About Us
Mission Statement
The Air Pollution Control Bureau, founded in 1969, is a quasi-governmental agency that strives to administer, and enforce, local air pollution control laws that are intended to achieve, maintain and exceed such levels of air quality as will protect human health and safety and to the greatest degree practicable, prevent injury to plant and animal life and property, and foster the comfort and convenience of the people.
General Information
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau is guided by a 10-member Board of Directors consisting of three county-appointed members, three city-appointed members, three jointly-appointed members, and one representative from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. Together, the Board provides leadership and oversight to support the Bureau’s mission of protecting and improving our community’s air quality.
The Bureau’s day-to-day operations are carried out by a dedicated team of professionals across three departments: Air Monitoring, Engineering, and Administration. Working together, these departments monitor air quality, enforce environmental regulations, provide technical assistance, and deliver essential services that help protect public health and the environment.
Since its founding in 1969, the Bureau has played a vital role in Chattanooga’s remarkable environmental transformation. Once recognized as one of the most polluted cities in the nation, Chattanooga is now celebrated for its clean air, thriving outdoor recreation, and exceptional quality of life. We are proud of the Bureau’s longstanding contributions to this success and remain committed to working alongside our community to ensure clean, healthy air for generations to come.
Air Pollution Control Board
The Air Pollution Control Board guides the Bureau’s initiatives to maintain clean air for our community.
Board Members:
Stephen Meyer – Chairman
John Tucker, LL.M – Vice Chairman
Val deOlloqui
Dawn M. Ford, Ph.D.
Leanne Morrow
Sandra Koss
Shea Cofer
Roger Rupp
Mark Harrison
Rob Ellis
The Bureau’s daily operations are carried out by a full-time staff, under the direction of the Board, as stated in this document.
Staff
Executive Director – Ron Drumeller
Administrative Department
Director of Operations – Amber Boles
Administrative Support Specialist – Kaitlyn Segari
Administrative Support Assistant – Michelle Reyes
Investigator & Asbestos Specialist – Brandon Segari
Air Monitoring Department
Air Monitoring Manager – Tyler Cantrell
Air Pollution Instrument Technician – Jim Long
Air Pollution Instrument Technician – Steve Langston
Engineering Department
Engineering Manager – Alan Frazier, P.E.
Engineer – Sydney Spencer
Engineer – Austin Terrell
Engineer – Miguel Vega
Funding
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau’s fiscal year runs from July 1st through June 30th. The Bureau receives funds from the following sources: City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Environmental Protection Agency, and permit fees.
The Bureau does not receive any money from civil penalties that are assessed. All civil penalties received for air pollution violations are divided between the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County based on each government’s appropriations to the Board.