Air Quality
Air Quality Regulations & Monitoring
One of the key responsibilities of the Evansville Climate Collaborative (ECC) is to provide a local response to air quality concerns to protect public health and welfare for the residents of Evansville.
ECC enforces local air quality standards under § 16.05 of the Evansville Municipal Code. These standards mirror and build upon state and federal air quality standards enforced by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Air Quality. The local standards further minimize impacts of air pollution that can result from the higher concentration of activities within city limits, and therefore help minimize risks to the people and property of Evansville.
ECC issues local permits for point sources of air pollutants and for open burning, as well as respond to public complaints and concerns. Below, you’ll find an overview of local regulations on select activities contributing to air emissions.
ECC also communicates state air quality monitoring and alerts. Below, you will find links to access real-time air quality data and alerts for the region.
Monitor air quality in your area using these official, trusted sources.
A live dashboard of current air quality and forecast provided by the U.S. EPA and federal air quality partners.
A live dashboard of daily air quality and alerts for Indiana provided by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Air Quality Regulations
Below are state and local regulations that apply to the City of Evansville, Indiana.
Recreational Fires
Recreational fires are small fires on the ground for cooking or leisure, such as backyard campfires. Rules for these fires protect public health and safety and minimize inconvenience for neighbors within city limits. Permits for recreational fires are issued on an annual basis. Permits are not necessary for fires in grills, smokers, chimeneas, and patio receptacles.
Open Burning
Open burning includes larger fires, such as those burning storm debris or celebratory bonfires. Rules for these fires ensure they are carefully managed to protect air quality and public safety, with specific guidelines on fire size and location and local weather conditions. Permits are issued for a specific, short time period.
Burn Bans
Burn bans are temporary restrictions placed on outdoor burning during periods of heightened fire risk to protect people and property from potential wildfires. Burn bans are issued at a county level by the County Commissioners and at the city level by the ECC after consultation with local fire departments. Burn bans are coordinated across the state by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
REPORT A CONCERN
If you have questions or concerns about air emissions or violations of local or state air quality rules, you can contact the air quality regulatory office with jurisdiction. Below are links to online submission forms that can serve as an easy first step.
Which office has jurisdiction?
Air emission activities outside of the City of Evansville but within Indiana must be referred to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Air Quality. The city does not address activities outside of city limits.
Air emission activities within the City of Evansville boundaries can be handled by either IDEM or the Evansville Climate Collaborative (ECC). Some local air quality rules are more stringent than the state rules, particularly open burning, so it is best to start with the local agency. ECC may involve IDEM for assistance if necessary.
