Monitoring Sites: What, Where & Why We Monitor

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for monitoring outdoor air quality in Massachusetts. The MassDEP Air Assessment Branch (AAB) operates an extensive network of 28 monitoring stations in 20 cities and towns across the state. See the map for their locations.

Air Monitoring Sites (view larger map)
View Larger Map	Related Topics About the Air Assessment Branch What's New in Air Monitoring Monitors & What They Measure Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory Air Quality in Neighboring States
Meteorology: wind speed/direction, temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, solar radiation IMPROVE (Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments) is a national monitoring program focused on visibility and particulate pollutants that cause haze. PAMS: Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

Why Do We Monitor the Air?

Provide information about air quality to the public;

Provide short-term and long-term information regarding air pollution and public health;

Verify compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards;

Assess the effectiveness of current air pollution control regulations and initiatives;

Support development of policies and regulations aimed at reducing air pollution;

Support long-term trend analysis and special research; and

Fulfill requirements to report ambient air quality data to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)