Overview
Blackwater NWR is an air monitoring station in Cambridge, Maryland, part of the CASTNET network. It provides long-term data on atmospheric pollutants and ecosystem impacts.
Blackwater NWR is an air monitoring station located at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, Maryland, United States. It operates under the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), a national program that measures ambient air quality and atmospheric deposition. The station is managed by Mactec, Inc. and has been providing continuous data since its establishment. The station monitors criteria pollutants and other atmospheric parameters to assess the effectiveness of emission reduction programs. CASTNET stations follow standardized protocols for sample collection and analysis, ensuring data comparability across the network. The last sample date was December 24, 2024, indicating ongoing operations. Located in a coastal wildlife refuge, Blackwater NWR contributes to understanding air quality impacts on sensitive ecosystems, including wetlands and forests. The data supports regulatory compliance under the Clean Air Act and informs regional air quality management strategies.
Environmental context
The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, making air quality monitoring essential for assessing pollutant deposition effects on sensitive ecosystems. The station's coastal location in Maryland's Eastern Shore provides data on regional transport of pollutants from urban and industrial sources. CASTNET's focus on long-term trends helps evaluate the success of emission controls under the Clean Air Act.
Frequently asked questions
Blackwater NWR is located at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge near Cambridge, Maryland, United States.
Blackwater NWR is part of the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), which monitors ambient air quality and atmospheric deposition.
As a CASTNET station, Blackwater NWR monitors criteria pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, along with meteorological parameters.
CASTNET provides long-term data to assess the effectiveness of emission reduction programs under the Clean Air Act, helping to track trends in air quality and deposition.
Monitoring at Blackwater NWR helps evaluate the impact of air pollution on sensitive ecosystems, including wetlands and wildlife habitats, supporting conservation efforts.
Other Air Monitoring Station plants in United States · 6 nearby