Community air monitoring network

We’ve got some exciting news to share about an initiative that’s all about making our air cleaner and healthier. The Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) has been awarded grant funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for a special project, and we want you to be a part of it! 

Here’s what you need to know: 

Community Air Monitoring Network: The TPO, in collaboration with the USF College of Public Health and Environmental Protection Commission, is teaming up with community organizations and local agencies to set up a Community Air Monitoring Network. This network will focus on underserved communities along the interstates in Hillsborough County. 

Kick-off Meeting: Join us on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association for the kick-off meeting. At this gathering, you can learn all about the project, how local and government air monitoring works, and provide input on where monitoring sites might be located. Your suggestions matter! 

Monitoring Expansion: Following your valuable feedback, we’ll be establishing new community monitoring sites in two phases in 2024 and 2025. We’ll also be on the lookout for community organizations willing to host these monitoring sites. 

Get Involved: There are plenty of ways for community members and organizations to get involved! You can help identify suitable sites, join the Coalition for Community Air Monitoring, or volunteer to install and maintain monitoring sites, all while assisting with public engagement and education. Don’t worry; we’ll provide training for all volunteers and community air monitoring site hosts. 

Stay Informed: To find out more about the kick-off meeting, details about the project, or even view real-time air quality maps, head over to our website: Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Pilot Study – Plan Hillsborough.  

Additional Tidbits: 

Real-Time Data: You can view data from the monitors online using interactive, real-time maps. 

Informational Signs: Each monitoring site will have signs providing information about the monitor and the project. 

Continuation and Expansion: This project builds upon the success of the Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Pilot Study. 

Let’s come together as a community and work towards cleaner, healthier air for everyone in Hillsborough County. We can’t wait to see you at the kick-off meeting.