Prevent nonattainment

We monitor air quality, especially for criteria air pollutants in areas at risk of nonattainment. Nonattainment is a technical term that means an area has too much of a specific air pollutant and does not meet national air quality standards.

Grants to prevent nonattainment

We award grants to help reduce criteria air pollution in areas at risk of nonattainment. An organization’s grant-funded project must show a decrease of the criteria pollutant that's too high.


Areas of concern for criteria air pollutants

Using air monitoring data, we must determine if an area meets national air quality standards for six common air pollutants, called criteria air pollutants. Most of Washington, except a small area in Whatcom County, meets air quality standards. Several areas are being watched closely. We and other clean air agencies monitor the air using Washington's air monitoring network.

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