2021 Monitoring Network Plan
New York State Ambient Air Monitoring Program
DEC's Division of Air Resources operates an ambient air monitoring network for various air contaminants within the state. As required by federal regulations, DEC prepares an annual monitoring network plan which describes in detail the specifics of the monitoring network. This plan includes an annual review of the existing monitoring network to determine the adequacy of the network and to propose any network modifications. The proposed annual monitoring network plan must be available for public review for a 30-day period prior to submittal to EPA. This notice is intended to afford interested parties the opportunity to comment on the proposed plan.
DEC has reviewed the current ambient air monitoring network and is proposing to remove monitors for SO2 from the Loudonville, Millbrook, Mt. Ninham, East Syracuse, and Dunkirk sites due to lower ambient concentrations and the closure of many upwind sources of SO2. Additionally, continuous sulfate monitoring will be discontinued at the Pinnacle site. SO2 monitors will be maintained in the larger cities, the NCore sites and in the Adirondacks. DEC also plans to consolidate continuous PM2.5 monitors to where they can be collocated with Federal Reference Method filter-based technology. Additionally, DEC proposes to reduce filter-based sampling to 1-in-6 day at Buffalo, Buffalo Near Road, East Syracuse, Rochester, Rochester Near Road, Albany, Pinnacle, IS52, and Queens Near Road.
2021 Monitoring Network Plan (PDF)
