BUTTE Air Monitoring Station, Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska | US Environmental Monitoring

BUTTE is an air monitoring station located in Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska, United States. Operated by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, it is part of the state's ambient air quality monitoring network. The station is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on Harrison Court, representing a typical suburban siting for air quality monitoring. The station operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's Air Quality System (AQS), which sets standards for criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. While specific parameters measured at BUTTE are not detailed, Alaska's monitoring network generally focuses on particulate matter and ozone, with some stations including meteorological measurements. The station's last reported sample date was December 30, 2021, indicating ongoing data collection. Environmental monitoring in Alaska is critical due to the state's unique geography and climate, including long-range transport of pollutants from Asia and local sources such as wildfires and industrial activities. BUTTE contributes to understanding air quality in the Matanuska-Susitna region, supporting public health and regulatory compliance. The station's data helps inform local air quality management and provides context for broader regional and national assessments.

The Matanuska-Susitna region in Alaska experiences a subarctic climate with cold winters and mild summers. Air quality monitoring here is important due to potential impacts from local wood burning, traffic, and long-range transport of pollutants. The station's siting in a suburban area provides representative data for population exposure. Monitoring typically includes criteria pollutants and meteorological parameters to assess compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and support health advisories.