Compliance
The Compliance section is tasked with ensuring that APCD regulations are followed. This work is done by a group of dedicated compliance officers, engineers, and environmental specialists and can range from investigating citizen reports about air pollution issues to routine inspection of industrial sources.
Below is a basic overview of compliance activities. Each header links to a page that provides more detail.
Community Compliance
When members of the public report an issue, Compliance Officers with the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District will investigate the report and, if warranted, can cite violators who fail to address the problem. Public reports often include odors, illegal open burning, or dust.
Review the APCD's standard operating procedures (SOPs) for investigating reports, or report an odor or air pollution issue.
Permit Compliance
Inspections of facilities that are permitted by the APCD are performed by compliance officers on a regular basis to ensure the facility is compliant with permit standards and record keeping requirements. Engineers and environmental specialists review reports submitted regularly by the companies to confirm there will be no unnecessary or unforeseen violations of air pollution standards. A more detailed look at inspections, reporting, testing, and compliance assistance for permitted facilities is on our Permit Compliance page.
Asbestos Compliance
The APCD issues asbestos permits for demolition and renovation projects where asbestos-containing materials are suspected and may need to be removed. This includes public, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as multiplex housing. Permits are not typically required for private homes. Asbestos removal is governed by specific local, state and federal regulations, such as the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs). APCD compliance officers work with permittees making sure they comply with asbestos requirements before a project is begun.
Open Burning
APCD compliance officers inspect fire pits and potential fire wood piles before an open burning permit is issued to ensure compliance with regulations. The APCD also investigates citizen reports of open burning and fire department notifications regarding possible unpermitted open fires. Compliance officers have the authority to issue a field citation for minor violations, or call the fire department to extinguish the fire.
Enforcement
If any compliance investigation finds that a violation of regulations has occurred, enforcement action may be taken. You can find more information as well as a record of the APCD's enforcement actions on our Enforcement page.
