Environmental Compliance FAQ
Plain-language answers to the questions facility managers ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask AEC directly.
What services does Advanced Environmental Controls provide?
AEC provides air quality permitting and compliance (NSR, Title V, RECLAIM), water and wastewater treatment services, hazardous waste management, and Phase I–III environmental site assessments throughout California.
What is a Title V permit and who needs one?
A Title V permit consolidates all applicable air quality requirements for a major source into a single operating permit. Facilities in California that exceed major-source emission thresholds typically need one. AEC prepares Title V permit applications and manages the annual compliance reporting that follows.
How do RECLAIM trading credits (RTCs) work?
RECLAIM sets a facility-wide emissions limit for NOx and SOx in the South Coast district and lets facilities buy or sell RECLAIM Trading Credits to meet it cost-effectively. AEC monitors your emissions position, advises when RTCs should be bought or sold, and completes all transaction documentation for the SCAQMD.
When is a Health Risk Assessment required?
HRAs are commonly required under the Air Toxics "Hot Spots" program (AB 2588), Proposition 65, and during permitting when screening indicates potential public health impacts. AEC performs preliminary screening (SCREEN, PTPLU) and refined modeling (ISCST3, COMPLEX-1, SHORTZ, AERMOD), including multi-pathway assessments for Maximum Individual Cancer Risk.
What happens in a Phase I environmental site assessment?
A Phase I assessment reviews site history, regulatory records, and current conditions to identify recognized environmental conditions before a property transaction. If concerns surface, a Phase II adds soil sampling to confirm or rule out contamination, and Phase III covers remedial investigation and cleanup. See hazardous waste services.
Which air districts and agencies does AEC work with?
AEC acts as regulatory liaison with the South Coast AQMD and other California air districts, plus the U.S. EPA, CARB, DHS, the State and Regional Water Boards, and local sanitation districts. See our service areas.
What is SB 14 waste minimization?
California's SB 14 requires hazardous waste generators to evaluate source reduction, onsite recycling, and alternative treatment options. AEC prepares the required documents and implements onsite recycling/recovery programs, process modifications, and material substitutions.
How do I get a proposal from AEC?
Call 1-800-546-1604 or email AECNO1@aol.com with your facility type, location, and the service you need. Our contact page lists what to include so we can route you to the right engineer immediately.