Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

DEEP is continuing to carry out its mission and provide services while keeping both the public and our workforce safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for the latest updates on DEEP's response to COVID-19. DEEP COVID-19 Response

Air Monitoring and Forecasting in Connecticut

Monitoring

Photo of Air Monitoring Equipment The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bureau of Air Management, monitors air quality to protect public health and the environment.  The monitoring of air quality data is crucial to determine compliance with the Federal air quality standards and to evaluate how well pollution control and abatement strategies are working to clean the air. 

The criteria pollutants measured in the ambient air monitoring network are: ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and lead (Pb). The DEEP has also monitored for toxic pollutants and metals.

Forecasting

In addition, DEEP makes daily forecasts to help the public plan their day accordingly. The forecasts predict the ozone and particulate levels for cities and towns around the state that best capture the variances around our small state. Ozone forecasts are limited to the summer season, specifically May 1- September 30. This is because the formation of ozone is mostly likely to occur during this period, however DEEP will evaluate if an ozone forecast is necessary for public health reasons outside of this season. 

Content Last Updated January 15, 2020