The Air Monitoring division provides an accurate and timely representation of the ambient air quality within Maricopa County. In cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other governmental agencies, the division operates 24 air quality monitoring sites and conducts additional monitoring activities to measure pollutants, including:
- Carbon Monoxide
- Lead
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Ozone
- Particulates Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
- Sulfur Dioxide
The data produced is used in a variety of different ways, including determining attainment status with the Clean Air Act, modeling for new sources, and providing information to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) forecasters. Beyond operating the air monitoring network, the division conducts additional air monitoring activities and scientific studies such as:
- Testing newly emerging air monitoring technologies such as "low-cost" small air quality sensors.
- Determining the geographic distribution of pollution.
- Assisting the Compliance and Enforcement division with investigating air quality concerns by monitoring for the presence of airborne pollutants.