Overview
Garfield County Library is an operational air monitoring station in Rifle, Colorado, United States. It is part of the regional environmental monitoring network, with last reported sample data from December 2020.
Garfield County Library is an air monitoring station located at 207 East Avenue in Rifle, Colorado, United States. The facility operates under the oversight of Eastern Research Group and contributes to ambient air quality surveillance in Garfield County. As a fixed-site monitor, it supports the broader US EPA Air Quality System (AQS) network by collecting data on criteria pollutants and meteorological parameters. The station's technical operations align with federal reference methods and EPA quality assurance protocols. While specific parameter lists are not detailed, typical monitoring at such stations includes ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The site's location in a library setting ensures community-relevant siting, representative of population exposure in Rifle. Environmental monitoring at this station aids in assessing compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and supports local air quality management. Data from this site contributes to regional trend analysis and public health advisories, particularly relevant given Colorado's varied topography and industrial activities. The station's long-term operation provides continuity for tracking air quality changes over time.
Environmental context
Garfield County Library station operates within Colorado's Western Slope region, characterized by a mix of urban, agricultural, and energy extraction activities. The local air quality context includes potential impacts from oil and gas development, vehicle emissions, and wildfire smoke. Monitoring at this site helps characterize pollutant transport from the nearby Roan Plateau and Colorado River valley. The station's siting in a public library ensures representative exposure data for the Rifle community, supporting EPA's objective of protecting public health through ambient air surveillance.
Frequently asked questions
Garfield County Library air monitoring station is located at 207 East Avenue in Rifle, Colorado, United States.
As an air monitoring station, it typically measures criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, as well as meteorological parameters, following EPA standards.
The station is operated under the reporting agency Eastern Research Group, which manages data collection and quality assurance for the site.
Air monitoring in the United States is governed by the Clean Air Act and implemented through the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) network, which sets standards for monitoring methods, quality assurance, and data reporting.
Air monitoring in Rifle is important due to local sources like oil and gas development, vehicle emissions, and potential wildfire smoke. It helps assess compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards and protects public health.
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