The South Coast AQMD Monitoring & Analysis Division (MAD) provides air quality information to the public and produces actionable data using state-of-the-art monitoring and laboratory equipment and methods.  These efforts provide valuable input to our science, planning, and policy decisions that align with the agency’s mission to protect the health of all residents in the South Coast Air Basin.

MAD operates the agency’s robust ambient air monitoring network, the Federal enhanced particulate monitoring network and an advanced community air monitoring network with sites near all large major refineries, providing air pollution information in real time on the South Coast AQMD website and mobile app. The division conducts high quality measurements to assess ambient air quality in the South Coast Air Basin at over 37 air monitoring stations. MAD performs thorough chemical analyses in its laboratory, conducts source tests and evaluates low-cost sensors in its world-renowned AQ-SPEC program. The division applies a variety of advanced and customized tools to support multiple special monitoring efforts and investigations that address community concerns and better characterize emissions from various sources. In addition, MAD conducts field measurements and analytical support for South Coast AQMD’s incident response program, wildfire response program and community air monitoring in environmental justice areas such as AB 617 communities. 

For upcoming projects, MAD is looking to start field activities for two grant proposals that are part of the U.S. EPA “Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring for Communities” program. The first project is to conduct enhanced measurements of PM2.5 chemical composition and size distribution in Wilmington, CA. The second proposal is to conduct community-based air quality monitoring through South Coast AQMD’s sensor library program.