Communities across Southern California are gaining
new tools to better understand and improve their
local air quality through the continued progress of
South Coast AQMD’s Air Quality Sensor Performance
Evaluation Center (AQ-SPEC) Sensor Library Program.
Launched as a pilot project in 2019, the Sensor Library has grown into a collaborative effort that brings realtime air quality data directly into communities. Funded by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Inflation Reduction Act grant, AQ-SPEC is partnering with community groups in Pacoima, Pomona, Riverside, and Vista Hermosa Heights to deploy air sensors measuring pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3).
A key milestone is the kickoff of the new JustAir dashboard, which displays real-time data from community-deployed sensor networks as well as federal regulatory monitors. The platform provides an accessible, user-friendly way for residents and stakeholders to view current conditions, explore trends, and download data to inform local decision-making and Community Action Plans.
Community partners play a central role in the program. Through the U.S. EPA grant, AQ-SPEC is advancing sustainable air quality data collection while engaging residents to better understand and improve local air quality.
The program also empowers students with hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning opportunities, including sensor installation, maintenance, and data analysis. In support of these efforts, a summit was held at South Coast AQMD headquarters in Diamond Bar on April 10, bringing together all communities involved in the U.S. EPA grant to share student data analyses, exchange ideas to reduce air pollution exposure, and engage with panelists from government, academia, and community
organizations.
To date, the Sensor Library has loaned out dozens of devices, significantly expanding local monitoring capacity. As deployments continue, communities are establishing baseline air quality data, identifying pollution patterns, and responding more effectively during poor air quality events. The Sensor Library
includes nearly 100 sensors available to borrow at no-cost for residents of the four communities participating in the U.S. EPA grant. Additional sensors, separate from the grant, are also available for loan to residents across the South Coast AQMD jurisdiction, with priority given to those living in AB 617 communities.
By combining technology, education, and community collaboration, the AQ-SPEC Sensor Library and JustAir dashboard are putting actionable air quality information into the hands of the communities who need it and also supporting informed, community-driven solutions for cleaner air.
To learn more about the AQ-SPEC Sensor Library Program visit: www.aqmd.gov/aq-spec.
To view the AQ-SPEC Sensor Library Dashboard visit: https://scaqmd.justair.app/.