Air Quality Management Launches New Monitoring Station at Libby Booth Elementary

Health District, School District plan educational outreach to students

Reno, Nev. Jan. 29, 2020. The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) Air Quality Management Division has launched a new monitoring station in Reno, which is part of a network that continually monitors and collects the region’s air quality data to ensure that it meets state and federal ambient air quality standards.

The new station at Libby Booth Elementary School tracks more than 15 parameters, including ozone, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter such as dust, soot and unburned fuel. The ambient air quality data is tracked 24-7 in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The station replaces the one at 301A State St. in Reno.

“We are excited to launch this new monitoring station at Libby Booth Elementary,” said Francisco Vega, Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) Director. “This is one of our premier stations as it monitors a multitude of very important air quality parameters. We’re thankful to work with the Washoe County School District to use the land at Libby Booth Elementary for this air monitoring station and the continued dedication of our air monitoring staff.”

Officials at the Health District and School District are planning educational tours and activities with Libby Booth students to teach them basics in air quality.

The Libby Booth site is one of seven in Washoe County that track air quality data. You can see the air quality information from those sites here.

AQMD, one of five divisions within the Health District, implements clean air solutions that protect the quality of life for the citizens of Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. Through community partnerships, we provide programs and services such as air monitoring, permitting and compliance, planning, and public education.

“Washoe County is known for its great air quality,” Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick said. “This station is a important step in maintaining our quality data gathering process and these stations help us determine how we can implement clean air solutions to protect the quality of life for citizens in our area.”

The Health District held a ribbon-cutting event today to recognize the opening. View photos and video on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.