MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT 

1800 Washington Boulevard | Baltimore, MD 21230 | www.mde.state.md.us 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT 

AMBIENT AIR MONITORING 

NETWORK PLAN FOR CALENDAR 

YEAR 2011 

Prepared for: 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Prepared by: 

Ambient Air Monitoring Program 

Air and Radiation Administration Management 

Maryland Department of the Environment

May 27, 2010

410-537-3000 | 800-633-6101 | TTY Users: 800-735-2258 

Martin O’Malley, Governor | Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor | Shari T. Wilson, Secretary
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Section Page

1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................7 

2. REQUIREMENTS FOR MONITORING NETWORK DESCRIPTIONS ...........................9 

3. MARYLAND AIR MONITORING NETWORK .................................................................9 

3.1 General Information....................................................................................................11 

4. SPECIFIC POLLUTANT NETWORK DESCRIPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ........21 

4.1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) – General Description and Sampling Method.....................21 

4.1.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................21 

4.1.2 ...........................................................................................................22 Sources

4.1.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................22 

4.2 Lead (Pb) – General Description ................................................................................22 

4.2.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................22 

4.2.2 ...........................................................................................................22 Sources

4.2.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................23 

4.3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) – General Description and Sampling Method ....................23 

4.3.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................23 

4.3.2 ...........................................................................................................23 Sources

4.3.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................23 

4.4 Ozone (O3) – General Description and Sampling Method.........................................23 

4.4.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................24 

4.4.2 ...........................................................................................................24 Sources

4.4.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................24 

4.5 PM10 – General Description and Sampling Method...................................................25 

4.5.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................25 

4.5.2 ...........................................................................................................25 Sources

4.5.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................25 

4.6 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) – General Description and Sampling Method .........25 

4.6.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................26 

4.6.2 ...........................................................................................................26 Sources

4.6.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................27 

4.7 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) – General Description and Sampling Method .........................27 

4.7.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................27 

4.7.2 ...........................................................................................................28 Sources

4.7.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................28 

4.8

................................................................................................28 

PAMS (Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations) – General Description 

and Sampling Method

4.8.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................28 

4.8.2 Monitoring Locations.....................................................................................29 

4.8.3 ...........................................................................................................29 Sources

4.8.4 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................29 

4.9 Air Toxics – General Description and Sampling Method ..........................................29 

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4.9.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................30 

4.9.2 Monitoring Locations.....................................................................................30 

4.9.3 ...........................................................................................................30 Sources

4.9.4 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................30 

4.10 NCore – General Description and Sampling Method.................................................30 

4.10.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................31 

4.10.2 Monitoring Locations.....................................................................................32 

4.10.3 ...........................................................................................................32 Sources

4.10.4 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 ....................................................................32 

4.11 The Rural Aerosol Intensive Network – General Description....................................32 

4.11.1 Monitoring Requirements...............................................................................32 

4.11.2 Monitoring Locations.....................................................................................32 

4.11.3 ...........................................................................................................33 Sources

4.11.4 Changes Planned for 2010 – 2011..................................................................33 

APPENDIX A – TOPOGRAPHIC AND AERIAL MAPS.......................................................... 33 
ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS 

AQS Air Quality System. 

AQS ID 9-digit site identification number in AQS database. 

ARMA MDE’s Air and Radiation Management Administration 

BAM/BAMM Beta Attenuation [Mass] Monitor typically used for measuring continuous 

particulate matter. 

CAA Clean Air Act 

CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments 

CBSA Core Based Statistical Area 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CSA Combined Statistical Area 

CSN Chemical Speciation Network 

CO Carbon Monoxide 

EGU Electrical Generating Unit 

FEM Federal Equivalent Method typically used by local and state agency to measure 

particulate matter and determine NAAQS attainment status. 

FID Flame Ionization Detector 

FRM Federal Reference Method typically used by local and state agency to measure 

particulate matter and determine NAAQS attainment status. 

GC Gas Chromatograph 

HAPS Hazardous Air Pollutants 

IMPROVE Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments 

IR Infrared (radiation) 

MDE Maryland Department of the Environment 

MSA Metropolitan Statistical Area typically used by the EPA to study air quality trends 

in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. 

NAA Non-attainment Area 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards used for determining attainment status. 

NCore National Core multi-pollutant monitoring stations 

NESCAUM Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management 

nm Nanometer, an SI unit for measuring length; 1 nm equals 10-9 meter. 

NO Nitrogen Oxide 

NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide 

NOx Oxides of Nitrogen (ozone precursor) 

NOy Total Reactive Nitrogen Species (ozone precursor) 

O3 Ozone 

OC/EC Organic Carbon/Elemental Carbon 

PAMS Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station 

Pb Lead 

PM2.5 Particulate matter with an equivalent diameter less then or equal to 2.5 m. 

PM10 Particulate matter with an equivalent diameter less then or equal to 10 m. 

QA Quality Assurance 

RAIN RURAL AEROSOL INSTENSIVE NETWORK

SIP State Implementation Plan 

SLAMS State or Local Air Monitoring Stations 

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SO2 Sulfur Dioxide 

STN PM2.5 Speciation Trends Network 

TEOM Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance 

m Micrometer (10-6 meter) 

US EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 

UV Ultraviolet 

VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds 
1. INTRODUCTION 

In 1970, Congress passed the Clean Air Act (CAA) that authorized the Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 

pollutants shown to threaten human health and welfare. Primary standards were set according to 

criteria designed to protect public health, including an adequate margin of safety to protect 

sensitive populations such as children and asthmatics. Secondary standards were set according 

to criteria designed to protect public welfare (decreased visibility, damage to crops, vegetation, 

and buildings, etc.). As part of the CAA, both local and state agencies are required to maintain 

and operate ambient air quality monitoring networks. 

The six pollutants that currently have NAAQS are: ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), 

sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and lead 

(Pb). They are commonly called the "criteria" pollutants. When air quality does not meet the 

NAAQS for one of the criteria pollutants, the area is said to be in “non-attainment” with the 

NAAQS for that pollutant. Currently, Maryland is designated as non-attainment for both 

ground-level ozone and particulate matter. Maps of non-attainment areas are shown in Figure 

1-1 and Figure 1-2. Counties outside of Maryland are included as they are part of the nonattainment area (NAA); however, this document will address only monitors in Maryland. 

The EPA ozone precursor revisions to the air monitoring regulations (40 CFR Part 58) 

required by Title 1, Section 182 of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) were 

promulgated on February 12, 1993. The CAAA requires that the States incorporate enhanced 

monitoring for ozone, speciated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), 

carbonyls, and meteorological parameters into their State Implementation Plan (SIP). The Part 

58 regulations refer to these enhanced monitoring stations as photochemical assessment 

monitoring stations (PAMS). There is no ambient standard for any of the VOCs. 

Section 112 of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments identified 188 toxics. As part of the 

monitoring effort for toxics, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is operating 

an Air Toxic Network and provides analytical support for sampling sites in EPA Region 3. 

As part of the CAA, states are required to submit an annual network plan to the U.S. EPA 

for review and approval. Since 2007, EPA has required State and Local Air Pollution Control 

Agencies to make this plan available for public inspection at least thirty days prior to formal 

submission to EPA. Refer to the Requirements for Monitoring Network Descriptions section for 

details. 

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Figure 1-1. Map depicting non-attainment areas for 8-hour ozone in Maryland and surrounding 

jurisdictions that are part of the NAA. 

Figure 1-2. Map depicting non-attainment areas for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Maryland and 

surrounding jurisdictions that are part of the NAA.

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2. REQUIREMENTS FOR MONITORING NETWORK DESCRIPTIONS 

In October 2006, the U.S. EPA issued final regulations concerning state and local agency 

ambient air monitoring networks. These regulations require an annual monitoring network plan 

including the information described below. 

