About Us

"The mission of the Bureau of Air Quality is to conserve and enhance air resources in a manner that promotes quality of life."

This site is intended to provide access to information for our customers about the Bureau of Air Quality’s functions, resources and activities related to achieving its mission.

The Bureau of Air Quality (BAQ) is the delegated authority for stationary source permitting. The Bureau offers assistance to facilities to improve compliance with permitting and regulatory requirements and ensure that resources are used in the most effective manner.

Facilities in South Carolina are required to submit air dispersion modeling for most construction permits and certain operating permits. Staff within the BAQ reviews the modeling procedures and results provided by the facility or company.

Another tool for customers that has been implemented is the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program.

During the past couple of years, a number of significant air quality regulations have been implemented to protect our air.

Staff within the Bureau has worked towards continually trying to expand our education and outreach activities in a number of areas.

Improved public participation continues to be an important objective for the BAQ.

Ground-level ozone forecasting has been expanded from three to four geographic regions within South Carolina.

Through compliance inspections, complaint responses, and monitoring activities, the Regional BAQ staff helps to ensure that ambient air quality is maintained at the highest possible level.  Contact information for staff in your area is listed here at Regional EQC Offices.

The Bureau of Air Quality is organized into the following divisions:

(Click on the bold green headings to see an organizational chart of each division.)

Air Planning, Development, Outreach and Information Services -- One of the primary functions of this Division is to develop and implement strategies to maintain the quality of South Carolina’s air. There are four sections within this Division: Air Assessment and Planning, Regulatory Development, Air Education and Outreach, and Information Services (Information Technology).

Emissions, Evaluation and Support -- This Division includes three sections, Air Toxics, Emission Inventory and Modeling. Activities include providing support to permitting through modeling and technical assistance. Daily ozone forecasts are during the ozone season and meteorological support for various Air Program projects including monitor siting and episode investigation. The Division implements Federal and State air toxics programs by offering technical and compliance assistance to staff and industry. The Division also collects emissions data which is used for federal reporting, modeling and planning, and fee collection.

Engineering Services -- The primary function of this division is to review permit applications and issue air quality construction and operating permits to industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities that emit regulated air pollutants. The division has four sections: the Piedmont Permitting Section, the Sandhills and Forestry Permitting Section, the Coastal Plains and Power Permitting Sections, and the General Permitting and Support Section.

Air Compliance Management -- This Division conducts compliance assistance and compliance assurance activities through routine monitoring and review of operational and emissions reports, implementation of the State's asbestos program, and initiation of enforcement when appropriate. The Division is comprised of four sections: Technical Management, Source Evaluation, Asbestos, and Enforcement.

You can download a copy of the Bureau of Air Quality organization chart here.