South Calcasieu Air Monitoring Station, Lake Charles, Louisiana

South Calcasieu is an air monitoring station located at 8220 Big Lake Rd, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70662, within Calcasieu County. Operated by the State of Louisiana, this station is part of the broader US EPA Air Quality System (AQS) network, which monitors ambient air quality across the United States. As a fixed-site monitoring station, it plays a role in assessing local air pollution levels and supporting regulatory compliance. The station operates under the framework of the US Clean Air Act, which mandates monitoring of criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. While specific parameters measured at this site are not detailed, typical stations in Louisiana's network also track meteorological data like wind speed and direction. The last reported sample date is January 19, 2021, indicating recent operational activity. Located in Lake Charles, a city with industrial activity including petrochemical and refining operations, this station helps characterize air quality in a region vulnerable to emissions from industrial sources and natural events like hurricanes. Its data supports public health advisories and state implementation plans for maintaining National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

The Lake Charles area hosts a concentration of oil refineries, chemical plants, and natural gas processing facilities, contributing to potential emissions of volatile organic compounds and sulfur dioxide. Air monitoring stations like South Calcasieu are critical for tracking these pollutants and assessing compliance with EPA standards. The station's location near the Calcasieu River and industrial corridor provides representative sampling for urban and industrial influences, supporting both regulatory reporting and community awareness.