Monitoring

Program Mission

To monitor and assure the scientific accuracy of the ambient air quality data collected for the determination of compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) as defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Program Description

The Northern Nevada Public Health Air Quality Management Division is required by federal and state law to monitor and collect ambient air quality data for pollutants deemed to be harmful by the EPA. The EPA has set a health-based standard, or National Ambient Air Quality Standard, for the following pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM₁₀), particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM_2.5) nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and lead (Pb). The program sets up a monitoring network throughout Washoe County to collect the data. The network must be reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects actual ambient air quality and that it is measuring for the pollutants of highest concern.

• Air monitoring stations
• Parameter information
• Northern Nevada Public Health 2024 Ambient Air Monitoring Annual Network Plan
• Draft Northern Nevada Public Health 2025 Ambient Air Monitoring Annual Network Plan
• Washoe County 2020 Ambient Air Monitoring 5-Year Network Assessment
• Draft Northern Nevada Public Health 2025 5-Year Network Assessment
• Northern Nevada Public Health 2025 Quality Assurance Project Plan
• Northern Nevada Public Health 2025 Quality Management Plan