The annual monitoring network plan as described in §58.10 must contain the following 

information for existing and proposed site(s): 

 The Air Quality System (AQS) site identification number. 

 The location, including street address and geographical coordinates. 

 The sampling and analysis method(s) for each measured parameter. 

 The operating schedules for each monitor. 

 Any proposals to remove or move a monitoring station within a period of 18 months 

following plan submittal. 

 The monitoring objective and spatial representative scale for each monitor. 

 The identification of suitable and non-suitable for comparison against the annual 

PM2.5 NAAQS as described in §58.30. 

 The Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA), 

Combined Statistical Area (CSA) or other area represented by the monitor 

3. MARYLAND AIR MONITORING NETWORK 

Maryland currently operates 26 air monitoring sites around the state and measures 

ground-level concentrations of criteria pollutants, air toxics, meteorology, and other researchoriented measurements. Although monitoring takes place statewide, most of the stations are 

concentrated in the urban/industrial areas, which have the highest population and number of 

pollutant sources. This network is maintained and operated by the Ambient Air Monitoring 

Program (the Program), Air and Radiation Management Administration, Maryland Department 

of the Environment. A comprehensive air monitoring network map is shown in Figure 3-1. 

Additional topographic and aerial maps are provided in Appendix A. 

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Figure 3-1 Maryland’s air monitoring network map 

Note: Piney Run also marks the Frostburg Improve site which is just a few meters away. 

Note: Frostburg Haze Cam is located at Eastern Garrett Co. Vol. Fire Department.

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3.1 General Information 

The following tables include information required as part of the monitoring network 

description. General information (e.g. site name, AQS identification number, latitude, longitude, 

etc.) can be found in Table 3-1. Specific information related to each parameter measured at air 

monitoring sites is given in Table 3-2a, b. Monitoring method descriptions can be found in 

Table 3-3. Lastly, parameters measured as part of the air toxics, PAMS, IMPROVE, and 

speciated PM2.5 mass are listed in Table 3-4. 

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Table 3-1 General information for current Maryland ambient air monitoring sites. 

SITE NAME, 

AQS ID STREET ADDRESS CITY, COUNTY ZIP CODE LATITUDE, LONGITUDE LOCATION SETTING NEAREST ROAD TRAFFIC COUNT TRAFFIC COUNT YEAR DISTAN

FROM NEARE

RD. (M

Aldino, 

240259001 3560 Aldino Road Aldino, Harford 21028 39.563333, -76.203889 Suburban Aldino Rd. 1150 2008 14 

Baltimore Haze 

Cam @ Brandon 

Shores 

Brandon Shores Power 

Plant 

1000 Brandon Shores Dr. Anne Arundel 21226 39.181511, -76.537544 Suburban - - - - 

Bladensburg VFD, 

240330025 

Bladensburg Volunteer 

Fire Department, 4213 

Edmonston Road 

Bladensburg, 

Prince 

George’s 

20710 38.941697, - 76.933698 Suburban Edmonston Road - - 155 

Calvert Co, 

240090011 350 Stafford Road Barstow, Calvert 20678 38.536722, -76.617194 Rural Stafford Road - - 53 

Davidsonville, 

240030014 

Davidsonville Recreation 

Center, 3801 Queen 

Anne Bridge Road 

Davidsonville, 

Anne Arundel 21035 38.902500, -76.653056 Rural Queen Anne Bridge Road - - 151 

Edgewood, 

240251001 

Edgewood Chemical 

Biological Center (APG), 

Waehli Road 

Edgewood, 

Harford 21010 39.410000, -76.296667 Rural Waehli Road - - 16 

Essex, 

240053001 600 Dorsey Avenue Essex, Baltimore 21221 39.310833, -76.474444 Suburban Franklin Avenue 200 1993 5 

Fairhill, 

240150003 4600 Telegraph Road Fairhill, Cecil 21921 39.701111, -75.860000 Rural Telegraph Road (Route 273) 8381 2008 26 

Fire Dept 20*, 

245100008 

Baltimore City Fire 

Department, 

 5714 Eastern Avenue Baltimore City 21224 39.287680, -76.547616 Suburban Eastern Avenue (Route 150) 21901 2008 45 

Frederick Airport, 

240210037 

Frederick County 

Airport, 180 E Airport 

Drive 

Frederick, 

Frederick 21701 39.408056, -77.375833 Suburban Disposal Plan Road 5 1998 9 

Frostburg 

HazeCam 

Eastern Garrett Co. Vol. 

Fire Dept. 

401 Finzel Road 

Finzel, 

Garrett 21532 - Rural - - - - 

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SITE NAME, 

AQS ID STREET ADDRESS CITY, COUNTY ZIP CODE LATITUDE, LONGITUDE LOCATION SETTING NEAREST ROAD TRAFFIC COUNT TRAFFIC COUNT YEAR DISTAN

FROM NEARE

RD. (M

Frostburg Improve 

240239000 Frostburg Reservoir Finzel, Garrett 21532 39.705896, - 79.012117 Rural Piney Run Road - - 1141 

Furley, 

245100054 

Furley E.S. Recreational 

Center, 4633 Furley 

Avenue Baltimore City 21206 39.328890, -76.552500 Urban and City Center Furley Ave. - - 38 

Glen Burnie, 

240031003 

Anne Arundel Co Public 

Works BLDG, 7409 

Baltimore Annapolis 

Blvd 

Glen Burnie, 

Anne Arundel 21061 39.169533, -76.627933 Suburban 

Baltimore 

Annapolis 

Blvd (Route 

648). 

16801 2008 98 

Hagerstown, 

240430009 18530 Roxbury Road Hagerstown, Washington 21740 39.565556, -77.721944 Rural Roxbury Road 50 1993 49 

HU-Beltsville, 

240330030 

Howard University’s 

Beltsville Laboratory, 

12003 Old Baltimore 

Pike 

Beltsville, 

Prince 

George's 

20705 39.055277, - 76.878333 Suburban Muirkirk Road - - 409 

Millington, 

240290002 

Millington Wildlife 

Management Area, 

Massey-Maryland Line 

Road (Route 330) 

Massey, Kent 21650 39.305000, -75.797333 Rural Maryland Line Road (Route 330) 1392 2008 121 

NE Police, 

245100006 

Northeast Police Station, 

1900 Argonne Drive Baltimore City 21218 39.340556, -76.582222 Suburban Argonne Drive - - 49 

NW Police, 

245100007 

Northwest Police Station, 

5271 Reisterstown Road Baltimore City 21215 39.344444, -76.685278 Suburban Reisterstown Road 16261 2008 26 

Oldtown, 

245100040 

Oldtown Fire Station, 

1100 Hillen Street Baltimore City 21202 39.298056, -76.604722 Urban and City Center Hillen Street 15300 1990 23 

Padonia, 

240051007 

Padonia Elementary 

School, 9834 Greenside 

Drive 

Cockeysville, 

Baltimore 21030 39.460833, -76.631111 Suburban Greenside Drive - - 93 

PG Equestrian 

Center, 240338003 

PG County Equestrian 

Center, 14900 

Pennsylvania Ave. 

