Sidney 201 Air Monitoring Station, Richland County, Montana

Sidney 201 is an air monitoring station located at the corner of CR 326 and State Highway 201 in Richland County, Montana, United States. It is operated by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division, and is part of the state's ambient air quality monitoring network. The station is operational and reported data as of December 31, 2023. The station operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System (AQS). Montana's air monitoring network includes stations that measure criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and others, in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The station's siting and equipment are designed to provide representative data for the local area. As a rural station in eastern Montana, Sidney 201 contributes to understanding air quality in an area influenced by agricultural activities, oil and gas development, and regional transport. Its data supports state and federal efforts to protect public health and the environment. The station's ongoing operation ensures continuity of long-term air quality records.

The station is located in a rural area of Richland County, Montana, where air quality can be affected by agricultural burning, dust from unpaved roads, and emissions from oil and gas extraction. Monitoring criteria pollutants such as PM2.5 and ozone is important for assessing compliance with NAAQS and protecting respiratory health. The station's data also contributes to regional air quality models and trend analyses.