BLM-MT Air Monitoring, North Central District

Background: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Montana State Office (MTSO) purchased two new air monitoring stations in 2012 which were installed in the Lewistown area and the Malta area and have continuously operated to date. The air monitoring stations continuously collect data on ambient concentrations of four air pollutants as well as several meteorological parameters. In addition to providing initial capital funds for the stations, BLM MTSO has provided funding for operation and maintenance costs associated with the stations from 2012-2016 through a cooperative agreement. The air monitoring data obtained from these stations fills a large spatial gap in air quality information and the data are used to support BLM air analyses and planning implementation. Objectives: The purpose of this project is to provide air quality data used to determine compliance with air quality standards and protect public health by continuously operating two air monitoring stations in central (Lewistown) and northern (Malta) Montana. Public Benefit: Continuous measurement and reporting of air quality information is used to protect public health, evaluate effectiveness of air resource management strategies, and ensure compliance with ambient air standards.