Greater Upper 

Marlboro, 

Prince 

George's 

20772 38.811940, -76.744170 Rural Pennsylvani a Avenue 46651 2008 191 

Piney Run, 

240230002 

Frostburg Reservoir, 

Finzel Finzel, Garrett 21532 39.705916, -79.012028 Rural Piney Run Road - - 1141 

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SITE NAME, 

AQS ID STREET ADDRESS CITY, COUNTY ZIP CODE LATITUDE, LONGITUDE LOCATION SETTING NEAREST ROAD TRAFFIC COUNT TRAFFIC COUNT YEAR DISTAN

FROM NEARE

RD. (M

Rockville, 

240313001 

Lathrop E. Smith 

Environmental Education 

Center, 5110 

Meadowside Lane 

Rockville, 

Montgomery 20855 39.114444, - 77.106944 Rural Meadowside Lane - - 77 

South Carroll, 

240130001 

1300 W. Old Liberty 

Road 

Winfield, 

Carroll 21784 39.444167, -77.041667 Rural Liberty Road (Route 26) 10962 2008 248 

Southern Maryland, 

240170010 Oaks Road Hughesville, Charles 20622 38.504167, -76.811944 Rural Oaks Road - - 723 

* Fire Dept 20 was called S.E. Police Station in previous reports. It was relocated from the S.E. Police Station site to the fire dep
Table 3-2a. Parameter information for current Maryland ambient air monitoring sites 

SITE NAME, 

AQS ID PARAMETER START DATE 

METHOD 

CODE 

PROBE 

HEIGHT 

(M) 

REPRESENTATIVE

SCALE 

MONITORING 

OBJECTIVE TYPE SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Nitrogen 

Dioxide, Nitric 

Oxide 

5/1/1995 075 4 Urban Population 

exposure 

PAMS Every hour 

Type 3 PAMS: 

Reactive Oxides 

of Nitrogen 

6/1/1997 075 3.8 Urban Population 

Exposure PAMS Every hour 

Aldino, 

240259001 

Ozone 4/20/1990 047 6 Urban Maximum Ozone 

concentration SLAMS Every hour 

Baltimore 

Haze Cam @ 

Brandon 

Shores 

Visibility 4/1/2007 NA NA NA Public 

Notification NA NA 

Bladensburg 

VFD, 

240330025 

PM2.5 1/1/2007 118 4 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every 3 days

Calvert Co., 

240090011 Ozone 4/1/2005 047 4 Urban Population Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

Davidsonville, 

240030014 Ozone 6/6/1980 047 4 Urban Population Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

Ozone 3/10/1980 047 3.8 Urban Highest 

Concentration SLAMS Every hour Edgewood, 

240251001 

PM2.5 1/1/1999 120 2.1 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every 3 days

Air toxics 1/1/1993 150 4.0 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure Toxics Every 6 days

Carbon 

Monoxide 4/1/1967 054 4.6 Middle Highest Concentration SLAMS Every hour 

Nitric Oxide 1/1/1993 074 4.6 Neighborhood 

Maximum 

Precursor 

Emissions Impact 

SLAMS Every hour 

Nitrogen 

Dioxide 1/1/1972 074 4.6 Neighborhood 

Maximum 

Precursor 

Emissions Impact 

SLAMS Every hour 

Oxides of 

Nitrogen 1/1/1980 074 4.6 Neighborhood 

Maximum 

Precursor 

Emissions Impact 

SLAMS Every hour 

Ozone 1/1/1972 047 4.6 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

Type 2 PAMS: 

VOCs 6/1/1996 128/126/102 4.0 Neighborhood 

Maximum 

Precursor 

Emissions Impact 

PAMS 

Every hour, 

Every 6 days

PM10

Continuous 4/1/1967 122 4.5 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

Essex, 

240053001 

PM2.5 Chemical 

Speciation 10/1/2000 810 5 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure STN Every 3 days

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SITE NAME, 

AQS ID PARAMETER START DATE 

METHOD 

CODE 

PROBE 

HEIGHT 

(M) 

REPRESENTATIVE

SCALE 

MONITORING 

OBJECTIVE TYPE SAMPLE SCHEDULE

PM2.5 1/1/1999 120 4.7 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every 3 days

Sulfur Dioxide 1/1/1972 060 5 Neighborhood Highest 

Concentration SLAMS Every hour 

Ozone 1/1/1992 047 4 Urban Regional 

Transport SLAMS Every hour 

PM2.5 1/1/1999 120 3.7 Regional Regional 

Background SLAMS Every 3 days Fairhill 

PM2.5

Continuous 6/28/2006 170 3.7 Regional Regional 

Background SLAMS Every hour 

PM10 total 0-10 

μm 

3/10/2004 131 13 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure Fire Dept 20, SLAMS Every 6 days

245100008 

PM2.5 6/20/2001 120 13 Middle Source Oriented SLAMS Every day 

Frederick 

Airport, 

240210037 

Ozone 7/9/1998 047 3.4 Urban Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

Frostburg 

Improve 

240239000 

IMPROVE 

Parameters 3/1/2004 NA 4 Regional Regional Transport Improve Every 3 days

Frostburg 

HazeCam Visibility 10/1/2005 - NA NA Public Notification - NA 

Furley, 

245100054 Ozone 8/20/2006 047 10 Neighborhood Population Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

PM10 4/11/90 122 2.7 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every 6 days Glen Burnie, 

240031003 

PM2.5 1/1/1999 118 2.2 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every day 

PM2.5

Continuous 5/1/2005 731 4 Urban Highest 

Concentration SPM Every hour 

Ozone 4/1/1999 047 3.6 Urban 

Population 

Exposure 

Highest 

Concentration 

SLAMS Every hour 

Hagerstown, 

240430009 

PM2.5 4/1/1999 120 2 Neighborhood Highest 

Concentration SLAMS Every 3 days

Air toxics 5/10//2006 150 4 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure Toxics Every 6 days

Nitric Oxide, 

Nitrogen 

Dioxide, and 

Reactive Oxides 

of Nitrogen 

5/28/2008 075 4 Urban General / 

Background NCore Every hour 

HU-Beltsville, 

2400330030 

Ozone 5/1/2005 047 4 Urban 

Highest 

Concentration 

Population 

Exposure 

NCore Every hour 

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SITE NAME, 

AQS ID PARAMETER START DATE 

METHOD 

CODE 

PROBE 

HEIGHT 

(M) 

REPRESENTATIVE

SCALE 

MONITORING 

OBJECTIVE TYPE SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Type 3 PAMS: 

VOCs 

5/10/2005 126 4 Urban Upwind 

Background 

Unofficial 

PAMS 

Every 6 days, 

every 3 hours

PM2.5 7/10/2004 118 2 Urban Population 

Exposure NCore Every 3 days

PM2.5

Continuous 9/1/2005 170 2 Urban Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

PM2.5

|Chemical 

Speciation 

12/5/2004 810 2 Urban Population 

Exposure NCore Every 6 days

PM2.5 

Elemental & 

Organic Carbon 

2005 NA 4 Urban General / 

Background NA Every 2 hours 

Sulfate (PM2.5) 8/29/2005 NA 4 Urban General / 

Background NCore Every hour 

Trace Carbon 

Monoxide 12/20/2006 554 4 Urban General / 

Background 

NCore Every hour 

Trace Sulfur 

Dioxide 9/29/2006 560 4 Urban General / 

Background 

NCore Every hour 

Ozone 6/19/1989 047 4 Urban Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every hour Millington, 

 240290002 PM2.5

Continuous 1/24/08 731 2 Neighborhood Forecasting SPM Every hour 

Air toxics 1/1/1992 150 4 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure Toxics Every 6 days NE Police, 

245100006 

PM2.5 1/1/1999 120 8.8 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every day 

NW Police, 

245100007 PM2.5 1/1/1999 120 9.7 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every 3 days

Air Toxics 1/1/1991 150 4 Middle Population 

Exposure Toxics Every 6 days

Carbon 

Monoxide 1/1/1982 054 4.2 Middle Highest Concentration SLAMS Every hour 

Light Scatter 9/2004 NA 4 NA NA NA Every hour 

Nitric Oxide, 

Nitrogen 

Dioxide, and 

Oxides of 

Nitrogen 

1/1/1982 074 4.2 Middle Highest 

Concentration SLAMS Every hour 

PM2.5

Continuous 4/1/2002 170 4.5 Middle Highest 

Concentration SLAMS Every hour 

Oldtown, 

245100040 

PM2.5 1/1/1999 120 4.9 Middle Highest 

Concentration SLAMS Every day 

Padonia, Ozone 1/1/1979 047 3.8 Neighborhood Population SLAMS Every hour 

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SITE NAME, 

AQS ID PARAMETER START DATE 

METHOD 

CODE 

PROBE 

HEIGHT 

(M) 

