IVAN Air Monitoring

The LEAP Institute is setting up a network of community air monitors in Kings and western Fresno Counties. The network of 20 air monitors will measure particulate matter, a harmful air pollutant. Five of these monitors will also measure methane, a greenhouse gas that causes climate change.

The air monitoring network is being developed with guidance from a steering committee of community residents, who is working with LEAP to select monitor sites in 14 communities.

Once all 20 monitors are installed and tested, the real-time air monitoring data will be available on this website.
For more information or to get involved, contact Ruben Rodriguez at 559-945-7433 or by email.

Locations of monitors that have been installed. This map will be updated as additional monitors are set up.

Poor air quality can harm your health. Take action to reduce your exposure to air pollutants. Use the list or map to view current air quality levels at your nearest air monitor. Sign up to receive alerts when the air quality near you is unhealthy. Scroll down to learn more.

About the network

Poor air quality is linked to many health problems, including asthma, cancer, heart disease, premature birth, and premature death. The LEAP Institute and partners have received funding from the California Air Resources Board to set up a network of 20 community air monitors. The network will provide local, real-time air quality information for residents to take action and protect their health from poor air quality.

From October 2018 – March 2021, the LEAP Institute will:

  • Install 15 particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) monitors in the communities of Coalinga, Avenal, San Joaquin, Firebaugh, Armona, Raisin City, Coalinguita, Huron, Mendota, Hanford, and Five Points
  • Install 5 PM and methane monitors in the communities of Stratford, Riverdale, Coalinga, Kettleman City, and Avenal
  • Provide air monitoring data to the community via the website ivan-kings.org/air and an alert system
  • Engage regional and state air quality agencies in the process of monitoring

What is being monitored and why?

  • Particulate Matter - Particulate matter (PM) pollution can harm health, such as causing breathing and heart problems. Having current air quality information helps us to know when to take actions (such as staying indoors) to reduce exposure when pollution levels are high. The monitoring data can also help us to understand air pollution trends in Kings County and in western Fresno County. The goal is for residents to have a better understanding of what air quality is like in their community.
  • Methane – Methane is a colorless and odorless gas that is emitted naturally and by human activity. Methane is a greenhouse gas that strongly contributes to climate change. Methane is non-toxic and is not directly harmful to human health. However, methane may be emitted at the same time as harmful pollutants, particularly during oil and gas extraction. We plan to monitor methane where community members have raised concerns near dairy and feedlots, solid waste landfills, and oil and gas extraction.

When will data be available?

The real-time air monitoring data will be available on this website after the monitors are deployed and once basic quality control processes are in place. Because the community monitors are not government regulatory monitors, they will not generate data that can be used for regulatory activities, such as determining violations of the law.

Who is involved?

The network is being developed by LEAP Institute, with technical support from Comite Civico del Valle, Central California Environmental Justice Network, and Tracking California. Funding is being provided by the California Air Resources Board - Community Air Grants (Round 1).

The LEAP Institute, formerly known as San Joaquin Valley Latino Environmental Advancement and Policy Project strives to engage San Joaquin Valley communities to increase social justice awareness.

Contact: LEAP office 559-945-7433

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