Department of
Environmental Quality

DEQ's air quality monitoring program encompasses operation of a monitoring network, laboratory analysis of air samples, and quality assurance activities to ensure data integrity. The program collects real-time measurements of ambient levels of air contaminants at more than 20 sites throughout the state. Integrated sampling methods are used at another 10 sites.

• 2012 Idaho Air Monitoring Network Map

DEQ's monitoring network measures the levels of five of the six ambient air criteria pollutants identified by the federal Clean Air Act. The criteria pollutants are:

• Particulate matter (PM10 = particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter; PM2.5 = particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 microns in diameter)
• Carbon monoxide
• Nitrogen dioxide
• Sulfur dioxide
• Ozone
• Lead (Airborne lead is no longer considered a major health threat in most of the U.S. With the phase-out of leaded gasoline and closure of the Bunker Hill Mine, DEQ no longer monitors airborne lead levels.)

Data are used to:

• define the nature and severity of pollution in Idaho
• determine which areas of Idaho are meeting the air quality standards
• identify pollution trends in the state
• support smoke dispersion forecasts for agricultural burning and prescribed fire programs
• reconcile air quality models and emission inventories

To provide a quantifiable means to measure air quality, EPA's Office of Air Planning and Standards, has established standards for the six criteria pollutants referenced above. For each criteria pollutant, the standard includes a maximum concentration above which adverse effects on human health may occur. These threshold concentrations are called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

There are two types of standards: primary and secondary. Primary standards set limits to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations, such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare, including protection against decreased visibility, damage to animals, vegetation, and buildings. Idaho has adopted the federal air quality standards in the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.575-587).

Air Quality Monitoring Data Summaries

Each year DEQ issues an annual report to inform the public of air quality throughout Idaho. The report summarizes regional air quality while presenting air monitoring results for the six criteria air pollutants.

• 2010 Air Quality Monitoring Data Summary (Issued June 2012)
• 2009 Air Quality Monitoring Data Summary (Issued January 2012)
• 2008 Air Quality Monitoring Data Summary (Issued January 2010)
• 2007 Air Quality Monitoring Data Summary (Issued October 2008)
• 2006 Air Quality Monitoring Data Summary (Issued August 2007)
• 2005 Air Quality Monitoring Data Summary (Issued December 2006)
• 2004 Air Quality Monitoring Data Summary (Issued December 2005)

Quality Assurance

To assure that ambient and metorological data collected by Idaho's air monitoring network meet or exceed required standards, DEQ developed the Idaho Quality Assurance Manual, Ambient Methods, in 1987. The manual prescribes detailed operational procedures for sampling, analyzing, and reporting air pollution and meteorological conditions. The manual is reviewed annually and revised as needed, subject to approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Idaho Quality Assurance Project Plan is the latest revision to this base document.

Air Quality Monitoring Network Reviews

Each year DEQ develops a report on whether the monitoring network is achieving its monitoring objectives and identifying needed modifications. The document documents changes made to the monitoring network since the last review and proposed changes for the next year. The plan is submitted to EPA annually by July 1.

• FY 12-13 Review (Issued July 2012)
• FY 11-12 Review (Issued July 2011)
• FY 10-11 Review (Issued July 2010)
• FY 09-10 Review (Revised September 2009)
• FY 08-09 Review (Issued May 2008)
• FY 07-08 Review (Issued August 2007)