The agreement provides funding under the inflation reduction act (IRA) to the city of albuquerque for the expansion and enhancement of their air monitoring activities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $398,500 grant under the Surveys, Studies, Research, Investigations, Demonstrations, and Special Purpose Activities Relating to the Clean Air Act (CFDA 66.034) program to the City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department. The funding will be used to enhance air quality monitoring activities, with a focus on improving the monitoring of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and other National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) pollutants in and near environmental justice communities in Albuquerque. Specifically, the grant will support replacing existing filter-based monitors with new real-time air quality monitoring equipment, as well as upgrading other NAAQS pollutant monitoring sites and equipment. The goal is to provide 24/7 reporting of air quality concentrations to better ensure that Albuquerque residents are living and working in areas that meet high air quality standards. The project period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2029.

Specifically, the recipient aims to enhance monitoring of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) or other national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) pollutants in and near communities with environmental justice concerns by replacing existing filter-based monitors or otherwise enhance existing monitors in and near those communities to provide 24/7, real-time reporting of air quality concentrations. Funding may be used to address other considerations in and near communities with environmental justice (EJ) concerns including upgrading other NAAQS pollutant monitoring sites, upgrading certain NAAQS gas monitors and/or equipment not meeting performance or completeness goals, and other possible PM monitoring investments. Activities:the activities include to review and compare the environmental protection agency (EPA) proposed equipment for purchase and determine if any adjustments need to be made on enhancements at various air monitoring sites based on current needs. Consult with EPA about proposed changes/updates, prepare and initiate procurement request(S) for equipment purchase(S) then purchase equipment. Take delivery of equipment upon verification of functionality of equipment and move forward with payment of vendor invoices, and plan for timely set-up and installation of equipment consistent with the goal of enhancing air monitoring activities in EJ and underserved communities. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include the number of new equipment deployed at existing air monitoring sites and number of existing air monitoring sites and equipment supported and upgraded. The expected outcomes include the operation of PM2.5 or other NAAQS pollutants air monitoring in accordance with all EPA requirements leading to collection of quality assured ambient air quality data to help ensure that more americans are living and working in areas that meet high air quality standards. The intended beneficiaries include residents of the city of albuquerque.