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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring and regulating air pollution across the country. The EPA collects data on air pollution through various methods, including stationary source emissions monitoring, continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), and ambient air quality monitoring. This data is used to develop strategies and implement regulations to improve air quality and protect public health. The EPA also works closely with state, tribal, and local agencies to establish and enforce air quality standards, and provides public access to real-time and forecast air quality information through platforms such as AirNow.gov and the Air Quality Index (AQI).
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What You'll Learn
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by the EPA to communicate about outdoor air quality and health. The AQI provides information on the level of air pollution and the associated health concerns. It is divided into six color-coded categories, each representing a range of index values. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the more significant the health concern.
For instance, an AQI value of 50 or below signifies good air quality, while a value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality. When the AQI value is 100 or below, the air quality is generally considered satisfactory. However, as the AQI value rises above 100, the air quality deteriorates and becomes unhealthy first for sensitive groups and then for everyone as the value increases further.
The AQI is calculated based on the measurement of several pollutants, including ozone and particle pollution. These pollutants are regulated by the Clean Air Act, which mandates the EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common criteria air pollutants. The EPA works collaboratively with state, tribal, and local air agencies to achieve these standards across the country.
To monitor air quality, the EPA collects data through various methods, including stationary source emissions monitoring and ambient air monitoring. This data is then made accessible to the public through platforms such as AirNow.gov, where individuals can track current air quality, utilize interactive maps during fire events, and compare historical data. Additionally, the EPA provides resources like activity guides to help people protect their health when AQI levels are unhealthy.
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Stationary source emissions monitoring
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the emissions of pollutants from stationary sources through the Clean Air Act (CAA). Stationary source testing, also known as stack testing or source emissions testing, helps operators understand the composition of their emissions and ensures that control systems are functioning as intended. Testing provides evidence that emissions meet permitted levels.
There are various monitoring devices and techniques used in stationary source emissions monitoring. Some devices directly measure the pollutant of concern, while others measure a surrogate pollutant. Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), for example, can directly measure Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) concentrations in the effluent discharged from a process stack on a stationary source. On the other hand, Carbon Monoxide (CO) CEMS measures a surrogate pollutant, monitoring the CO concentration from a stationary combustion source to determine compliance with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) limits. In this case, elevated CO levels indicate incomplete combustion, which produces VOCs.
The frequency of monitoring varies, with data being recorded at different intervals depending on the specific system. For instance, Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems (COMS) record data at least every 10 seconds, while Continuous Parametric Monitoring Systems (CPMS) may record at least once per operating day, week, or month. These systems help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and provide performance information to facility operators, allowing them to take corrective action if necessary.
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National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.). The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six principal pollutants or "criteria" air pollutants (CAP) that are common in outdoor air, harmful to public health and the environment, and come from numerous and diverse sources. These six CAPs are:
- Ozone (O3)
- Atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10)
- Lead (Pb)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Sulfur oxides (SOx)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
The Clean Air Act identifies two types of NAAQS: primary and secondary standards. The primary standards are designed to protect public health, including the health of sensitive populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. The secondary standards are designed to protect the environment and address visibility, damage to crops, vegetation, buildings, and animals. The EPA sets an Air Quality Index (AQI) for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act. The AQI is a tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and health, with six color-coded categories, each corresponding to a range of index values. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.
The EPA periodically reviews and revises the NAAQS as appropriate. For example, in 2010, the EPA decided to replace the dual primary standards with a new 1-hour standard set at 75 ppb. The EPA also implements strategies to reduce emissions, such as the National Clean Diesel Campaign, which reduces diesel emissions for existing engines that the EPA does not regulate. Additionally, the EPA helps states meet standards by issuing federal emissions standards for new motor vehicles and providing technical and policy guidance for state implementation plans.
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Air Quality System (AQS)
The Air Quality System (AQS) is a national database that contains ambient air quality monitoring data. This data is collected by the EPA, state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies from thousands of monitors. The AQS also includes meteorological data, descriptive information about each monitoring station (such as its location and operator), and data quality assurance/quality control information.
Partners can use the Exchange Network to submit data to the AQS. The Exchange Network is a platform that enables partners to share real-time air quality data with the EPA and other Network Partners. The AQS Submission schema is compliant with the Environmental Sampling and Results (ESAR) data standard. All data collected on or after January 1, 2015, must be submitted using v3.0.
The AQS is an important tool for assessing air quality and determining compliance with clean air standards. It assists in air quality assessments, designations, modeling for permit review, and preparing reports for Congress as mandated by the Clean Air Act. The data collected by the AQS is used to assess the nature of air pollution in North America and the exposure of humans to airborne pollutants.
The EPA also uses other tools and strategies to measure and reduce air pollution. For example, the EPA has established an Air Quality Index (AQI) to communicate about outdoor air quality and health. The AQI includes six color-coded categories, each representing a range of index values corresponding to the level of health concern. The EPA also encourages and supports area-wide air toxics strategies through initiatives such as the National Clean Diesel Campaign, Clean School Bus USA, and the SmartWay Transport Partnership. The EPA is also working to reduce emissions and improve air quality through various regulations and programs.
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Clean Air Act
The Clean Air Act (CAA) is the primary federal air quality law in the United States, intended to reduce and control air pollution across the nation. The Act was initially enacted in 1963 and has been amended many times since, making it one of the country's first and most influential modern environmental laws. The Clean Air Act is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in coordination with state, local, and tribal governments.
The Clean Air Act defines the EPA's responsibilities for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer. The Act authorizes the EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and welfare and to regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants. The goal is to set and achieve NAAQS in every state, with the Act calling for state, local, tribal, and federal governments to work in partnership to clean the air.
The Clean Air Act has been instrumental in reducing air pollution and improving US air quality. Since 1990, there has been an approximate 50% decline in emissions of key air pollutants. The Act has also helped save trillions of dollars and thousands of lives each year. The EPA has developed extensive administrative regulations to carry out the law's mandates, with associated regulatory programs implementing these regulations.
The National Ambient Air Quality Standards program, for example, sets standards for concentrations of certain pollutants in outdoor air, including ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants program sets standards for emissions of particular hazardous pollutants from specific sources. The CAA ozone program, added by the 1990 Amendments, is a technology transition program intended to phase out the use of chemicals that harm the ozone layer.
The Clean Air Act also addresses emissions of hazardous air pollutants. Section 112 of the Act requires the EPA to establish emission standards that require the maximum degree of reduction in emissions of hazardous air pollutants, commonly referred to as "maximum achievable control technology" or "MACT" standards. The EPA is also implementing strategies to reduce methane emissions and smog-forming air pollution, as well as providing support for area-wide air toxics strategies through initiatives such as the National Clean Diesel Campaign and Clean School Bus USA.
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Frequently asked questions
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the EPA's tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and health. The AQI includes six color-coded categories, each corresponding to a range of index values. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.
The EPA collects air quality data through outdoor monitors, which are often located near busy roads, in city centers, or at locations of particular concern, such as schools and hospitals. The data collected includes meteorological data, information about each monitoring station, and air pollution data. The EPA also implements initiatives to reduce air pollution, such as the National Clean Diesel Campaign and the Clean School Bus USA program.
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six commonly found air pollutants known as criteria air pollutants. These pollutants are regulated by the Clean Air Act, and each has a national air quality standard set by the EPA to protect public health.
The EPA has established the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), which includes requirements for periodic or continuous monitoring of emissions sources. The EPA also provides guidance and requirements for ambient air monitoring networks, which are designed and operated by tribal, state, or local governments.
