Community-Based Air Quality Monitoring Framework

2.3 Selecting Areas to Monitor

An air monitoring project team can use these resources first to identify general areas to monitor, and then to select specific sites to install devices that align with their project objectives or purpose for monitoring.

Purpose: Identify the general areas to monitor and then select specific sites to install devices.

Resources:

• Designing an AQM Network: Details a range of network types/locations and important considerations. (TD Enviro, factsheet, 5 pages)
• Locating Sites for Air Sensors: A somewhat more detailed version of ‘Designing an AQM Network’ (EPA, guidance section, pages 72-78)
• Placement Guidelines for Air Monitoring Sensors: Details logistical challenges, provides helpful representations of airflow obstructions and source proximity, and emphasizes the importance of documentation (Bay Air Center, factsheet, 2 pages)
• Where & When Does My Community Want to Take Measurements? Includes siting specifics (scale, site scoring, duplicates, etc.), and important factors such as local emissions and wind effects (SCAQMD, guidance section, pages 61-63)
• Collecting Useful Data: Good visual demonstrations of proper/improper sensor siting (using PurpleAir as monitor example) (SCAQMD, guidance section, pages 85-86)

Common challenges that these resources help address: Many factors must be considered when identifying the most appropriate locations to site air monitors. In some cases, siting requirements can be cumbersome or complicated and involve many logistical tasks.

Project participants may need assistance from government agencies, academic researchers, or other experts when choosing appropriate sites for air monitors, based on access issues, the location of pollution sources, pollutant types, and the scope and purpose of a monitoring network.