Evaluation of Ozone Trends and Distribution in the Paso del Norte Region using TCEQ\u27s CAMS Data and Ozone Data Collected at Two Supplemental Sites

The purpose of this research was to determine whether the city of El Paso will continue to be in attainment if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revises the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 8-hour average ozone concentration from 0.075 parts per million (ppm) to 0.070 ppm. For the duration of El Paso\u27s ozone season, June-September 2012, two 2B Technology Ozone 202 monitors were deployed at proposed locations, not previously monitored. This was done in order to quantify concentration of ozone. In addition, ozone and meteorological data was downloaded from several Continuous Ambient Monitoring Stations (CAMS) in the Paso del Norte (PdN) region operated and maintained by Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Daily maximum 1-hour and 8-hour average ozone concentrations were analyzed at each of all El Paso and Juarez CAM stations, and both supplemental sites. Both supplemental sites recorded high concentrations of ozone, demonstrating a potential need for an additional CAM station. The results did not exceed the allowable 8-hour average ozone level of 0.075 ppm but if the standard was lowered to 0.070 ppm the city will potentially be designated nonattainment