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Air Quality Program

Air Quality Program MangerAir Quality Program Manager
928-269-6669

Environmental Department
Air Quality Program Manager
P.O. Box 99110
Yuma, Arizona 85369-9110
Fax: 928-269-5216


California Air Regulations

California air regulations can be found in Title 13 and 17 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) also has rules available on line. Rules for California and Imperial County can be found at California Air Resources Board (CARB) website www.arb.gov/homepage.htm

Camp Billy Machen is located on the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR) near Niland, California. MCAS Yuma also conducts operations at the CMAGR and Black Mountain. These facilities are located in Imperial County, California.

Imperial County is a serious non-attainment area for Particulate Matter (PM-10) and a marginal non-attainment area for ozone.

Dust Control

To control PM-10 on the CMAGR, MCAS Yuma has implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs). Speeds are reduced and the range is posted with No Trespassing signs. Range speed limits are:

  • Maximum speed on Camp Billy Machen is 15 mph.
  • Maximum speed on semi-improved roads are 25 mph.
  • Maximum speed on unimproved roads are 15 mph.
  • Maximum speed through a troop area is 10 mph.
Other methods to control dust include:
    Prevent track-out/carry-out from getting onto roadways.
  • Construction activities using an unpaved haul road/access road more than 1/2 mile long, use dust control methods
  • Prevent loads from escaping onto roads and into air by tarping. Thoroughly wet load for short distances.
  • Use appropriate methods to control dust when handling bulk materials.
  • For other than military tactical training, Imperial County dust control rules (ICAPCD Rule 800) must be followed.
Open Burning

Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) does not allow open burning for disposal. No fires will be lit to dispose of any construction or target debris. (ICAPCD Rule 421).

Recreational fires on the CMAGR will not be lit without authorization from Range Management, (928) 269-2405. Keep the fires small and do not burn any trash in the fire pits.
  • In accordance with Range Management Department guidance on the Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) and the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR) No open fires, wood cutting or collection of firewood shall be allowed. Charcoal fires are allowed.
  • No trash, including food wrappers, cans, bottles, plastic items, or batteries will be burned.
  • The fire will be extinguished using water. The fire will not be left unattended until it is determined the fire is completely extinguished. The fire will not be abandoned until the embers are cool.
  • The fire shall not be started with items that cause the production of black smoke. ICAPCD Rule 421 allows fire to be started only with approved ignition devises.
  • The fire shall be contained to prevent uncontrollable spreading. Do not have a fire if the weather conditions could cause loss of control of the fire.
Permission for burning on public land other than what is controlled by MCAS Yuma is dependent on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fire restrictions. These restrictions may be obtained at the Range Management Office, building 1758, (928) 269-2405 or from the BLM office at 2555 E Gila Ridge Road, Yuma, AZ (928) 317-8656.

For construction burns, a permit may be issued by the Air Pollution Control Officer to burn wood waste, trees, vines, or brush from property being developed for commercial or residential purposes; or brush cuttings to reduce fire hazards. It can only be burned on the property it was cut from. The Air Pollution Control Officer may approve or disapprove the application for burning.

Environmental Department must be called, (928) 269-6669/3201, 24 hours prior to any scheduled, permitted burn for authorization.

Diesel Engine Idling

Diesel engines, with a gross vehicular weight of 10,000 pounds or more, will not idle for periods greater than 5 minutes unless:
  • Military tactical vehicles during periods of training.
  • The bus has passengers on board.
  • A bus may idle for 10 minutes while passengers are loading and unloading.
  • Idling when the vehicle is queuing up.
  • Idling due to mechanical difficulties or adverse weather conditions that the driver has no control over.
  • Idling during a vehicle inspection to verify the equipment is in good working order .
  • During testing, maintenance, service, or diagnostic purposes.
  • Operating air conditioners, heaters, defrosters to prevent a safety or health emergency.