Region 1: EPA New England

How is PM Monitored in New England?

At the time the PM2.5 standards were established in 1997, EPA also issued standard methods for monitoring PM2.5 levels in the ambient air to determine which parts of the country were subject to unhealthy levels. EPA New England worked closely with the New England states to deploy a region wide network of PM2.5 ambient air quality monitors.

On December 20, 2005, EPA proposed amendments to its national air-quality monitoring requirements, including those for PM monitoring. The changes are intended to help EPA, states, and local agencies improve their measurement of air quality, and to take advantage of improvements in monitoring technology. The proposal includes establishing a new national network of at least 350 monitors to measure PM10-2.5 . These monitors would include continuous mass concentration monitoring (i.e., total PM10-2.5 mass) and speciation monitoring to determine the composition of the PM10-2.5 . The PM2.5 monitoring network would continue, but some monitors could be moved, and PM2.5 speciation monitoring also would continue. In addition, EPA is proposing that PM10 monitors remain in urban areas that exceed the PM10 standard, but that other PM10 monitors could be shut down. Click here for more information on proposed revisions to monitoring regulations.

Most Recent PM2.5 Data from New England Monitoring Sites

Current PM2.5 AQI in New England