VCAPCD

Our Mission

To protect public health and agriculture from the adverse effects of air pollution by identifying air pollution problems and developing a comprehensive program to achieve and maintain state and federal air quality standards.

 

Air Quality Watch due to blowing dust is in effect
through Wednesday January 15, 2025

     

    The Ventura County AQ forecast for the afternoon of Monday January 13 through Wednesday January 15, 2025 is UNHEALTHY for SENSITIVE GROUPS with the potential to reach UNHEALTHY for everyone due to blowing dust.

    Strong Santa Ana winds continue to stir up dust, which is increasing the amount of particle pollution and expected to cause the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach UNHEALTHY for SENSITIVE GROUPS with potential to reach UNHEALTHY for everyone in the Inland Coast (Oxnard, Ventura), Camarillo, the Conejo Valley, Fillmore/Piru, and Simi Valley/Moorpark.

    Dust contains coarse particles that can aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and increase the risk of respiratory infections and other serious health problems.

    The district issues an Air Quality Watch when the AQI has reached or is forecasted to reach UNHEALTHY for SENSITIVE GROUPS with the possibility of reaching an UNHEALTHY level for all. A lower AQI can affect sensitive groups. This includes children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions.

    The watch is in effect until conditions improve.

    When air quality reaches an unhealthy level for you or when you see wind kicking up large amounts of dust, Ventura County Public Health recommends that you:

    • Stay inside if possible and close all windows and doors that lead outside to prevent dust from entering. If this is not an option or it becomes extremely hot inside, seek alternate shelter.
    • Operate home and car air conditioners in recycle or recirculation mode. Close the fresh air intake. Change dirty filters.
    • If you must be outdoors, avoid strenuous activity and consider wearing a fitted N95 mask or another respirator.
    • If you experience a cough, fever, night sweats or painful breathing that lasts for two weeks or more, contact your doctor.

    The coarse particles that pose a danger are PM10, particulate matter with a diameter between 2.5 and 10 micrometers. An AQI forecast for PM10 reflects what is possible for a 24-hour day on average. At times, air quality is likely to be better or worse than what is indicated for the entire period. Levels of particle pollution and the areas affected will vary over time. Conditions can change rapidly depending on winds.

    For real-time data on air quality, check the AirNow NowCast AQI at www.airnow.gov. AirNow uses hourly data from the district’s five monitoring stations throughout the county to provide air quality information for the surrounding regions.

    People can get Daily Air Quality Reports from the district by signing up to receive emails at vcapcd.org or by following the district on the social platform X.
    For current weather conditions, visit www.weather.gov/lox/.

     

 

Current Air Quality Data
 



Forecast and Agricultural Burn Status

Real-time Station Data

El Rio, Ojai, Piru, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks
 

 

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Call 24-hour message line at
(805) 303-3700.

Call Compliance Division at
(805) 303-3708
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

More Information

Public access
 

Public Records PortalDistrict records now online

 

The district has launched a searchable online database that provides the public with information on Ventura County facilities that are permitted, registered or the subject of complaints. The Public Data Portal offers direct access to records that previously needed to be provided by staff.

 

Zero emissions
 

Fire DebrisVouchers cover cost of electric garden equipment

 

The district is paying for residents and organizations to swap their polluting gasoline- and diesel-powered landscaping equipment with new cordless electric tools. The Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange Program will provide a total of $937,500 in vouchers to Ventura County residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and public schools.

 

Mountain Fire
 

Fire DebrisGuidelines issued for crews removing residential debris

 

The district has issued a Compliance Assistance Advisory with guidelines for crews removing residential debris from the Mountain Fire. The guidelines are intended to facilitate prompt removal while protecting health and safety. The advisories are available in English and Spanish.

 

Reducing smog
 

electric carsGrants will fund Highway 126-corridor EV chargers

 

The district is offering $1.5 million in grants for organizations to install and operate electric vehicle chargers along the Highway 126 corridor. The program is designed to improve air quality in Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru and support the transition to EVs by providing much-needed chargers along the heavily trafficked route.

 

Public representation
 

Hearing BoardCandidates sought for Hearing Board

 

Three Ventura County residents are needed to serve as alternates on the independent body that decides whether to approve petitions submitted by operators of air pollution sources, district staff and the public. Positions are available for medical and engineering professionals and a member of the public.