Sacramento Air District Talks Opportunities for Efficiency

During the Sacramento Air Quality Management District Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, officials discussed where new technologies and efficiencies could be worked into various inspection processes.

While the Oct. 23 meeting wasn't heavy on details, it did offer insights into the areas where officials would like to see technology used to streamline existing processes.

Following a status update presentation, board member Roger Dickinson asked about the possibility of better coordinating inspections and permitting across agencies to reduce the burden posed to residents and businesses. This could be one area where coordination software could fill a gap.

Amy Roberts, director of the district's Engineering and Compliance Division, was quick to point out that there is already some level of coordination between the various agencies, but that their statutory duties and authorities make it difficult to completely consolidate inspections.

“We don’t particularly have something that would make it efficient for inspections. That would take quite a bit of coordination, and each one of us has the authority and jurisdiction over very specialized areas,” Roberts said. “But nonetheless, I think it is appropriate for you to always remind us to look for those opportunities where we can try to streamline because, yes, it is a burden for businesses.”

Dickinson also asked about the potential for emerging technology, such as AI and drones, to be used to reduce costs and burdens. He specifically called out virtual or remote inspections as one possible area of opportunity.

Executive Director Alberto Ayala said there are privacy considerations around the use of drone technology in the space, but said he would like to bring other technology suggestions to the board for consideration in the future.

“Some of these areas that you mentioned, we have thought about, but they are sensitive,” Ayala said. “But, with your support, we would like to integrate more and more technology to make it more efficient — easier on us — but also on the sources.”

Roberts said there are already plans to purchase virtual reality tools to help quickly train inspectors to accurately identify smoke plume levels, which typically requires an all-day training out of the office two times a year.

Roberts also noted that a districtwide system was launched in September 2024 to streamline online business data collection and reporting.