Overview
Torrey Building is an operational air monitoring station in Duluth, Minnesota, operated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It contributes to the US EPA Air Quality System network, tracking criteria pollutants to support public health and regu
Torrey Building is an air monitoring station located at 314 W. Superior St. in Duluth, Minnesota, United States. It is part of the national ambient air quality monitoring network overseen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and operated locally by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Division of Air Quality. The station plays a key role in tracking air pollution levels in the Duluth area, a city situated on the western tip of Lake Superior. The station operates under the US EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) framework, which sets standards for 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 urban monitoring stations in Minnesota measure PM2.5, ozone, and other pollutants to assess compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The station's location in a downtown area provides representative data for population exposure. As part of the state's air quality network, Torrey Building supports environmental management and public awareness in the Lake Superior region. Data from this station helps inform air quality forecasts, health advisories, and regulatory decisions. The station's continuous operation ensures long-term trends can be analyzed, contributing to studies on regional air quality, climate interactions, and the effectiveness of emission reduction programs.
Environmental context
Duluth's air quality is influenced by industrial activities, transportation, and regional weather patterns from Lake Superior. The Torrey Building station monitors pollutants that affect human health and the environment, such as fine particulate matter and ozone. Its urban siting captures exposure levels for the local population, while data contributes to the EPA's national network for tracking compliance with air quality standards. The station's location in a mixed-use downtown area provides representative measurements for assessing the effectiveness of local and regional air quality management strategies.
Frequently asked questions
The Torrey Building air monitoring station is located at 314 W. Superior St. in Duluth, Minnesota, United States. It is situated in the downtown area of Duluth, near the western tip of Lake Superior.
The Torrey Building station monitors ambient air quality as part of the US EPA's Air Quality System. While specific parameters are not detailed, typical urban stations in Minnesota measure criteria pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
The station is operated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Division of Air Quality, which is responsible for maintaining the state's air monitoring network and ensuring compliance with federal air quality standards.
The station operates under the US EPA's Air Quality System (AQS) and the Clean Air Act, which establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants. Data from the station is used to assess compliance and inform air quality management decisions.
Air monitoring in Duluth is important due to the city's industrial activities, transportation corridors, and unique geography along Lake Superior. Monitoring helps track pollution levels, protect public health, and evaluate the effectiveness of emission reduction programs in the region.
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