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DC takes hyperlocal approach to tracking air quality

The DOEE and Aclima just launched a historic air quality monitoring pilot program. Here's how it works.

WASHINGTON — D.C. leaders have partnered with a climate tech leader to launch a new air quality monitoring pilot program in three neighborhoods. The pilot program launched in the communities of Ivy City/Brentwood, Buzzard Point, and Mayfair at the Kingman+Heritage Islands in Ward 7.

The program uses special mobile air quality monitoring vehicles from Aclima. The effort to map hyperlocal air pollution and greenhouse gases at the community level, down to the block level, will provide valuable insight into the differences in air quality and emissions for specific communities in the District.

“Clean air is a right for everyone, and the Bowser administration recognizes the need to relieve communities overburdened by air pollution in the District—this project is a good example of how we can work together to gather data on air pollution on a neighborhood scale,” said DOEE Interim Director Richard Jackson. “DOEE’s Air Quality program welcomes this partnership with Aclima and the insights they will provide on reducing air pollution and promoting healthier District Wards.”  

Credit: Bee Two Sweet Photography

The project relies on Aclima's vehicles and mobile mapping technology. Aclima’s mobile fleet will collect measurements of fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and black carbon, among other pollutants. Aclima will map pollution at different times and days to create a more complete understanding of typical pollutant concentrations in the pilot neighborhoods. 

Because of the pilot nature of the project, Aclima will only observe one season, which may impact air pollution measurements. DOEE plans to expand the project in fiscal year 2024 to map additional communities and across different seasons of the year. The goal is to help residents reduce emissions, as well as address health burdens and inequities in communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution.  

“Aclima is honored to partner with DOEE to begin operations in D.C. and support DOEE’s efforts to reduce emissions and improve public health — especially in communities that have been affected,” said Aclima co-founder and CEO Davida Herzl. “With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, this is an exciting moment for climate action in our country and we look forward to getting to work, driving towards a clean air future for all.”  

Aclima is currently recruiting and training District residents to operate its fleet. For more information, click here.

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