Morro Bay Air Monitoring Station - San Luis Obispo County, California

Morro Bay is an air monitoring station located in Morro Bay, California, along Morro Bay Blvd & Kern Ave. Operated by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), it is part of the US EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) network, which tracks ambient air pollution across the United States. The station serves the local community by measuring key pollutants to ensure compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The station's technical scope includes monitoring criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead, as well as meteorological parameters. Data is collected continuously and reported to the EPA AQS database, with the most recent sample date recorded in June 2023. The station's siting follows EPA guidelines to ensure representativeness of local air quality. Environmental monitoring in Morro Bay is significant due to its coastal location, which influences pollutant dispersion and formation. The station supports regional air quality management, helps identify pollution sources, and provides data for public health advisories. Its operation contributes to California's comprehensive air monitoring network, which is critical for addressing ozone and particulate matter challenges in the state.

Morro Bay's coastal setting in San Luis Obispo County creates unique air quality dynamics, with marine layer inversions and onshore winds affecting pollutant dispersion. The station's parameter coverage includes criteria pollutants and meteorology, enabling assessment of local and transported pollution. Siting representativeness is maintained per EPA criteria to capture community exposure. Reporting continuity through the APCD ensures long-term trend analysis for regulatory compliance and public health protection.