Ambient Air Monitoring Network
DHEC has developed this web application to assist the public in understanding air quality monitoring issues. This tool shows the location of air quality monitoring stations in South Carolina, the parameters measured at each location with the site descriptions and historical graphs of the concentrations of major pollutants. This page also contains information on the South Carolina's ambient air monitoring network, including current and past annual network descriptions and monitoring plans.
Network Description and Ambient Air Network Monitoring Plan
On October 17, 2006, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published revisions to the ambient monitoring regulations requiring quality assurance, monitor designations, minimum requirements for both number and distribution of monitors among metropolitan statistical areas, and probe siting changes. The regulation also specified the requirement for an annual monitoring network plan and periodic network assessment.
Beginning on July 1, 2007, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (Department) began creating and posting the annually required monitoring network plan. The monitoring regulations also required that the states provide for a thirty-day public comment period. In addition to plans available for public comment, the Department also maintains all historical plans including: proposed plans, comments received, the Department's response to comments received and final plan submitted to the EPA.
The Department is also required to conduct a periodic assessment of the monitoring network every five years beginning in 2010. Current and future required network assessments will be posted on this page.
Documents presented here are in pdf format.
Current and Historical Monitoring Plans
- 5 Year Ambient Air Monitoring Network Assessment
- 2011 Ambient Air Monitoring Network Assessment Approval Letter from EPA
WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS
The Bureau of Air Quality conducted a workshop, Ambient Air Monitoring Network Design, on March 15, 2006. The workshop was held at the SC Archives and History Center in Columbia.
This workshop was designed to provide a basic understanding of the principles, requirements and limitations of ambient air monitoring and a common basis for groups and individuals who wished to provide comments and input to the Air Program review of monitoring needs. The presentations and discussions were intended for stakeholders, local and regional governmental organizations, and others who have an interest in Air Quality and the Protection of Public Health and the environment.
In addition to our staff, Tim Hanley (US EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards), who participated in the development of the proposed federal rule on ambient monitoring, 40CFR Parts 53 and 58, Revisions to Ambient Air Monitoring Regulations, spoke on the proposed changes and the impact on required monitoring.
- Ambient Air Monitoring Network Design Agenda
- Elements of Ambient Air Network Design 3/16/06
- Elements of Ambient Air Network Design 3/16/06 (compact version)
- Parts 53 and 58 Revisions to Ambient Air Monitoring Regulations
GENERAL INFORMATION LINKS
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Fact Sheet
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) (EPA)
- General Monitoring Information
- Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems (EPA 600/9-76-005) (Redbook)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ambient Air Monitoring in South Carolina
- Air Acronyms
NETWORK DESIGN AND REVIEW LINKS
- Ambient Air Monitoring Network Assessment Guidance (Feb. 2007)
- Guidance for Network Design and Optimum Site Exposure for PM2.5 and PM 10 EPA-454/R-99-022 (December 1999)
- Network Design and Site Exposure Criteria for Selected Noncriteria Air Pollutants EPA-450/4-84-022 (September 1984)
- Visibility Monitoring Guidance EPA-454/R-99-003 (June 1999)
- SLAMS/NAMS/PAMS Network Review Guidance EPA-454/R-98-003 (March 1998)
- Ambient Monitoring Guidelines for PSD. EPA-450/4-87-007 (May 1987)
DATA AND REPORTS
MONITOR SITING
- Guidance on Ozone Monitoring Site Selection EPA-454/R-98-002 August 1998
- Optimum Site Exposure Criteria for SO2 Monitoring EPA-450/3-77-013 April 1977
- Guidance for Siting Ambient Air Monitors Around Stationary Lead Sources EPA-450/4-87-007 May 1987
- Guidance for Network Design and Optimum Site Exposure For PM2.5 and PM10 EPA 454/R-99-022 December 1997
- Site Selection for the Monitoring of Photochemical Air Pollutants April 1987
REGULATIONS
For more information please contact the Bureau of Air Quality at (803) 898-4123 or by email.