Overview
Merced-M St is an operational air monitoring station in Merced, California, operated by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. It provides ambient air quality data as part of the US EPA Air Quality System network.
Merced-M St is an air monitoring station located at 2334 'M' St in Merced, California, within the San Joaquin Valley. The station is operational and reports to the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District, contributing to the US EPA Air Quality System (AQS) network. As a fixed-site monitor, it plays a role in assessing regional air quality in the Central Valley. The station operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Air Act, which mandates monitoring of criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. While specific parameters measured at this site are not detailed, typical stations in the San Joaquin Valley monitor ozone and PM2.5 due to the region's nonattainment status for these pollutants. The station's last reported sample date is March 31, 2025, indicating ongoing data collection. Environmental monitoring in the San Joaquin Valley is critical due to the area's persistent air quality challenges, including high ozone levels and particulate matter from agricultural, industrial, and vehicular sources. The Merced-M St station supports public health protection by providing data for regulatory compliance and community awareness. Its location in a residential area ensures representative sampling of population exposure.
Environmental context
The San Joaquin Valley faces significant air quality challenges, including severe ozone and PM2.5 pollution, leading to nonattainment designations under the US Clean Air Act. Agricultural activities, transportation, and industrial emissions contribute to elevated pollutant levels. Monitoring stations like Merced-M St are essential for tracking compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and informing public health advisories. The station's siting in Merced provides data representative of urban and near-roadway exposures.
Frequently asked questions
The Merced-M St air monitoring station is located at 2334 'M' St in Merced, California, USA.
The station is operated by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District, which manages air quality monitoring across the San Joaquin Valley.
Stations in the San Joaquin Valley typically monitor criteria pollutants such as ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and sometimes nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or carbon monoxide (CO), as required by the US Clean Air Act.
The US EPA AQS sets standards for monitoring methods, siting criteria, and data quality assurance. Stations must follow federal reference methods and report data to the AQS database for regulatory compliance and public access.
The San Joaquin Valley has some of the worst air quality in the US due to geography and emissions. Monitoring helps track compliance with health-based standards, issue air quality alerts, and guide emission reduction strategies.
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