What is a CAMS?

• CAMS stands for Continuous Ambient Monitoring Station.
• The DAQ operates continous ambient monitoring sites that measure air pollutants.
• The DAQ operates continuous air monitoring sites in various metropolitan areas around the state.
• The EPA has established the following guidelines for the placement of ambient air monitoring stations in metropolitan areas.
• A minimum of two ozone monitors are required in metropolitan areas with a population of at least 200,000.
• A minimum of two carbon monoxide monitors are required in metropolitan areas with a population of at least 500,000.
• A minimum of two nitrogen oxide monitors are required in metropolitan areas with a population of at least 1,000,000.

What does a CAMS do?

• A CAMS is a small building or shelter that houses instruments that measure the amount of pollutants or other parameters in the atmosphere.
• A small pump draws in outside air which is then distributed to the instruments housed in the shelter.
• Different instruments measure different parameters.
• The DAQ operates instruments that measure the following pollutants in the air:
• Carbon Monoxide
• Sulfur Dioxide
• NOy
• Nitric Oxide
• Nitrogen Dioxide
• Oxides of Nitrogen
• Ozone
• PM-2.5 Mass
• PM-10 Mass
• PM-10 (Standard Conditions)
• PM-10 (Local Conditions)
• PM-Coarse
• PM-2.5 (Local Conditions)
• PM-2.5 (Local Conditions)
• Some of the CAMS operated by DAQ also contain instruments that measure local meteorological conditions. These conditions, especially winds and temperature, can greatly affect the amount of pollutants in an area.
• Local meteorological conditions that are measured include:
• Wind Speed
• Resultant Wind Speed
• Resultant Wind Direction
• Maximum Wind Gust
• Standard Deviation of Horizontal Wind Direction
• Outdoor Temperature
• Dew Point Temperature
• Internal Station Temperature
• Relative Humidity
• Solar Radiation
• Ultraviolet Radiation
• Net Radiation
• Barometric Pressure
• Precipitation