Want to know what’s in the air? Check out the Maricopa County Air Quality’s 2005 Air Monitoring Network Review. Inside our review you will find:
· Summaries of pollution data
· Information on the five [5] criteria pollutants we measure in Maricopa County
· Information on the air monitoring networks we use to monitor the air you breathe
· Comparisons of Maricopa County air quality to the national standards
· … and more!
Find a copy of the review on-line.
(direct link: http://www.maricopa.gov/aq/status/REVIEW05.pdf).
“In November and December of 2005 we had significantly high levels of particulate pollution with several exceedances of the standard,” states Air Monitoring Division Manager Ben Davis. “It was a blow to Maricopa County.”
The official results won’t be out until early next year however monitoring data shows our air quality will fail to attain the federal particulate standard by the December 31, 2006 deadline. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] will require a plan for Maricopa County to reduce particulate matter (dust) emissions by 5% per year until our area, once again, meets the standard.
Taking a look at ozone, 2004 was a relatively clean year. “In 2005 ozone levels returned to what we’ve seen in the past,” Davis states. “We’re keeping a close eye on ozone levels in 2006.” Residents can do their part to reduce air pollution by working some of our pollution prevention tips into their daily routine:
· Carpool, ride the bus or telecommute
· Trip link (combine trips)
· Fuel your car after the sun sets during cooler, evening hours
· Keep your vehicle tuned and vehicle tires properly inflated
· Use electric lawn equipment
· Keep a tight lid on chemicals and paint stored around the house
Another notable pollutant is Carbon Monoxide [CO]. Measurements for CO remain below federal standards – and that’s a good thing. This is a drastic change from the mid to late 90’s when we couldn’t achieve the federal standard for the pollutant. Davis is happy to report Maricopa County came into attainment of the CO federal standard in 2000.
The air monitoring division operates 23 air quality monitoring stations in and around Maricopa County. Data from these sites are used in a variety of ways including the ability to determine attainment status with the Clean Air Act, modeling for new sources and providing data to air quality forecasts. For more information, visit our website at www.maricopa.gov/aq and click look for “Air Quality Status.”
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