Overview
Portola-161 Nevada Street is an operational air monitoring station in Portola, California, operated by Northern Sierra AQMD. It provides ambient air quality data for the Plumas County region.
Portola-161 Nevada Street is an air monitoring station located at 161 Nevada Street in Portola, California, within the United States. Operated by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (AQMD), this station is part of the broader US EPA Air Quality System (AQS) network, which monitors criteria pollutants and other atmospheric parameters to ensure compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The station serves the rural community of Portola in Plumas County, contributing to regional air quality assessments. The station operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Air Act, with monitoring protocols aligned to EPA guidelines. While specific parameters measured are not detailed, typical stations in the Northern Sierra AQMD network monitor ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and meteorological conditions. The station's siting in a small mountain community provides representative data for the Sierra Nevada region, complementing urban monitors in the Sacramento Valley. Environmental monitoring at this station supports public health protection by tracking air quality trends in a region affected by wildfire smoke and winter inversions. Data from Portola-161 Nevada Street aids in issuing air quality alerts and informing local land-use decisions. The station's long-term operation ensures continuity of records essential for climate and epidemiological studies.
Environmental context
Portola sits in the Sierra Nevada mountains at an elevation of approximately 4,800 feet, where air quality is influenced by local topography, seasonal wildfires, and winter temperature inversions. The station's location in a residential area provides representative monitoring for community exposure. As part of the Northern Sierra AQMD network, it focuses on criteria pollutants like ozone and particulate matter, which are key concerns due to wildfire smoke and wood-burning emissions. The station's data supports regional compliance with EPA standards and informs public health advisories.
Frequently asked questions
The station is located at 161 Nevada Street in Portola, California, in Plumas County, United States.
Typical air monitoring stations in the Northern Sierra AQMD network monitor ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and meteorological parameters.
The station is operated by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (AQMD), a local agency responsible for air quality regulation in Plumas and Sierra counties.
Air monitoring in the US is governed by the Clean Air Act and implemented through the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) network, which sets standards for criteria pollutants and monitoring methods.
Portola's location in the Sierra Nevada makes it susceptible to wildfire smoke and winter inversions, so monitoring helps protect public health by providing data for air quality alerts and regulatory compliance.
Other Air Monitoring Station plants in United States · 6 nearby