On November 3, 2022, EPA announced the selection of 132 air monitoring projects in 37 states to receive $53.4 million in funding to enhance air quality monitoring in communities across the United States with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of Maryland Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science (UMD AOSC), School of Public Health (UMD SPH), Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Turner Station Conservation Teams, Cheverly Green Team, and South Baltimore Community Land Trust are lead partners on the 1 active project in Maryland.

The project serves the three “EJ” communities of Turner Station, Cheverly, and Curtis Bay, Maryland. In August 2023, we selected a suite of air sensors and their locations with input from our community partner. In October 2023, we received permission from EPA to purchase monitors (Met One C-12, QuantAQ Modulair, SENSIT SPOD).

Between Aug - Sept 2024, we collocated low-cost sensors with reference monitors. From Sept 2024 to present day, we have conducted periodic data analysis, summarization, and visualization. The data along with community input will identify specific sources contributing to exposures and implement reduction strategies.