File ID: 24-1767 Date: 9/16/2024
SUBJECT
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Consideration to authorize the City Manager to purchase Air Quality Monitoring equipment, two Beta Attenuation Monitors, for the City of Laredo Public Health Department Air Quality Program in the total amount not to exceed $62,000.00. Funding is available in the 2023 Certificate of Obligations - Priority Funds.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
Air quality is a critical determinant of public health, influencing a wide range of health outcomes, from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to premature mortality. To effectively address air pollution, it is essential to have accurate, widespread, and real-time monitoring of air quality. The Health Department proses to do this by purchasing and installing several Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) monitors as well as low-cost air sensors. FEM air monitors, which meet the stringent standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provide high-quality, reliable data. FEM air monitors are officially recognized by the EPA for use in regulatory monitoring networks, such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These monitors provide data that is legally defensible and can be used to determine compliance with air quality standards. Low-cost air sensors can be deployed in large numbers across diverse geographical areas, including underserved communities and regions with sparse monitoring networks. This enhanced spatial coverage ensures more comprehensive data collection, helping to identify pollution hotspots that might otherwise go undetected. The data collected can inform targeted interventions, such as traffic management, industrial regulation, and urban planning, which can significantly reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. By preventing pollution-related health issues, these interventions can reduce healthcare costs and improve the overall quality of life.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommend...
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