Overview
MASON CITY, HOLCIM is an operational air monitoring station in Mason City, Iowa, operated by the University Hygienic Laboratory. It contributes to the US EPA Air Quality System network, tracking criteria pollutants to support public health and regula
MASON CITY, HOLCIM is an air monitoring station located at 17th St. & Washington St. in Mason City, Iowa, within Cerro Gordo County. Operated by the University Hygienic Laboratory (University of Iowa), this station is part of the broader US EPA Air Quality System (AQS) network, which monitors ambient air quality across the United States. The station's last reported sample date is June 29, 2023, indicating recent operational activity. As an Air Monitoring Station, MASON CITY, HOLCIM likely measures criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, in line with EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The station's siting in an urban area of Mason City provides representative data for population exposure assessment. The University Hygienic Laboratory, as the reporting agency, ensures data quality and adherence to EPA monitoring protocols. The station plays a key role in local environmental monitoring, supporting air quality management in north-central Iowa. Its data helps inform public health advisories, regulatory actions, and research on regional air pollution trends. The station's operational status and recent sampling contribute to the continuity of the AQS network, which is vital for tracking long-term air quality improvements and compliance with the Clean Air Act.
Environmental context
Mason City, located in north-central Iowa, experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, which can influence pollutant dispersion and formation. The area has a mix of agricultural, industrial, and residential sources, including cement manufacturing (Holcim plant) and grain processing, contributing to particulate matter and other emissions. The air monitoring station's placement in an urban setting helps capture population-relevant exposures. Its data supports the EPA's regulatory framework under the Clean Air Act, aiding in the assessment of NAAQS compliance and the development of State Implementation Plans for air quality management.
Frequently asked questions
The station is located at 17th St. & Washington St. in Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States.
As part of the US EPA Air Quality System, the station likely measures criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, in accordance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
The station is operated by the University Hygienic Laboratory (University of Iowa), which serves as the reporting agency for air quality data.
Air monitoring in the US is governed by the Clean Air Act and implemented through the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) network. Stations measure criteria pollutants to assess compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and support state implementation plans.
The station provides continuous air quality data that helps local and state agencies track pollution levels, issue health advisories, and develop strategies to reduce emissions from industrial, agricultural, and transportation sources in north-central Iowa.
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