Overview
Bakersfield-Golden / M St is an operational air monitoring station in Bakersfield, California, operated by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. It provides ambient air quality data for the region.
Bakersfield-Golden / M St is an air monitoring station located at 2820 M St., Bakersfield, California, within Kern County. The station is part of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District's monitoring network, which tracks air quality in one of the most polluted regions in the United States. As an operational station, it contributes to the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) network. The station operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Clean Air Act, with monitoring protocols aligned with EPA guidelines. Typical air monitoring stations in California measure criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The San Joaquin Valley is a non-attainment area for ozone and PM2.5, making monitoring critical for public health and regulatory compliance. This station plays a key role in assessing air quality in Bakersfield, a city with significant agricultural and industrial activity. Data from this station supports local air quality management, health advisories, and long-term trend analysis. The station's location in a residential area provides representative sampling for population exposure assessment.
Environmental context
Bakersfield is located in the San Joaquin Valley, a region with challenging air quality due to topography, agricultural emissions, and industrial sources. The valley experiences frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants, leading to high ozone and particulate matter levels. The monitoring station at Golden / M St helps characterize these pollutants, supporting the district's efforts to meet EPA standards and protect public health. Its siting in an urban area ensures data reflects typical exposure for residents.
Frequently asked questions
The station is located at 2820 M St., Bakersfield, California 93301, in Kern County.
As part of the San Joaquin Valley Unified APCD network, the station likely monitors criteria pollutants such as ozone, PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, in accordance with EPA requirements.
The station is operated by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.
The station operates under the U.S. Clean Air Act and follows EPA monitoring guidelines, contributing data to the national Air Quality System (AQS).
Bakersfield is in the San Joaquin Valley, a non-attainment area for ozone and PM2.5. Monitoring helps track pollution levels, inform health advisories, and guide emission reduction strategies.
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