DEQ releases Open Air website – increases information accessibility for public

Cheyenne, Wyo. — Today, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Air Quality Division (AQD) launched its Open Air website.  The website provides the public with access to data, public records, and other information about Division-permitted facilities.

Previously the public had to submit a records request or physically visit DEQ’s offices to obtain data, materials, or information. 

“For air quality records, such as permits, the public will be able to visit Open Air, search for a permit and immediately view the scanned document,” said Natalie Kuhlmann, AQD Records and Data Management Specialist. “We are working to build a comprehensive repository of historical data and records that the public can access. It is a resource-intense process to convert our paper records to electronic formats, but as time goes on, we will continue to make more records available electronically.”

According to Adam Deppe, Project Manager for the Open Air website, the system was designed to allow any member of the public to search for a specific facility and view the associated data and records.

“Open Air, which is part of the IMPACT data system, was designed to allow the Air Quality Division to expand services to industry and the public, improve data quality and accessibility, and offer increased transparency of information between the Division, industry, and the public,” said Deppe.

Deppe added that the Division has online training materials and will host webinars to assist the public with using the Open Air website. The online training materials and the webinar schedule can be found at Open Air.

“The Division appreciates the support and encouragement for this project that it has received from the Governor, Legislature, and Department,” said Nancy Vehr, AQD Administrator. “This website is part of a larger process that began over a decade ago to become more electronically accessible in our day-to-day operations.  Credit for turning that goal into a reality goes to the dedication and work of Division staff.”

The Open Air website can be accessed here: http://openair.wyo.gov. Additional information can be found at Impact.

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