Colorado Springs - Highway 24 Air Monitoring Station | Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs - Highway 24 is an air monitoring station located at 690 W. Highway 24 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. Operated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, this station is part of the national ambient air quality monitoring network. It contributes to the US EPA's Air Quality System (AQS), which tracks criteria pollutants and other parameters to assess compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The station's last reported sample date is December 31, 2023, indicating ongoing data collection. As a fixed-site monitor, it typically measures pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The siting follows EPA guidelines to ensure representativeness of local air quality, often near roadways or urban areas to capture population exposure. Located in Colorado Springs, a city at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, the station monitors air quality influenced by both urban emissions and mountain meteorology. Data from this station supports public health advisories, regulatory compliance, and research on air pollution trends. The station's role is critical for informing local air quality management and protecting community health.

The station operates in Colorado Springs, a city with a semi-arid climate and frequent temperature inversions that can trap pollutants near the surface. Local air quality is influenced by vehicle emissions, industrial sources, and occasional wildfire smoke. The station's proximity to Highway 24 makes it representative of roadside exposure. Monitoring criteria pollutants here helps assess compliance with NAAQS and supports the state's air quality planning.