REPRESENTATIVE

SCALE 

MONITORING 

OBJECTIVE TYPE SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Exposure 

40051007 

PM2.5

1/1/1999 120 4.7 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure 

SLAMS Every hour 

Ozone 4/1/2002 047 4.4 Urban Population 

Exposure PG Equestrian SLAMS Every hour 

Center, 

240338003 PM2.5 5/1/2002 120 4.8 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every 3 days

Light Scatter 9/2004 NA 4 NA NA NA Every hour 

Nitric Oxide, 

Nitrogen 

Dioxide, and 

Reactive Oxides 

of Nitrogen 

5/1/2004 075 4 Regional Regional 

Transport NCore Every hour 

Trace Carbon 

Monoxide 6/1/2004 554 4 Regional Regional Transport NCore Every hour 

Ozone 4/1/2004 047 4 Regional Regional 

transport NCore Every hour 

PM2.5

Continuous 7/1/2004 731 4 Regional Regional transport NCore Every hour 

PM2.5 

Chemical 

Speciation 

(IMPROVE) 

2005 NA 4 Regional Regional 

Transport Improve Every 3 days

PM2.5 

Elemental & 

Organic Carbon 

7/2004 NA 4 Regional Regional 

Transport NA Every 2 hours

Trace SO2 1/1/2007 560 4 Regional Regional 

Transport NCore Every hour 

Piney Run, 

240230002 

Sulfate (PM2.5) 7/1/2004 NA 4 Regional Regional 

Transport NCore Every hour 

Ozone 1/1/1980 047 4 Urban Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

PM2.5 

Continuous 8/22/08 170 4 Neighborhood Population Exposure SLAMS Every hour Rockville, 

 240313001 

PM2.5 1/1/1999 4.9 Neighborhood Population 

Exposure SLAMS Every 3 days

South Carroll, 

240130001 Ozone 7/14/1983 047 4 Urban Population Exposure SLAMS Every hour 

Southern 

Maryland, 

240170010 

Ozone 10/2/1984 047 4 Regional General / 

Background SLAMS Every hour 

Note: Based on the air monitoring regulations CFR 40 part 58 7.30 (a) (1), data collected by the PM2.5 monitor 

located at Oldtown is representative at the middle scale and will not be compared to the annual PM2.5 NAAQS of 15 

g/m3

. Ambient air monitoring sites operate year-round except ozone where noted; Ozone final monitoring rule to 

be announced by August 2010 would change the season to March through October. 

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Table 3-2b Parameter counts by site (cross-reference to Table 3-2a) 

Parameter 

Site Name 

Air ToxicsCO Light scatter NO NO2

NOX

NOYO3

PAMS VOC's PM2.5

PM 2.5 Elemental & 

Organic Carbon 

PM2.5 (continuous) 

PM10

PM10 (continuous) 

Speciated PM2.5

SO2

Sulfate (PM2.5) Trace CO Trace SO2

TOTALS 

Aldino 1 1 1 1 4

Bladensburg 1 1

Calvert Co. 1 1

Davidsonville 1 1

Edgewood 1 1 2

Essex 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11

Fairhill 1 1 1 3

Frederick 

Airport 

 1 1

Fire Dept 20 1 1 2

Furley 1 1

Glen Burnie 1 2 1 4

Hagerstown 1 1 1 3

HU-Beltsville 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 16

Millington 1 1 2

NE Police 1 1 2

NW Police 1 1

Oldtown 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9

Padonia 1 2 3

PG Equestrian 

Center 

 1 2 3

Piney Run 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11

Rockville 1 1 1 2

South Carroll 1 1

Southern 

Maryland 

 1 1

TOTALS 4 4 2 5 5 3 3 17 2 16 3 7 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 86

Note the above table does not include RAIN, Visibility, or IMPROVE monitors; see Table 3-2a and Section 4 for 

details about those monitors. 

Table 3-3. Monitoring methods and associated AQS codes used in the Maryland ambient air 

monitoring network. 

PARAMETER METHOD

CODE SAMPLE ANALYSIS DESCRIPTION 

Air Toxics* 113 Capillary GC ITD Mass Spectrometer 

Carbon Monoxide 054 Nondispersive Infrared Photometry 

Carbon Monoxide, Trace 554 Nondispersive Infrared Photometry 

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PARAMETER METHOD

CODE SAMPLE ANALYSIS DESCRIPTION 

Light Scatter NA Open-Air Integrating Nephelometer 

Nitric Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide 074 Chemiluminescence 

Nitric Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and 

Reactive Oxides Of Nitrogen 075 TECO 42S Chemiluminescence for Low Level Measurements 

Oxides Of Nitrogen 074 Chemiluminescence 

PAMS VOCs* 128 Gas Chromatograph with Flame; GC FID 

PAMS VOCs* 126 Cryogenic Pre-concentration Trap GC/FID 

Ozone 047,091 Ultra Violet Photometry 

PM10 Total 0-10 μm 132 Gravimetric, Andersen RAAS 10-300 

PM10 Continuous 731 Beta Attenuation 

PM2.5 120 Gravimetric, Andersen RAAS 2.5-300 

PM2.5 118 Gravimetric, Partisol Plus 2025 

PM2.5 Species* Constituents: Trace 

Elements 811 Energy Dispersive XRF using Teflon Filter 

PM2.5 Species* Constituents: Ions 812 Ion Chromatography using Nylon Filter 

PM2.5 Species* Constituents: 

Organics 813 Using Quartz Filter - Thermo-Optical Transmittance 

PM2.5 Continuous 731 Beta Attenuation 

PM2.5 Speciation Mass 810 Gravimetric, Met One SASS using Teflon 

PM2.5- Elemental and Organic Carbon NA OCEC, Self-contained Non-dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Detector 

System. 

IMPROVE Parameters* NA 4 Module, Improve Protocol analysis 

Sulfur Dioxide 060 Pulsed Fluorescence 

Sulfur Dioxide, trace 560 Pulsed Fluorescence 

Sulfate-PM2.5 NA Pulsed Fluorescent with High Efficiency SO4 to SO2 Converter 

Visibility NA Camera 

*See Table 3-4 for constituents belonging to these groups

Table 3-4 Constituent compounds and species measured in Maryland. 

CONSTITUENT 

GROUP

COMPOUNDS IN THE CONSTITUENT GROUP

Air Toxics 

Dichlorodifluoromethane, Chloromethane, 1,2-Dichloro-1,1,2,2,tetrafluoroleth, Chloroethene, 

1,3-Butadiene, Bromomethane, Chloroethane, Trichlorofluoromethane, Acrolein, Acetone, 

1,1-Dichloroethene, Methylene Chloride, Carbon disulfide, Isopropyl Alcohol, 

1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, Trans-1,2-Dichloroethene, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 

2-methoxy-2-methyl-Propane, Methyl ethyl Ketone (2-butanone), Cis-1,2-Dichloroethene, Hexane, 

Chloroform, Ethyl Acetate, Tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 

1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Benzene, Carbon tetrachloride, Cyclohexane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 

Bromodichloromethane, Trichloroethylene, Heptane, Cis-1,3-Dichloro-1-Propene, 

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, Trans-1,3-Dichloro-1-Propene, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Toluene, 

Dibrochloromethane, Methyl butyl Ketone, (2-Hexanone), 1,2-Dibromoethane, Tetrachloroethylene, 

Chlorobenzene, Ethyl benzene, m & p- Xylene, Bromoform (Tribromomethane), Styrene, 1,1,2,2-

Tetrachloroethane, o-Xylene, 1-Ethyl-4-Methylbenzene, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2,4-

Trimethylbenzene, Benzyl Chloride, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 

