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Air Quality Analysis Section

Air Quality Analysis Section Mission:

Implements voluntary programs like Energy Star, Cool Communities, Green Lights, etc.

Coordinates the ambient air monitoring program including ozone, particulate, and air toxics within Region 6 in accordance with national and regional requirements.

Analyzes ambient air monitoring data to determine compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Coordinates data collection efforts to support Regional and National needs.

Coordinates the U.S./Mexico program air specific activities associated with Big Bend and the La Paz agreement.

Subject Area/Current Activities:

Ambient Air Monitoring: EPA Region 6 is responsible for the coordination of all ambient air monitoring activities within the five-state area of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. Pollutants typically monitored include ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen. In addition, there are some sites that monitor for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Quality Assurance: One of the major aspects of the ambient air monitoring program is the production of quality ambient air monitoring data for EPA and State decisionmakers. Decisions are made with the ambient air monitoring data that impact industry and the general public. Decisions from this data are utilized in determining compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and ultimately impacts offset decisions for industry, emission reductions, mobile source controls, etc. The Regional Office conducts systems audits and performance audits to ensure the quality of the data. In addition, the Region reviews the Quality Assurance Project Plans developed for ambient air monitoring.

Energy Efficiency: The Regional Office promotes the voluntary programs like Energy Star, Green Lights, and Cool Communities through outreach.

PAMS Program: EPA continues to work with the States in the Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Program (PAMS). This program monitors for volatile organics that are precursors to ozone formation.

Tribal Monitoring: Region 6 is working with the tribes in Oklahoma and New Mexico to establish ambient air monitoring sites on tribal lands.

Linkage to other Web Sites:

Information on a particular State's ambient air monitoring network can be obtained from the following web sites:

1. Arkansas: http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/
2. Louisiana: http://www.deq.state.la.us/
3. New Mexico: http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/
4. Oklahoma: http://www.deq.state.ok.us/
5. Texas: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/

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Air Quality Analysis Section

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