Monitoring and analysis programs conducted by the DEQ Laboratory and Environmental Assessment Division provide the foundation for restoring, maintaining and enhancing Oregon's environmental quality. DEQ scientists maintain monitoring networks for air, water, and land, and conduct special studies to determine the status, trends and sources of impairment for Oregon's environmental quality.

Collecting data is essential to understanding the health of Oregon's environment. Monitoring data is used to determine whether environmental standards are being met, the sources of pollution, and the impact of pollution on human and environmental health.