Mobile sensors collect community air quality data
GettyImages/ milehightraveler
New York’s new monitoring program uses sensor-equipped fleet vehicles to collect billions of high-resolution measurements that are then analyzed for a better understanding of pollution in disadvantaged communities.
New York state is rolling out an air quality monitoring initiative in communities disproportionately affected by environmental pollution, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today.
The monitoring program uses mobile mapping technology and analytics from Aclima, whose fleet vehicles carry sensors that take high-resolution measurements every second as they travel an area’s streets. The sensors measure fine particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, methane, black carbon, benzene and other pollutants, the company said on its website. By collecting billions of data points on a block-by-block basis at different times, days, and seasons, the company says it can develop a more complete understanding of pollution across entire regions.
The environmental insights will give officials an initial look at community-level air quality that they can use to better target state mitigation activities and address health burdens and inequities in disadvantaged communities.
The program launched in the first four of 10 communities that were selected for monitoring based on criteria developed in consultation with the Climate Justice Working Group. Monitoring is now underway in the Bronx, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, the Capital Region and Manhattan, with six additional communities starting monitoring this fall, officials said.
The analysis will run exclusively on Google Cloud, through the state's contract with Google Public Sector, the announcement said.
The initiative will be supported by $3 million in state grant funding: $1 million is currently available for Community Air Monitoring Capacity Building Grants, and an additional $2 million will fund community-led air quality monitoring that complements the state's efforts and helps identify carbon-free technology investments and other emission reduction strategies for local neighborhoods.
This first-ever statewide mobile monitoring program complements the Department of Environmental Conservation's work to measure levels of outdoor air pollution at more than 50 sites, officials said. In addition, communities in New York City have conducted hyperlocal air quality monitoring to help inform residents and policymakers about specific emissions sources and other environmental or public health concerns.
"Air monitoring will provide us with data to help drive solutions to reduce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants and will improve public health in the long-run," Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado said. "This project will have a significant impact on residents all across New York State, particularly in our black and brown communities which are historically overburdened by pollution."