Community Air Screen Program – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Community Air Screen Program – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.

Community Air Screen Program

What is the Community Air Screen program?

If you are concerned about what is in the air in your neighborhood, check out the Community Air Screen program. This new community-based program works with volunteers from local communities to screen for toxic air pollutants in order to begin to address some local air quality concerns. The goal of the Community Air Screen program is for community groups and citizens to partner with DEC to collect local-scale air samples.

Who Is Eligible?

Individuals as well as not-for-profits and neighborhood and community groups in New York State may apply. Priority is given to projects in or near low-income and minority communities and public locations where people are more likely to spend time outdoors.

Approximately 12 to 18 applicants will be selected for this program. A total number of sixty (60) air samples will be analyzed statewide.

Consider partnering with other concerned citizens or community groups in your neighborhood to strengthen your chance of being selected.

How to Apply:

Applications must be postmarked or emailed by midnight, May 24, 2012. The application is available in the right column as a downloadable PDF.

The application process is very easy – four simple questions – four page limit.

Complete the application using the writable PDF downloaded to your computer or by printing out a paper copy. Return the application to DEC postmarked or emailed by midnight May 24, 2012.

• Describe your local air quality concerns fully in Part 3 and Part 4 of the application.
• Limit your answers to the four page application form.
• All applicants will be notified by June 25, 2012 as to their acceptance.

Application return addresses: Email: CAS@gw.dec.state.ny.us or

Mail: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Community Air Screen Program
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-3259

What should I know before applying?

• What am I responsible for?
• What is the time commitment?
• How does the sampling equipment work?
• What information do I need to record during sampling?
• What should you consider for sampling?

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Questions? Email us at CAS@gw.dec.state.ny.us or call 518-402-8044.

Other Communities Participating in Citizen Sampling Programs

(see right column “Links Leaving DEC’s website”)

Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency – Citizen Air Sampling Program

Western Australia, Department of Environment and Conservation – Community Air Sampling Program

Additional Information

• See our program overview
• Air toxics measured in this program
• EPA’s Guide to Community Sampling (see right column “Links Leaving DEC’s website”)

More about Community Air Screen Program:

• Community Air Screen Program Overview – More details about the Community Air Screen program.
• Pollutants Measured in the Community Air Screen Program – List of air toxics measured in this program.
• What Should I Know Before Applying for the Community Air Screen Program? – Information about the equipment and procedures to end up with good results
• Frequently Asked Questions for the Community Air Screen Program – Additional information on the Community Air Screen Program