24-Hour Air Quality Monitoring
Call 352-DUST for 24-Hour Air Quality Alerts
Real Time Air Quality Monitor provided by the DEC
What is the Source of MSB’s Air Quality Problem?
The content or “source apportionment” of PM2.5 has been measured at many sites around the borough. PM2.5 standard is designed to protect public health. Compliance with the standard looks at three years of data and is the 98th percentile monitored value (not the maximum value observed). Monitors located in the Butte area have recorded concentrations near or above the standard. Between now and December 31, 2011, if monitored concentrations were similar to those observed in 2006, the three year average would indicate the area is out of compliance (non-attainment).
Air Quality Summary - Butte Area
High values found in the Butte area are most likely from use of wood for home heating.
* For 2011, data used were from January through June only.
Number of Days Exceeding Level of PM2.5 Air Quality Standard
|
Year
|
# Days with PM2.5 > 35 µg/m3
|
Monitored Values
|
| 2006 |
4 |
36 µg/m3, 39 µg/m3, 40 µg/m3, 49 µg/m3
|
| 2007 |
None |
|
| 2008 |
None |
|
| 2009 |
1 |
36 µg/m3
|
| 2010 |
3 |
38 µg/m3, 38 µg/m3, 43 µg/m3
|
| 2011 |
None so far |
|
* Data up to October 3, 2011 were checked for exceedances.
|
Air Quality Monitoring