1,4-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, and Hexachloro-1,3-Butadiene 

IMPROVE Aerosol light extinction, Aerosol light scattering, Air temperature, Aluminum, Ammonium ion, 

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CONSTITUENT 

GROUP

COMPOUNDS IN THE CONSTITUENT GROUP

Parameters Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium sulfate, Arsenic, Bromine, Calcium, Chloride, Chlorine 

Chromium, Copper, Elemental carbon, Humidity, Hydrogen, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, 

Molybdenum, Nickel, Nitrate, Nitrite, Organic carbon, Phosphorus, PM10, PM2.5, Potassium, Relative 

Humidity, Rubidium, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Strontium, Sulfate, Sulfur Dioxide, Sulfur, Titanium, 

Vanadium, Zinc, and Zirconium 

PAMS VOCs 

Acetone, Ethane, Acetylene, Propane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, Benzene, i-Butane, n-Butane, 

i-Pentane, n-Pentane, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, i-Propylbenzene, n-hexane, 

2-methylpentane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, Cyclopentane, Ethylbenzene, n-Propylbenzene, 

3-methylpentane, Toluene, Styrene, n-Heptane, 2-methylhexane, 2,4-dimethylpentane, 2,3,4-

trimethylpentane, o-Xylene, 3-methylhexane, 2,3-dimethylpentane, Formaldehyde, 

n-Octane, 2-methylheptane, Cyclohexane, 3-methylheptane, n-Nonane, m&p-Xylenes, 

Methylcyclohexane, Methylcyclopentane, n-Decane, n-Undecane, Acetaldehyde, 

1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 1-Butene, Propene, 

1-Pentene, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 2-methyl-1-pentene, 2-methyl-2-butene, c-2-hexene, 

c-2-pentene, c-2-Butene, Cyclopentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, t-2-hexene, t-2-Butene, 

t-2-pentene, Isoprene 

RAIN Sulfate, EC/OC, light scattering, trace SO2 , trace CO, ozone, continuous PM2.5, surface meteorology, 

visual scene images - Haze Cam, IMPROVE parameters 

Speciated 

PM2.5 Mass 

Aluminum, Ammonium, antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Bromine, Cadmium, Calcium, 

Carbonate carbon, Cerium, Cesium, Chlorine, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Elemental carbon, Europium, 

Gallium, Gold, Hafnium, Indium, Iridium, Iron, Lanthanum, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, 

Molybdenum, Nickel, Niobium, Nitrate, OCX, OCX2, Organic carbon, Phosphorus, Pk1_OC, Pk2_OC, 

Pk3_OC, Pk4_OC, Potassium, PyrolC, Rubidium, Samarium, Scandium, Selenium, Silicon, Silver, 

Sodium, Strontium, Sulfate, Sulfur, Tantalum, Terbium, Tin, Titanium, Total carbon, Vanadium, 

Wolfram, Yttrium, Zinc, and Zirconium 

4. SPECIFIC POLLUTANT NETWORK DESCRIPTIONS AND 

REQUIREMENTS 

4.1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) – General Description and Sampling Method 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is measured by infrared absorption photometry. Air is drawn 

continuously through a sample cell where infrared light passes through it. Carbon monoxide 

molecules in the air absorb part of the infrared light, reducing the intensity of the light reaching a 

light sensor. The light is converted into an electrical signal related to the concentration of carbon 

monoxide in the sample cell. 

4.1.1 Monitoring Requirements 

There is no minimum requirement for the number of CO monitoring sites. Operation of 

the existing CO sites in Maryland is required until MDE requests discontinuation of a site in the 

Annual Network Plan and the EPA Regional Administrator approves the request. Where CO 

monitoring is ongoing, at least one site must be a maximum concentration site for that area under 

investigation. 

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4.1.2 Sources 

Carbon monoxide is formed when carbon in fuel is not completely burned. The EPA 

estimates that approximately 60% of all CO emissions are from motor vehicle exhaust. Other 

sources include incinerators, wood stoves, furnaces, and some industrial processes. 

Concentrations are highest along heavily traveled highways, and decrease significantly the 

further away the monitor is from traffic. Therefore, CO monitors are usually located close to 

roadways or in urban areas. 

4.1.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011

No changes planned. 

4.2 Lead (Pb) – General Description 

On October 15, 2008 EPA substantially strengthened the national ambient air quality 

standards (NAAQS) for lead (see 73 FR 66934). EPA revised the level of the primary (healthbased) standard from 1.5 μg/m3 to 0.15 μg/m3

, measured as total suspended particles (TSP) and 

revised the secondary (welfare-based) standard to be identical in all respects to the primary 

standard. 

4.2.1 Monitoring Requirements 

In conjunction with strengthening the lead NAAQS, EPA identified the need for states to 

improve existing lead monitoring networks by requiring monitors be placed in areas with sources 

that emit one ton or more per year (tpy) of lead by January 1, 2010. MDE, in conjunction with 

EPA Region III, has reviewed the 2007 lead emissions inventory and found no lead sources with 

emissions of 1 tpy or greater: hence, no source oriented lead monitors are proposed. However, 

EPA is proposing to change the lead emissions monitoring threshold from 1 tpy to 0.50 tpy, and 

proposing to require lead monitoring at all NCore sites. 

4.2.2 Sources 

Lead (Pb) is a metal found naturally in the environment as well as in manufactured 

products. The major sources of lead emissions have historically been motor vehicles (such as 

cars and trucks) and industrial sources. As a result of EPA's regulatory efforts to remove lead 

from gasoline, emissions of lead from the transportation sector dramatically declined by 95 

percent between 1980 and 1999, and levels of lead in the air decreased by 94 percent between 

1980 and 1999. Today, the highest levels of lead in air are usually found near lead smelters. 

Other stationary sources are waste incinerators, utilities, lead-acid battery manufacturers and 

general aviation airports. Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past 

use of leaded gas in cars. 

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4.2.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

To satisfy EPA’s proposed requirements of lead monitoring at NCore sites, MDE will 

deploy lead monitors at the two Maryland NCore sites. In addition, MDE will address the lead 

sites with emissions of >0.50 tpy in our 2012 Annual Network Review.

4.3 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) – General Description and Sampling Method 

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is measured indirectly. First, nitrogen oxide (NO) is measured 

using the chemiluminescence reaction of nitric oxide (NO) with ozone (O3). Air is drawn into a 

reaction chamber where it is mixed with a high concentration of ozone from an internal ozone 

generator. Any NO in the air reacts with the ozone to produce NO2. Light emitted from this 

reaction is detected with a photomultiplier tube and converted to an electrical signal proportional 

to the NO concentration. Next, total nitrogen oxides (NOx) are measured by passing the air 

through a converter where any NO2 in the air is reduced to NO before the air is passed to the 

reaction chamber. By alternately passing the air directly to the reaction chamber, and through 

the converter before the reaction chamber, the analyzer alternately measures NO and NOx. The 

NO2 concentration is equal to the difference between NOx and NO. 

4.3.1 Monitoring Requirements 

There is no minimum requirement for the number of NO2 monitoring sites. Operation of 

the existing NO2 sites in Maryland is required until MDE requests discontinuation of a site in the 

Annual Network Plan and the EPA Regional Administrator approves the request. At least one 

NO2 monitor must be located to measure regional maximum concentration within the geographic 

area that it represents. 

4.3.2 Sources 

Oxides of nitrogen are produced during high-temperature burning of fuels. Sources of 

NOx include motor vehicles and stationary sources that burn fossil fuels such as power plants 

and industrial boilers. 

4.3.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

No changes planned. 

4.4 Ozone (O3) – General Description and Sampling Method 

Ozone (O3) is measured by ultraviolet absorption photometry. Air is drawn continuously 

through a sample cell where ultraviolet light passes through it. O3 molecules in the air absorb 

part of the ultraviolet light, reducing the intensity of the light reaching a light sensor. The light is 

converted into an electrical signal related to the concentration of O3 in the sample cell. 

