Monitoring

Program Mission

To monitor and assure the scientific accuracy of the ambient air quality data collected for the determination of compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) as defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Program Description

The Washoe County Health District Air Quality Management Division is required by federal and state law to monitor and collect ambient Air Quality Data for pollutants deemed to be harmful by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The U.S. EPA has set a health-based standard, or National Ambient Air Quality Standard, for the following pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead (Pb). The program sets up a monitoring network around the District to collect the data. The network must be reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects the actual air quality of the District and that it is measuring for the pollutants of highest concern.