Annual Ambient Monitoring Network Plans

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. The Department will post the results of the required network assessment when it becomes available.

Documents presented here are in pdf format.

MONITORING PLAN

2010 Final Monitoring Plan Cover Letter 2010 Monitoring Plan Proposed Monitoring Plan Response to Comments 2009 2008

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 (pdf)
• National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) (EPA)
• General Monitoring Information
• Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems (EPA 600/9-76-005) (Redbook)
• Ambient Air Monitoring FAQ
• Air Acronyms

NETWORK DESIGN AND REVIEW LINKS

• Ambient Air Monitoring Network Assessment Guidance (Feb. 2007)
• Guidance for Network Design and Optimum Site Exposure for PM_2.5 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

• South Carolina Ambient Air Quality Data
• Ambient Air Trends
• Draft Monitoring Strategy

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 PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ EPA 454/R-99-022  December 1997
• Site Selection for the Monitoring of Photochemical Air Pollutants April 1987

REGULATIONS

• DHEC comments on Monitoring proposal  
• Proposed Revisions to Ambient Air Monitoring Regulations 
• Current Part 58 Design Criteria
• EPA comment areas for proposed NAAQS
• EPA comment areas for proposed monitoring revisions