This document is intended to provide additional guidance to assist personnel using reference methods or Class I equivalent methods to monitor ambient air for particles with an aerodynamic diameter nominally equal to or less than 2.5 micrometers (ȝm), known as PM2.5. The formal specifications for PM2.5 reference method samplers and reference method measurements are set forth in the U.S. Environment...

The purpose of this Particulate Matter Air Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) is to document management policy and those activities and procedures necessary for accomplishing specified program objectives. This QAPP shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, CARB’s Quality Management Plan (QMP), and quality assurance policies and procedures at the time of adoption ...

This template builds upon the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) to consider climate impacts in addition to air quality. The Air Quality and Climate Management Plan is a comprehensive document describing the motivations for air quality management and climate mitigation, qualitative and quantitative findings on the impacts of air/climate pollution on the megacity, and most importantly, targeted act...

This report documents the best practices for establishing and maintaining an LCS network. Strategically placed sensors can monitor air pollution and provide a detailed picture of air quality and its variability within a region. Low-cost sensors (LCSs) that measure PM2.5 are becoming increasingly popular because of their low cost, ease of use, and portability. However, the portability and low cost ...

This website provides the latest science on the performance, operation and use of air sensor monitoring systems for technology developers, air quality managers, citizen scientists and the public. The EPA is involved in the advancement of air sensor technology, including performance evaluations of sensor devices and best practices for effectively using sensors. The information can help the public l...

The “Air Quality Monitoring and Data Management Guidebook” provides comprehensive guidance for monitoring air pollution that aligns with implementing global best practices. First, this guide contains guidelines for ambient air quality monitoring to determine the causes of air pollution. Second, strategies to manage air quality data are presented, namely proper collection, classification, protectio...

This appendix to the United States Clean Air Act contains specific location criteria applicable to ambient air quality monitoring probes, inlets, and optical paths of SLAMS, NCore, PAMS, and other monitor types whose data are intended to be used to determine compliance with the NAAQS. These specific location criteria are relevant after the general location has been selected based on the monitoring...

These methods for measuring ambient concentrations of specified air pollutants have been designated as "reference methods" or "equivalent methods" in accordance with Title 40, Part 53 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Part 53). Subject to any limitations (e.g., operating range or temperature range) specified in the applicable designation, each method is acceptable for use in state or loca...

The webpage on the EPA's site provides detailed information and resources on continuous monitoring of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter, for air quality assessment. It includes guidance documents, tools for data assessment, standard operating procedures, technical systems audit checklists, and information on policy and data management. These resources support the implementation and maintenance of P...

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Teledyne API Model T640 PM Mass Monitor was developed through a collaboration between Sonoma Technology, Inc., the EPA, and multiple monitoring agencies. It incorporates feedback from user experiences and various experts, with revisions influenced by a broad range of contributors. The document aims to aid agencies in effectively using the T640x monito...