Hearing Board Notice
Hearings begin at 9:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted on the agenda.
Hearings will be held in-person in the Hearing Board Room at the South Coast AQMD Headquarters, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or participate remotely via videoconferencing by clicking the following link https://scaqmd.zoom.us/j/91429342608 or by telephone dial (669) 900-6833 and enter the Meeting ID: 914 2934 2608. To observe hearings without providing public comment, a webcast of proceedings can be viewed at: http://www.aqmd.gov/home/news-events/webcast.
Please refer to the Hearing Board agenda, notice or call the Clerk of the Boards office at (909) 396-2500, for additional information about a specific hearing. Instructions on how to participate remotely can be found here.
The Hearing Board has temporarily suspended its rule requirements that hard copies of petitions be filed with the Clerk of the Board. Until further notice, all petitions should be filed via email to the Clerk of the Boards office at clerkofboard@aqmd.gov. All fees associated with the filings will be accepted by conventional mail or by online payment. All documents that parties wish to be considered as evidence by the Hearing Board should be submitted to the Clerk via email prior to the hearing.
The South Coast AQMD offers payment options for your convenience, including online payments via electronic-check (checking or savings) and credit cards. We will also accept fees via conventional mail (21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765). **Please call the Clerk of the Boards office at (909) 396-2500 before making payments online for Hearing Board fees (i.e., filing, publication and excess emission fees).**
All petitions submitted to the Clerk of the Board for filing must be on the appropriate Hearing Board-approved form. Petitions not filed on the appropriate form will not be accepted for filing by the Clerk of the Board. The Board-approved petition forms can be downloaded from the Help & Instructions page.
Petition forms can also be obtained by contacting the Clerk of the Board at 909-396-2500. TTY is available by dialing 909-396-3560.
What is the Hearing Board authorized to do?
The Hearing Board is authorized to hear:
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petitions by companies for variances;
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petitions for abatement orders; (An abatement order requires a company operating out of compliance to take specific actions or to shut down its operation. This is a severe remedy normally reserved for serious violators.)
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appeals by companies from the granting of permits, permit conditions, permit denials and suspensions, denials of emission reduction credits and denials of pollution control plans;
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appeals by third parties.
After hearing all sides of a case in which individuals or companies come into conflict with South Coast AQMD rules and regulations, the Hearing Board weighs the evidence and reaches a decision.
What is the Hearing Board NOT authorized to do?
It is important to note that the Hearing Board is not authorized to:
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modify rules
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exempt a business from complying with a rule
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grant a variance from a violation of the public nuisance law, such as one that creates an odor problem or threatens public health or property
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review a violation notice in any way
Does the Hearing Board provide accommodations for persons with disabilities?
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The Hearing Board’s meeting agendas and related documents are available in alternative formats to assist persons with disabilities. Further, disability-related accommodations, including auxiliary aids or services, are available to individuals who want to attend or participate in a hearing. If anyone requires disability-related accommodations, including auxiliary aids or services, in order to participate in the hearing, contact the Clerk of the Board at least five (5) calendar days prior to the hearing at 909-396-2500 (for TTY, 909-396-3560) or by e-mail at Clerk of the Board.
Does the Hearing Board provide language interpreters for its hearings?
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The Hearing Board will provide a language interpreter if a party requires a language interpreter in order to participate in the hearing. To request a language interpreter, contact the Clerk of the Board at least five (5) calendar days prior to the hearing at 909-396-2500 or e-mail Clerk of the Board.
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