Environmental oversight in the Gulf of Mexico is an essential part of BOEM’s mission, and the collection of air quality and weather data near areas where offshore oil and gas activities are taking place is an important aspect of this effort. This data helps scientists assess the impact of pollutants from offshore development on regional air quality.
In this effort, BOEM has recently deployed an air quality and meteorological monitoring station at South Cameron High School in Grand Chenier, LA, which is located a few miles from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Under the supervision of South Cameron High School’s principal/science teacher, students will learn about air quality monitoring by conducting monthly site checks on the instrumentation.
Coastal air quality monitoring stations near areas of offshore development such as this one in rural South Louisiana are rare, as most stations are sited in metropolitan areas. The South Cameron High School monitoring station is part of a pilot study. Depending upon the results, BOEM may deploy other monitoring stations directly on the coastline. The air quality data collected will be fed to University of Houston, and eventually posted live on EPA’s AirNow site.
For more information on BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program, visit
https://www.boem.gov/environmental-studies
-- BOEM --
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for America’s offshore energy and mineral resources. The bureau promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.