Since emissions are directly related to air quality, it is vital to have a detailed inventory to keep track of the pollutants emitted. It's also required by law. The federal Clean Air Act requires the district to develop and periodically update an Emissions Inventory.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) have set health-based standards for what are called criteria pollutants. These include ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide and vinyl chloride. CARB also has established a standard for visibility-reducing particles. The EPA classifies Ventura County as a serious non-attainment area for the federal eight-hour ozone standard. The county also is classified as non-attainment for the state ozone and particulate matter standards.
The Emissions Inventory helps the district achieve its mission to identify air pollution problems and formulate comprehensive programs to achieve clean, healthful air for Ventura County residents and visitors. Together with information from the district's air monitoring network and regional air quality models, the Emissions Inventory helps pinpoint the reasons for our current problems. It also helps us identify workable solutions to improve air quality by predicting the future effectiveness of emissions control and strategies that account for the effects of population growth and changes in the economy. Finally, the Emissions Inventory is used as a tool to gauge our progress toward meeting our short- and long-term clean air goals.
