Miles City - Pines Hills Air Monitoring Station, Montana, USA

Miles City - Pines Hills is an air monitoring station located at 3636 Leighton Blvd in Miles City, Montana, United States. It is part of the state's ambient air quality monitoring network, operated by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division. The station contributes to the US EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) network, which tracks criteria pollutants and other parameters to assess compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The station operates under the regulatory framework of the Clean Air Act and EPA monitoring requirements. While specific parameters measured are not detailed, typical air monitoring stations in Montana measure pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The station's last reported sample date is June 30, 2025, indicating recent active monitoring. Located in Custer County, Montana, the station serves a rural area with potential influences from agricultural activities, local industry, and regional transport of pollutants. Its data supports public health protection and environmental management in the region. The station is part of a broader network that helps Montana meet federal air quality standards and provides valuable information for residents and policymakers.

The station is situated in a rural area of eastern Montana, where air quality can be affected by agricultural burning, dust from unpaved roads, and occasional wildfires. The region's semi-arid climate and low population density mean that pollutant concentrations are generally lower than urban areas, but monitoring is essential to detect episodic events and long-term trends. The station's data contributes to the EPA's AQS database, supporting regulatory compliance and public health assessments.