Johnson County Kansas

Johnson County recognizes businesses, schools, and other commercial entities through the Green Business Program. All of these awardees have started or improved programs that increase waste diversion and sustainability. Department of Health and Environment staff can provide free assistance to your business, school, place of worship, etc. through the Waste Diversion Assistance Program.

Public notices are required by the Clean Air Act for new Class I and Class II Operating Permits. For facilities in Johnson County, Kansas all air quality permits are written by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment-Bureau of Air (KDHE-BOA).

Historically ground-level ozone and particulate matter (PM) in the Kansas City region has been an air quality problem, and causes health problems for many citizens. Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas, and Jackson, Clay and Platte Counties in Missouri, currently make up the Kansas City "airshed". All of these counties partner with Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Missouri Department of Natural Resources to protect public health.

When an Ozone Alert is issued, an unhealthy concentration of ozone pollution is predicted for the following day. This is especially important for anyone with asthma or other breathing conditions. It is best to stay inside in a well-ventilated building when possible and avoid driving and fueling your vehicle as well as mowing and other strenuous outdoor activities.

JCDHE enforces the state air quality regulations on open burning. These regulations are designed to protect human health and the environment. JCDHE issues open burning exemptions in accordance with these regulations when prudent and necessary.

Many people are surprised to learn that there are very few federal, state or local regulations regarding indoor air quality (IAQ), whether it is in the home or the workplace. Although IAQ may not be regulated, we try to provide you with the information and guidance necessary on how to best proceed with indoor air problems.

We can all do our part to help improve air quality, whether that is inside your home or outdoor air quality. Following these tips can help ensure your health and protect our environment.

Before conducting any open burning operations you will need to contact your local fire department to find out what permits they require.

Did you know that as much as 10% of contributing pollution comes from gasoline powered lawn care equipment? Those noisy mowers do more than hurt your hearing. They emit harmful gas into the air. High levels of air pollution mixed with a hot sunny day is the recipe for dangerous ozone levels.

Open burning is restricted in many Johnson County cities. You must always check with your local fire department before any burning.