Overview
TOP OF APARTMENT BUILDING - 36 METERS FROM ROUTE 2 (MAIN STREET) is an air monitoring station in Old Town, Maine, part of the IMPROVE network operated by the National Park Service. It monitors visibility and air quality in the region.
TOP OF APARTMENT BUILDING - 36 METERS FROM ROUTE 2 (MAIN STREET) is an air monitoring station located in Old Town, Penobscot County, Maine, United States. The station is part of the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network, which focuses on measuring visibility and particulate matter to assess regional haze and air quality. Operated by the National Park Service, this station contributes to a nationwide effort to track long-term trends in atmospheric clarity. The station is situated on top of an apartment building at Marsh Island Apartments on South Main Street, approximately 36 meters from Route 2. As part of the IMPROVE network, it collects data on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants using specialized instrumentation. The network adheres to rigorous quality assurance protocols established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Park Service, ensuring data reliability for regulatory and research purposes. This monitoring station plays a key role in assessing air quality impacts in the Penobscot region, which includes urban areas and natural landscapes. The data supports the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) and helps inform public health advisories and environmental policy. By tracking visibility and pollutant levels, the station contributes to the protection of scenic vistas and community health in Maine.
Environmental context
The Penobscot region of Maine features a mix of forested areas, rivers, and small urban centers. Air quality here can be influenced by local sources such as wood combustion, transportation, and industrial activities, as well as long-range transport of pollutants from other regions. The IMPROVE network's focus on visibility and fine particulate matter is particularly relevant given the area's scenic landscapes and recreational importance. Monitoring at this station helps assess compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and supports regional haze regulations under the EPA's Regional Haze Rule.
Frequently asked questions
The station is located on top of an apartment building at Marsh Island Apartments on South Main Street in Old Town, Penobscot County, Maine, United States.
The IMPROVE network measures visibility and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to assess regional haze and air quality trends across the United States.
The station is operated by the National Park Service as part of the IMPROVE network.
Air monitoring in the U.S. is governed by the Clean Air Act and implemented through the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS), which sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants.
Air monitoring in Old Town helps track local and regional air quality, supporting public health advisories and compliance with visibility protection goals for nearby scenic areas.
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