Air Quality Bureau
OZONE (O3)
The New Mexico Environment Department Air Quality Bureau (AQB) recently determined that high levels of ozone pollution in Sunland Park, NM violate the new federal air quality ozone standard of 0.075 parts per million. This standard is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a level where public health is adversely affected. It is likely that this area will be designated by the federal government as not attaining the new federal ozone standard, which will result in significant changes in the state’s air quality permitting of industrial facilities in the area, as well as required reductions in existing air pollution to ensure that ozone levels eventually meet the federal air quality standard.
New Mexico Eight-Hour Ozone Recommendation
Due to the lowering of the federal 8-hour ozone standard, the state is recommending that Sunland Park, NM (including the communities of Santa Teresa and La Union) is currently violating the new 8-hour ozone NAAQS be designated as nonattainment areas.
The Air Quality Bureau maintains 15 ozone monitors across the state. Real-time data can be accessed here.
Four Corners Air Quality Group
The Four Corners Air Quality Group is a forum for individuals interested in air quality to meet, learn about current conditions, review progress on mitigation of air quality impacts, and generally contribute to clean air in the Four Corners area. Includes links to Four Corners Modeling Project, 4CAQTF report, and archives.
- Public meetings on ground level ozone pollution in San Juan County area
- Voluntary Innovative Strategies for Today’s Air Standards (VISTAS)
- Public meetings on ground level ozone pollution in Sunland Park and Las Cruces
Ozone Forecast & Ozone Action Days
- NOAA-EPA-NWS photochemical air quality forecast on ground level ozone (O3) for San Juan and Dona Ana Counties
- Health advisories & voluntary actions
For more information please contact Mark Jones 505-566-9746