Four programmatic divisions - Air Quality, Water Quality, Tank Programs and Waste Programs - carry out ADEQ's core responsibilities, which are summarized as follows:

Pollution Control
ADEQ issues permits, approvals and certifications to ensure that facilities are legally constructed and operated and that any discharges to the air, water and soil are within healthful standards established by law. Our planning specialists also develop management practices and control strategies in areas where standards are not being met.

Monitoring and Assessment
ADEQ collects air, water and soil samples for laboratory analyses to monitor for the presence of contaminants. Our staff interprets data from this field research to draw conclusions about environmental indicators and trends and form the basis for future planning and policy decisions.

Compliance Management
ADEQ offers guidance, assistance and incentives to encourage the public to reduce waste and resulting pollution. As part of this effort, the agency conducts inspections on a regular basis and in response to citizen complaints. ADEQ also has authority to pursue formal enforcement actions to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

Cleanups
ADEQ investigates and oversees the removal and cleanup of contaminated soil and water to protect public health and the environment. The agency's emergency responders also help local fire and police efforts to contain and clean up hazardous chemical releases.

Education, Outreach and Financial Assistance
ADEQ engages citizens in many ways to keep them informed and invite their participation in environmental decision-making. We publish information via newsletters and the Internet, conduct seminars and workshops, and support numerous advisory and stakeholder groups. ADEQ also offers financial assistance for leaking underground storage tank cleanup costs and funds local recycling, pollution prevention and air and water quality programs.

Policy Development
ADEQ writes rules to implement the broad statutory language contained in legislation, and we develop policies to explain how we interpret statutes and rules to ensure consistent, equitable decisions and to inform the public about how we do business. ADEQ also works with state and national organizations and stakeholder groups to shape and influence sound environmental policy.