Air sensors and other advanced monitoring technologies have become increasingly popular and widely available. The E-Enterprise Advanced Monitoring Project studied the application of these technologies in environmental protection to foster greater awareness of their capabilities, strengthen the quality of real-time monitoring data, identify new technologies as they emerged on the market, develop guidance for interpreting sensor data, and promote standardized data collection and exchange.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Research and Development led this team in collaboration with state and tribal partners.
Agencies needed information and guidance about the rapidly growing market of sensor technologies
Advanced environmental monitoring technologies have become increasingly widespread and popular. Environmental agencies across the country are interested in learning more about their capabilities and appropriate uses. Rapid changes in these emerging technologies have the potential to significantly improve environmental protection by providing governments, industry, and the public with more localized, real-time information on environmental conditions. At the same time, stakeholders need information about the quality and appropriate use of these devices, as well as guidance on how best to interpret the data they generate.
Created sensor performance targets and educational materials for agencies and the public
E-Enterprise convened an Advanced Monitoring Project Team composed of experts from the EPA, states, and Tribes. The team conducted a range of activities to help improve and inform the use of monitoring technologies by agencies and the public.
- Convened two advanced monitoring workshops to solicit views from various stakeholders. State, Tribal, and local government experts shared opinions on non-regulatory performance targets for air sensors to inform future work. Drawing from the conversations, the Advanced Monitoring team worked to develop non-regulatory performance targets for air sensors, including for PM2.5 and ozone. This information is posted on the Air Sensors Toolbox.
- Produced a series of short educational videos to inform the public about using air quality sensors, communicating air quality health risks, and interpreting data collected during monitoring.
- Developed a Scan and Screen Network and Technology Clearinghouse in collaboration with the EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. The Clearinghouse includes information on low-cost air and water sensors and monitors in use at various agencies. Scan and Screen is available on the E-Enterprise Community Inventory Platform and is maintained by the Environmental Council of the States.
- Launched the Air Sensors Toolbox as a one-stop-shop providing resources for conducting air monitoring projects, including the latest science on the performance and use of air sensor monitoring systems for technology developers, air quality managers, citizen scientists, and the public.
Collaborative research produced valuable best practices and more informed use of advanced monitoring technologies
The E-Enterprise Advanced Monitoring Strategy and Implementation Team promoted understanding and awareness of the performance of advanced monitoring technologies. The team’s research and products are helping agencies and the public understand how to appropriately use sensors and interpret their generated data. The team’s efforts promoted broader awareness of sensor data quality and helped establish best practices for using sensors and their data.
Key Contacts
Ron Evans, Project Lead
U.S. EPA Office of Air and Radiation
evans.ron@epa.gov
919-541-5488
Kurt Rakouskas
Environmental Council of the States
krakouskas@ecos.org
202-266-4935
