Community Air Monitoring Where You Live in EPA Region 9
Community air monitoring projects that use air sensor technology to monitor air quality in EPA’s Region 9 are providing the public with more information on the quality of the air they breathe.
EPA’s Region 9 serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands and 148 Tribal Nations.
Air Monitoring Project in Los Angeles metropolitan area
EPA is partnering with the South Coast Air Quality Management District in Diamond Bar, CA, which is responsible for air quality monitoring for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, to promote informed selection and use of emerging air sensor monitoring technologies. The goals are to increase community awareness of the availability of air quality sensors and their performance, and to provide information on potential applications for monitoring fine particle (PM2.5) and ozone pollution.
What is being done?
Researchers at EPA are providing technical expertise and guidance on a range of project components including project design, deployment of air sensors, data collection, quality assurance, data interpretation, data visualization, and public engagement. Unique low-cost sensors are being developed by researchers and will be compared to regulatory grade sensors. The sensors will then be evaluated for performance characteristics by a recognized sensor evaluation laboratory and then deployed to select areas designated by EPA for measuring PM2.5 and ozone. The project is expected to be conducted between summer 2016 and the fall of 2017.
What are the benefits?
The project will provide critical information regarding sensor performance, sensor data quality, and promote successful development, deployment and accessible use of the technologies for ambient air quality monitoring, especially in vulnerable communities that are often disproportionally impacted by harmful air quality impacts. The resulting tools and guidelines, which have been requested by local and state air monitoring agencies and community groups, will be applicable to other communities and others interested in air sensor monitoring.