Ambient Air Quality Standards, Monitoring, and Attainment Planning
The Ambient Air Quality Standards for Mississippi are specified in 11 Miss. Admin. Code, Pt. 2, Ch. 4. Except for odor, the ambient air quality standards for Mississippi are the Primary and Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as duly promulgated by EPA. EPA has set national air quality standards for six principal air pollutants (also referred to as criteria pollutants):
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Ozone (O3)
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
- Particulate Matter (PM)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Lead (Pb)
More information on National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) can be found here.
Mississippi Ambient Air Quality Data Summaries
Prevention of Air Pollution Emergency Episodes
Mississippi also has regulations to prevent the excessive buildup of air pollutants during air pollution episodes, thereby preventing the occurrence of an emergency due to the effects of these pollutants on the health of persons. These regulations require action during periods of an Air Pollution Alert, Air Pollution Warning, or Air Pollution Emergency. 11 Miss. Admin. Code, Pt. 2, Ch. 3. sets forth these requirements.
Air Quality Forecasting
MDEQ issues Ozone and PM2.5 forecast for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson Metropolitan area, and DeSoto County, daily around 2:45 pm, March 1st through October 31st. This is made available to the general public as well as being provided to weather media for inclusion in daily weather reports. For the latest air quality forecast choose the following link: DeSoto County, Jackson Metropolitan Area, and Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Ozone Forecast and the Air Quality Index
Ambient Air Monitoring for Criteria Air Pollutants
- Collection and analysis of air quality data is a basic need of any effective air pollution control program.
- The criteria pollutants, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, lead and nitrogen dioxide are currently measured at locations in Mississippi.
- The ambient air quality data are used to verify compliance with or progress being made toward compliance with standards for ambient air quality; to support development of strategies to reduce air contaminants; and to assess the subsequent effectiveness of reduction strategies in attaining and maintaining air quality standards.
Air Quality Monitoring Network Plan
Contacts
For more information on Air Quality Standards, Monitoring, and Planning contact:
