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Shelby County to build South Memphis air-monitoring station after $411,000 EPA award
Summary
The Shelby County Health Department said it received $411,000 from EPA to install a real-time air-monitoring station in South Memphis to address environmental-justice concerns; the department expects site construction and a meter relocation in the coming weeks and will provide monthly updates to the commission.
Casey Smith Alexander, deputy director of the Shelby County Health Department, told commissioners the department received $411,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expand ambient air monitoring in a part of Shelby County identified as vulnerable to pollution. "Shelby County Health Department received funding from the United States E.P.A. in the amount of $411,000 on 08/01/2024," she said.
Alexander outlined the construction timeline: the concrete pad for the station was poured and finished in mid-August, a new construction permit was applied for, and the Health Department is coordinating with Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) to move a meter box and extend electrical service. She said the meter/connection work will likely take about a month because the concrete pad must cure and pole work must be scheduled. Alexander also explained the county currently monitors particulate matter, carbon monoxide and ozone at five sites and that data are sent quarterly to EPA for quality assurance — the initial public outputs will be 'rough data' until EPA approval is complete.
Commissioners asked that the department provide a short narrative timeline to share with constituents and to include monthly updates on the committee agenda.
