Air Program

Air Quality Monitoring Division

  • Collects current and maintains historical data on air pollution.
  • Conducts investigative sampling to determine the nature and extent of pollutants.
  • Initiates emergency control programs.
  • Develops new sampling and analysis techniques.
     

Toxics Monitoring Section

  • Conducts ambient air quality studies of toxic pollutants using a variety of portable and stationary monitoring equipment. Parameters monitored include volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, mercury, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, combustible gases, particulate matter, and weather elements.
  • Handles air monitoring aspects of hazardous waste disposal/destruction and of Superfund site work.
  • Arranges for sample analysis by the DEP Bureau of Laboratories if required.
  • Analyzes monitored data and conducts comparison studies for reporting results.
     

Quality Assurance and Data Assessment Section

  • Collects and validates ambient air quality data.
  • Conducts quality assurance and data validation.
  • Audits ambient air equipment.
  • Coordinates with EPA on data reporting.
  • Distributes the Air Quality Index.
  • Conducts daily air pollution forecasts and distributes to the public.
  • Analyzes monitored data and conducts comparison studies for reporting results.
     

 Field Operations and Maintenance Section

  • Develops technical aspects of ambient air quality field monitoring programs.
  • Operates and maintains statewide ambient air monitoring field equipment.
  • Conducts ambient air quality studies of toxic pollutants using a variety of portable and stationary monitoring equipment. Parameters monitored include volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, mercury, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, combustible gases, particulate matter, and weather elements.
  • Evaluates/selects new air monitoring locations, arranges leases, develops site construction specifications.
  • Oversees the DEP's acid rain and mercury deposition networks.
  • Conducts special study/special investigative sampling.
  • Reviews contractor-proposed monitoring plans.
  • Conducts periodic reviews of air monitoring network, identifying data trends used to continually update the location and number of samplers.


Contact Us

You can reach the Air Quality Monitoring Division by either calling 717-787-9702 or emailing us here.