 476-2237
Mothers For Clean Air (713) 526-0110
This information is kept confidential. Although the BAQC does accept complaints from anonymous callers, inspectors cannot contact anonymous callers for additional details or to advise them of findings or results. 
The air quality concerns of Houston area citizens are addressed by the BAQC during presentations and interactive displays at community meetings that have involved residents and neighboring industries. Presentations and direct response to citizen’s concerns have also taken place at several of the city’s community and multi-service centers. In addition to presentations, each section of the Bureau has assisted in hosting field trips and open house events for institutions, organizations and fellow City of Houston employees at its air monitoring facilities and at the BAQC headquarters as a part of fulfilling its role as a significant source of information to area residents. Organizations interested in presentations can call (713) 640-4200 to request.
