DHEC operates air monitoring stations throughout South Carolina to measure the concentrations of pollutants in outdoor (ambient) air that are considered harmful to public health and the environment. The EPA sets national ambient air standards for each type of pollutant and sets minimum requirements for both the number and distribution of monitors among metropolitan statistical areas. The EPA also requires states to meet quality assurance and other standards.
DHEC monitors concentrations of six pollutants the EPA has designated as criteria pollutants:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Ozone (O3)
- Lead (Pb)
- Inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
We also monitor for air toxics and acid rain.
Visit DHEC's South Carolina Ambient Air Monitoring map to see the location of all the air quality monitoring stations in South Carolina. Select a location to bring up a description of the monitoring site and an explanation of what we are measuring at that location. The map also provides historical graphs showing concentrations of major pollutants found at each monitoring station.
Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan
The EPA requires States to have a yearly monitoring network plan in place and conduct periodic network assessments (every five years beginning in 2010).
Here are the most recent annual Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan(s) and 5-year Network Assessment:
- 2023 South Carolina Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan
- EPA Approval Letter for 2023 South Carolina Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan
- 2020 Network Assessment
(Note: Documents are in PDF format. You may need to download free software that allows you to read documents in PDF format.)