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4.4.1 Monitoring Requirements 

 Within an O3 network, at least one O3 site for each MSA, or CSA if multiple MSAs are 

involved, must be designed to record the maximum concentration for that particular metropolitan 

area. More than one maximum concentration site may be necessary in some areas. The 

appropriate spatial scales for O3 sites are neighborhood, urban, and regional. Since O3 requires 

appreciable formation time, the mixing of reactants and products occurs over large volumes of 

air, and this reduces the importance of monitoring small-scale spatial variability. The appropriate 

spatial scales for O3 sites are neighborhood, urban, and regional. 

The prospective maximum concentration monitor site should be selected in a direction 

from the city that is most likely to observe the highest O3 concentrations, more specifically, 

downwind during periods of photochemical activity. Since O3 levels decrease significantly in 

the colder parts of the year in many areas, O3 is required to be monitored only during the “ozone 

season” as designated in the 40 CFR Part 58 Appendix D, which in Maryland is April 1 through 

October 31. 

4.4.2 Sources 

Ozone is not emitted directly from a pollution source but is formed in the lower 

atmosphere by the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 

the presence of sunlight and warm temperatures. Sources of nitrogen oxides include 

automobiles, power plants and other combustion activities. VOCs can come from automobiles, 

gasoline vapors, and a variety of large and small commercial and industrial sources that use 

chemical solvents, paint thinners, and other chemical compounds. NOx and VOC’s or 

“precursors of ozone” can travel for many miles before chemical reactions in the atmosphere 

form O3. 

4.4.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

 MDE is in the process of relocating the South Carroll ozone monitor to a site very close 

to the original site that better reflects 40CFR sitting criteria. Also, MDE plans to install a new 

monitoring site at University of Maryland Center for Environmental and Estuarine Studies near 

Cambridge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in late 2010 or early 2011 pending availability of 

resources. 

MDE is proposing to change the representative scale for Fairhill from regional to urban. 

In addition, MDE is proposing to change the monitoring objectives of the following: Fairhill 

from background to regional transport, South Carroll from highest concentration to population 

exposure, HU-Beltsville will add population exposure to its list of monitoring objectives, and 

Hagerstown will add highest concentration to its list of monitoring objectives; as discussed in the 

5-year Network Assessment. These changes will be made effective immediately following 

approval by the EPA Regional Administrator. 

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4.5 PM10 – General Description and Sampling Method 

 MDE uses both manual gravimetric and automated monitors to measure PM10 mass 

concentrations in the Maryland network. The PM10 Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM) 

automatically measures and records dust concentrations with built-in data logging. It uses the 

principal of beta ray attenuation to provide a simple determination of mass concentration. An 

external pump pulls a measured amount of air through a filter tape for a one hour period. The 

filter tape, impregnated with ambient dust, is placed between the source and the detector thereby 

causing the attenuation of the measured beta-particle signal. The degree of attenuation of the 

beta-particle signal is used to determine the mass concentration of particulate matter on the filter 

tape and hence the hourly volumetric concentration of particulate matter in the ambient air. 

Gravimetric samplers draw air through a specially designed inlet that excludes particles 

larger than 10 microns in diameter for a period of 24 hours. The particles are collected on a 

Teflon filter that is weighed to determine the particulate mass. These samplers report the air 

volume measured during the sampling period allowing the concentration (mass/volume) to be 

calculated. 

4.5.1 Monitoring Requirements 

Maryland must operate the minimum of two PM10 SLAMS monitoring sites as listed in 

40 CFR Part 58 Appendix D Table D-4. 

4.5.2 Sources 

Major sources of PM10 include steel mills, power plants, motor vehicles, industrial plants, 

unpaved roads, and agricultural tilling. The wide variety of PM10 sources means that the 

chemical and physical composition of coarse particles is highly variable. 

4.5.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

MDE is proposing to shut down the continuous PM10 monitor at Essex, as discussed in 

the 5-year Network Assessment. This change will be made effective immediately following 

approval by the EPA Regional Administrator. 

4.6 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) – General Description and Sampling Method 

MDE also uses both manual gravimetric and automated monitors, BAM’s, to measure 

PM2.5 mass concentrations in Maryland. A filter attached to the inlets of these monitors excludes 

particles having diameters greater than 2.5 microns. Otherwise, the monitors work as described 

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for PM10 gravimetric and automated monitoring, section 4.5. Some of the gravimetric monitors 

are specially equipped to collect PM2.5 samples which are later analyzed into concentrations of

the samples’ chemical constituents or species, see Table 3-4 for list of speciated PM2.5 mass. 

MDE uses MetOne SuperSAAS samplers and IMPROVE samplers for the collection of 

samples for the chemical speciation of PM2.5. The samplers collect 3 to 4 filter samples 

simultaneously every third or sixth day for a period of 24 hours. These samples are then sent to 

an EPA contract laboratory for chemical analyses. There are over 50 species consisting of ions, 

metals and carbon species quantified by the analyses (see Table 3-4). 

4.6.1 Monitoring Requirements 

Maryland must operate at least the minimum number of required PM2.5 sites listed in 40 

CFR Part 58 Appendix D Table D-5. These required monitoring stations or sites must be located 

to represent community-wide air quality. In addition, the following specific criteria also apply: 

 At least one monitoring station is to be sited in a population-oriented area of expected 

maximum concentration. 

 For areas with more than one required station, a monitoring station is to be located in 

an area of poor air quality. 

 Each state shall install and operate at least one PM2.5 site to monitor for regional 

background and at least one PM2.5 site to monitor regional transport. 

Maryland is also required to operate continuous fine particulate analyzers at three 

monitoring sites, and one of those sites must be collocated for quality assurance purposes. 

In addition, chemical speciation is encouraged at sites where the chemically resolved data 

would be useful in developing the State Implementation Plan (SIP) and supporting health effects 

related studies. 

Please note that data collected by the PM2.5 monitors located at Oldtown and Fire Dept 

20 is representative of the middle scale and will not be compared to the annual PM2.5 NAAQS of 

15 g/m3

. 

EPA is in the process of reviewing and updating the PM NAAQS. The proposed rule is 

planned for November 2010. The program will address PM when the NAAQS and monitoring 

requirements are updated in the 2012 Annual Network Plan. 

4.6.2 Sources 

PM2.5 pollution is emitted from combustion activities (such as industrial and residential 

fuel burning and motor vehicles). PM2.5 can also form in the atmosphere from precursor 

compounds through various physical and chemical processes. 

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4.6.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

 MDE’s existing Andersen RAAS FRM samplers are no longer manufactured or 

supported by their vendor. MDE has been phasing out the Andersen samplers and 

replacing them with new ThermoFisher 2025 FRM’s as resources allow. Eleven of 

the 2025’s have been deployed to existing sites and will be running during 2010-

2011. 

 MDE has been testing the newly designated FEM (March 8, 2008, Federal Register, 

pp. 13224-13225) MetOne BAM–1020, continuous, PM2.5 monitors, collocated with 

PM2.5 FRM’s, at the following locations: Oldtown, Fairhill, Rockville and HUBeltsville. These monitors have been designated as Special Purpose Monitors (SPM) 

which allows MDE time to evaluate their performance with respect to the Class III 

criteria (40CFR, Part 53). Prior to the expiration of SPM status in August 2010, the 

continuous SPM’s will be redesignated to FEM’s and their status will be changed to 

SLAMS making the data captured eligible for comparison to the PM2.5, NAAQS. The 

FRM monitors collocated with them will be removed at Fairhill, Rockville and HUBeltsville. The Oldtown FRM will continue to be collocated with a continuous FEM. 

