THE AIR QUALITY SUPERSITE AS A TOOL FOR AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Abstract:

Air quality supersites were established and operated in the U.S. to: 1) evaluate new measurement technologies; 2) improve understanding of atmospheric processes; and 3) support studies that relate air quality to adverse human health and other effects (e.g., visibility, climate change). A supersite is recognized by: 1) a design that tests specific hypotheses and develops conceptual models; 2) continuous measurements with shorter durations, greater frequency, lower detection limits, and more observables than those used for air quality compliance monitoring; 2) frequent and detailed analysis for chemical components of PM and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); 3) consistent and quality assured long-term monitoring (at least 1 year at the same location) to experience a wide range of atmospheric environments; 4) public dissemination and documentation of validated and quality-assured data; and 5) reports and journal articles that use supersite data to test hypotheses. Other countries have established supersites, and several long-term observatories (e.g., Mace Head in Ireland, Mauna Loa in Hawaii, Cape Grimm in Australia) have recently been recognized as potential supersites. The supersites have resulted in major advancements in the understanding of pollutant sources and the effectiveness of control strategies.1,2 Several developing countries are establishing such sites as a way to improve their forecasting and air quality management programs and to train a new generation of environmental professionals.