Johnson County Kansas

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.

In Johnson County, open burning is regulated by both the state air quality regulations as well as local fire codes, administered and enforced by our local fire departments or districts. Air quality regulations address public health as well as environmental protection. Fire codes are for the protection of life and property.

Johnson County is part of a regional air quality monitoring network for Kansas City. Currently the only monitoring location in Johnson County is at Heritage Park (16050 Pflumm Rd. Olathe). This location monitors for two pollutants: ozone and particulate matter.