By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Buckland, MA) The Town of Buckland has recently deployed four air quality sensors it received last year as part of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Air Sensor Grant program.
The PurpleAir PA 2 sensors measure outdoor solid and liquid particle concentrations. The data collected can be viewed on the PurpleAir Map and through the EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map. Three of the sensors are located in Shelburne Falls and one near the Buckland Fire Department. A fifth sensor may soon be set up near Route 112.
Buckland is one of the 39 towns participating in this grant program with the goal of increasing awareness and understanding air pollution issues. MassDEP has allocated $200,000 to purchase and distribute air sensors across the state. The air sensors will be used for at least one year to track particle concentration and inform the public on local air pollution.