Salinas 3 Air Monitoring Station, Salinas, California | Environmental Monitoring

Salinas 3 is an air monitoring station located at 867 E. Laurel Dr in Salinas, California, within Monterey County. Operated by the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District (APCD), this station is part of the broader US EPA Air Quality System (AQS) network that monitors criteria pollutants and other atmospheric parameters across the United States. The station reports to the Monterey Bay Unified APCD, which oversees air quality management in the region. As part of the California air monitoring network, Salinas 3 likely measures pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, and other criteria pollutants in accordance with EPA standards. The station's last reported sample date is June 30, 2025, indicating recent operational status. Located in the Salinas Valley, an agricultural hub, the station plays a key role in monitoring air quality impacts from farming activities, vehicle emissions, and industrial sources. Data from this station supports local air quality management and public health advisories, contributing to the region's compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

The Salinas Valley is a major agricultural region, with activities such as crop farming and livestock operations contributing to emissions of particulate matter, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds. The station's location in an urban area also captures emissions from transportation and residential sources. Monitoring at Salinas 3 helps assess the effectiveness of local air quality regulations and provides data for public health protection.