 MDE is proposing to change representative scale for Fire Dept. 20 from 

neighborhood to middle scale. In addition, MDE is proposing to change the 

monitoring objectives of the following: Oldtown from population exposure to highest 

concentration PM2.5 site for the Baltimore, MD MSA, Hagerstown from population 

exposure to highest concentration PM2.5 site for the Hagerstown, MD-Martinsburg, 

WV MSA, Piney Run will be a regional transport site once an FRM/FEM is deployed 

there, and Fire Dept. 20 from a population exposure to source oriented; as discussed 

in the 5-year Network Assessment. These changes will be made effective 

immediately following approval by the EPA Regional Administrator. 

4.7 Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) – General Description and Sampling Method 

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is measured with a fluorescence analyzer. Air is drawn through a 

sample cell where it is subjected to high intensity ultraviolet light. This causes the sulfur dioxide 

molecules in the air to fluoresce and release light. The fluorescence is detected with a photo 

multiplier tube and converted to an electrical signal proportional to the SO2 concentration. 

4.7.1 Monitoring Requirements 

There are no minimum requirements for the number of SO2 monitoring sites. Operation 

of the existing SO2 sites in Maryland is required until MDE requests discontinuation and the 

EPA Regional Administrator approves the request. The EPA Regional Administration has not 

approved SO2 monitoring for discontinuation; hence, the Program must operate at least one SO2

monitor located to measure regional maximum concentration within the geographic area that it 

represents. 

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4.7.2 Sources 

The main sources of SO2 are combustion of coal and oil (mostly from electrical 

generating units (EGUs), refineries, smelters, and industrial boilers). Nationally, two-thirds of 

all sulfur dioxide emissions are from EGUs. Coal operated EGUs account for 95% of these 

emissions. 

4.7.3 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

MDE is proposing to change the monitoring objective of Essex from population exposure 

to highest concentration, as discussed in the 5-year Network Assessment. This change will be 

made effective immediately following approval by the EPA Regional Administrator. 

4.8 PAMS (Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations) – General Description and 

Sampling Method 

The purpose of the PAMS program is to provide an air quality database that will assist in 

evaluating and modifying control strategies for attaining the ozone NAAQS. The selection of 

parameters to be measured at a PAMS site varies with the sites ozone nonattainment designation 

(moderate, serious, severe or extreme) and whether the site is upwind or downwind of ozone 

precursor source areas. The parameters are O3, NO, NOx, NO2, NOy and speciated volatile 

organic compounds (VOCs). 

Methods used to sample and analyze VOCs and NOy follows (NO/NOx and O3 have 

already been described in Sections 4.3 and 4.4, respectively): 

 Ambient air is collected in eight 3-hour canister samples every 3rd (June – 

August) day using a XonTech Model 910A Canister Sampler with a Model 912 multicanister sampling adapter. The canisters are returned to the laboratory for analysis on an 

EnTech/Agilent GC/FID system. 

 Ambient air is collected in 24-hour canister samples every sixth day using a 

XonTech Model 910A Canister Sampler. The canisters are returned to the laboratory for 

analysis on an EnTech/Agilent GC/FID system. These are the same canister samples 

listed section 4.8 below but analyzed for the PAMS list of compounds. 

 Ambient air is collected and analyzed on-site every hour (June – August) using a 

Perkin Elmer VOC Air Analyzer with dual flame ionization detectors. 

 Ambient air is sampled hourly for NOy using a TECO, Model 42C low level 

oxides of nitrogen analyzer. 

4.8.1 Monitoring Requirements 

Maryland must operate at least the minimum PAMS monitoring network listed in 40 CFR 

Part 58 Appendix D Table D-6. PAMS sites sample during the months of June, July, and August. 

The following specific criteria apply: 

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 At least one site is established to monitor the magnitude and type of precursor 

emissions in the area where maximum precursor emissions are expected. 

 At least one site is established to characterize upwind background and transport 

O3 and its precursor concentrations entering the area. 

 At least one NOy site per area is established to monitor maximum O3 

concentrations occurring downwind from the area of maximum precursor emissions. 

4.8.2 Monitoring Locations 

There are three monitors that are part of the PAMS network. The Type 1 is located at 

HU-Beltsville, Prince George’s County; the Type 2 is located at Essex, Baltimore County; and 

the Type 3 is located at Aldino, Harford County. Refer back to Table 3-2 for parameter 

information and monitoring objective at each monitoring site. For a map of monitoring locations 

in Maryland refer to Figure 3-1. 

4.8.3 Sources 

PAMS VOC’s can come from automobiles, gasoline vapors, and a vast variety of large 

and small commercial, and industrial sources that use chemical solvents, paint thinners and other 

chemical compounds. 

4.8.4 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

On Oct. 17, 2006, EPA finalized revisions to the PAMS monitoring rule that reduced 

some of the minimum requirements including NOy. NOy monitoring is now only required at one 

site per PAMS area, either a Type 1 or Type 3. Historical data completeness for NOy at Aldino 

during the ozone season has been poor due to a combination of instrument operational problems 

and resource limitations during the ozone season. Since this measurement is no longer required, 

MDE is recommending discontinuing NOy at Aldino, as discussed in the 5-year Network 

Assessment. In addition, MDE is proposing to change the VOCs monitoring objective of HUBeltsville from population exposure to upwind background, as discussed in the 5-year Network 

Assessment. Both changes will be made effective immediately following approval by the EPA 

Regional Administrator. 

4.9 Air Toxics – General Description and Sampling Method 

Air toxics, or hazardous air pollutants (HAPS), are those pollutants which are known or 

suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive or birth defects, or 

adverse environmental effects. MDE’s air toxics network measures the toxic VOCs listed in 

Table 3-4. Air toxics samples are collected for 24 hours in canisters with a XonTech model 

910A canister sampler on an every sixth day schedule. The canisters are returned to the 

laboratory for analysis on an Entech/Agilent gas chromatograph mass spectrometer system. 

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4.9.1 Monitoring Requirements 

As part of the EPA Region III Cooperative Toxic Monitoring Program, Maryland 

operates four air toxic monitoring stations to assess general urban levels. Toxics are sampled 

every sixth day year-round. 

4.9.2 Monitoring Locations 

There are four monitors measuring air toxics in Maryland: Essex, Baltimore County, NE 

Police and Oldtown, Baltimore City, and HU-Beltsville, Prince George’s County. Refer back to 

Table 3-2 for parameter information and monitoring objective at each monitoring site. For a map 

of monitoring locations in Maryland refer to Figure 3-1. 

4.9.3 Sources 

Toxics can come from automobiles, gasoline vapors, and a large variety of large and 

small commercial and industrial sources that use chemical solvents, paint thinners and other 

chemical compounds. 

4.9.4 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

No changes planned. 

4.10 NCore – General Description and Sampling Method 

On October 30, 2009 EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) 

formally approved MDE’s request that both the HU-Beltsville and Piney Run monitoring stations 

to be designated NCore sites. 

NCore, or National Core multi-pollutant monitoring stations, is a new National 

monitoring network required in the October 17, 2006 revisions to the Air Monitoring 

Regulations (40CFR, Part 58). NCore sites are required to measure, at a minimum, PM2.5 

particle mass using continuous and integrated/filter-based samplers, speciated PM2.5, PM10-2.5

particle mass, speciated PM10-2.5, O3, SO2, CO, NO/NOy, wind speed, wind direction, relative 

humidity, and ambient temperature. 

Sampling methods for PM2.5, speciated PM2.5, O3, SO2, NO/ NOy are described under 

the individual pollutant sections throughout this document. Trace level measurement of CO and 

SO2 is performed at NCore sites. PM10-2.5, or PMCoarse is determined by the difference between 

collocated PM10 and PM2.5 FRM samplers. There is no generally accepted method to perform 

PM10-2.5 chemical speciation at this time. 

