CASTNET is a long-term atmospheric monitoring program that provides air quality and atmospheric deposition data from standardized monitoring stations operating throughout the contiguous United States, Alaska, and Canada. CASTNET sites, located primarily in rural communities, measure weekly ambient concentrations of sulfur and nitrogen pollutants as well as hourly ozone concentrations. CASTNET also has an enduring, collaborative relationship with the National Atmospheric Deposition Program, which monitors ammonia, mercury, fluorinated organic chemicals (PFAS), and other pollutants at many collocated sites.
Through networks like CASTNET and NADP, EPA has developed fruitful relationships with Tribal agencies and continually seeks new partnership opportunities to help meet tribal air quality data and training needs and build monitoring capacity. Over the past two decades, EPA has partnered with several Tribes, providing equipment and training to establish multipollutant monitoring sites on their land. The expansion of EPA’s Tribal air monitoring partnerships has resulted in overall improved spatial and temporal representation of air quality in Indian Country and provided a mechanism to ensure accessible air quality data are sustained.
In 2023, EPA’s CASTNET program in collaboration with EPA Region 9, established a new site operated by the La Posta Tribe who performs the weekly site visits. Recently, CASTNET published a 3-year modernization plan that outlines efforts that will enhance the value of the program and address the most pressing scientific and policy-relevant questions. Through the modernization effort, EPA has started deploying PM2.5 sensors at CASTNET sites to fill gaps in the nation’s air quality program. Most recently, EPA has partnered with the La Posta and Campo Tribes in Southern California to evaluate and expand the deployment of low-cost PM sensors. The PM measurements, with existing CASTNET pollutant concentrations, will serve as a tool to identify anthropogenic and natural emissions sources. In this presentation, EPA and the La Posta Tribe will discuss new directions and opportunities for future collaborations
Zoom Recording ID: 85370534701
UUID: 89u6tnnVSTqjVtjwKfHHSg==
Meeting Time: 2025-05-20 10:28:49pmGMT