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The meteorological parameters are measured as follows as follows: 

 The Vaisala WXT520 PTU module contains separate sensors for pressure, temperature 

and humidity measurement. The measurement principle of the pressure, temperature and 

humidity sensors is based on an advanced RC oscillator and two reference capacitors 

against which the capacitance of the sensors is continuously measured. The 

microprocessor of the transmitter performs compensation for the temperature dependency 

of the pressure and humidity sensors. 

 The Vaisala WXT520 uses RAINCAP Sensor 2- technology in precipitation 

measurement. The precipitation sensor comprises of a steel cover and a piezoelectrical 

sensor mounted on the bottom surface of the cover. The precipitation sensor detects the 

impact of individual raindrops. Hence, the signal of each drop can be converted directly 

to accumulated rainfall. An advanced noise filtering technique is used to filter out signals 

originating from other sources and not raindrops. 

 The Vaisala WXT520 uses WINDCAP sensor technology in wind measurement. The 

wind sensor has an array of three equally spaced ultrasonic transducers on a horizontal 

plane. Wind speed and wind directions are determined by measuring the time it takes the 

ultrasound to travel from each transducer to the other two. The wind sensor measures the 

transit time (in both directions) along the three paths established by the array of 

transducers. This transit time depends on the wind speed along the ultrasonic path. For 

zero wind speed, both the forward and reverse transit times are the same. With wind 

along the sound path, the up-wind direction transit time increases and the down-wind 

transit time decreases. 

MDE operates other meteorological parameters not required by the NCore network, and 

they are measured as follows: 

 MetOne’s Model 092 instrument is used to measure barometric pressure. The instrument 

directly senses the weight of the air column or the atmospheric pressure. 

 The Climatronics’s P/N 102342 Pyranometer is used to measure solar radiation. The 

detector element is a circular wirebound multi-junction thermopile. This thermopile 

sensor absorbs solar radiation and converts it to heat. The heat flows through the sensor 

to the pyranometer housing and generates a voltages output signal that is proportional to 

the solar radiation. 

4.10.1 Monitoring Requirements 

Each State is required to operate one NCore site that must be physically established by 

 January 1, 2011. Urban NCore stations are to be located at the urban or neighborhood scale to 

 provide representative concentrations of exposure expected throughout the metropolitan area. 

 Rural NCore stations are to be located to the maximum extent practicable at a regional or larger 

 scale away from any large local emission source so that they represent ambient concentrations 

 over an extensive area. 

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4.10.2 Monitoring Locations 

MDE has been operating pilot NCore sites at HU-Beltsville since 2005 and Piney Run since 

2004. The Beltsville site is considered an Urban NCore site and Piney Run, a Rural NCore site. 

Refer to Table 3-2 for parameter information and monitoring objective at each site. For a map of 

monitoring locations in Maryland, refer to Figure 3-1. 

4.10.3 Sources 

Sources have already been addressed under the individual pollutant sections throughout 

this document. 

4.10.4 Changes Planned for 2010-2011 

MDE will begin PMCoarse monitoring by January 1, 2011 at both Piney Run and 

Beltsville. For Piney Run, FRM or FEM PM-2.5 and PM-10 monitors will have to be installed. 

At Beltsville, only a low volume PM-10 FEM is needed. These changes will be made pending 

availability of adequate resources. 

In addition, the sampling frequency for the CSN monitor at Beltsville will be changed 

from a 1-in 6 to 1-in-3 day sampling schedule by Jan. 1, 2011, pending availability of adequate 

resources. 

4.11 The Rural Aerosol Intensive Network – General Description 

The Rural Aerosol Intensive Network (RAIN) is a small network of three monitoring 

sites coordinated by NESCAUM that supports the regional haze rule by determining relative 

contributions of source regions to visibility. RAIN monitors accomplish this by providing 

detailed characterization of transported pollution with both a visibility1 and fine particle focus. 

MDE participates in this network. 

4.11.1 Monitoring Requirements 

See table 3-4 for a list of RAIN parameters. 

4.11.2 Monitoring Locations 

 

1

 MDE operates other sites having monitors that measure visibility, sulfate, OC/EC and light scatter, see Tables 3-1 

and 3-2a for details. 

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Frostburg – (Piney Run), Maryland, Mohawk Mt., Connecticut, and Acadia NP, Maine 

4.11.3 Sources 

Airborne fine particles consisting of sulfate, nitrate, and organic-carbon impair visibility. 

Sulfate forms from sulfur dioxide released by fuel burning sources such as power plants. Nitrate 

sources include highway vehicles and off-road, construction equipment. Organic-carbon sources 

also include on and off-road vehicles and also wildfires. Some of these pollutants are released 

locally, but some are transported hundreds of miles into the region. 

4.11.4 Changes Planned for 2010 – 2011 

See Section 4.10.4 for changes planned for the Piney Run site. 

APPENDIX A– TOPOGRAPHIC AND AERIAL MAPS 

This section contains topographic and aerial maps for air monitoring stations in 

Maryland. Detailed information regarding each monitoring station (e.g. coordinates, parameters, 

method codes, etc.) can be found in Table 3-2a, Table 3-2b, Table 3-3, and Table 3-4. 

Figure A 1. Topographic map of air monitoring sites in Baltimore, MD. 

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Figure A 2. Topographic map of air monitoring sites in Southern Maryland counties. 

Figure A 3. Topographic map of air monitoring sites in Western Maryland counties. 

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Figure A 4. Topographic map of air monitoring sites in Carroll and Frederick counties. 

Figure A 5. Topographic map of air monitoring sites to the north of Washington, DC. 

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Figure A 6. Topographic map of air monitoring sites located in Northeastern counties and the Eastern 

Shore. 

Figure A 7. Aerial map of Aldino air monitoring site in Harford County, MD. 

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Figure A 8 Aerial map of Haze Cam site at Brandon Shores 

Figure A 9. Aerial map of Bladensburg VFD air monitoring site in Prince George’s County, MD. 

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Figure A 10. Aerial map of Calvert Co air monitoring site in Calvert County, MD 

Figure A 11. Aerial map of Calvert Co air monitoring site in Calvert County, MD 

 

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Figure A 12. Aerial map of Edgewood air monitoring site in Harford County, MD. 

 

Figure A 13. Aerial Map of the Essex air monitoring site in Baltimore County, MD 

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Figure A 14. Aerial map of Fairhill air monitoring site in Cecil County, MD. 

Figure A 15. Aerial map of Frederick Airport air monitoring site in Frederick County, MD. 

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Figure A 16. Aerial map of Furley air monitoring site in Baltimore City, MD. 

Figure A 17 Aerial map of Frostburg Haze Cam site 

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Figure A 18. Aerial map of Glen Burnie air monitoring site in Anne Arundel County, MD. 

Figure A 19. Aerial map of Hagerstown air monitoring site in Washington County, MD. 

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Figure A 20. Aerial map of HU-Beltsville air monitoring site in Prince George’s County, MD. 

Figure A 21. Aerial map of Millington air monitoring site in Kent County, MD. 

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Figure A 22. Aerial map of NE Police air monitoring site in Baltimore City, MD. 

Figure A 23. Aerial map of NW Police air monitoring site in Baltimore City, MD. 

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Figure A 24. Aerial map of Oldtown air monitoring site in Baltimore City, MD. 

Figure A 25. Aerial map of Padonia air monitoring site in Baltimore County, MD. 

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Figure A 26 Aerial map of PG Equestrian Center air monitoring site in Prince George’s County, MD. 

Figure A 27. Aerial map of Piney Run air monitoring site in Garrett County, MD. 

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Figure A 28. Aerial map of Rockville air monitoring site in Montgomery County, MD. 

Figure A 29. Aerial map of Fire Dept. 20 air monitoring site in Baltimore City, MD. 

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Figure A 30. Aerial map of South Carroll air monitoring site in Carroll County, MD. 

Figure A 31. Aerial map of Southern Maryland air monitoring site in Charles County, MD. 

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