LICA’s network of PurpleAir sensors, currently located at University nuhelot’ine thaiyots’i nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Town of Bonnyville, City of Cold Lake, County of St. Paul, and Lac La Biche County, provides a practical approach to enhancing air quality monitoring. LICA plans to expand this network further as opportunities arise. These compact (9 cm in diameter) devices are not only budget-friendly but also straightforward to install, requiring just a power source and Wi-Fi. Despite being less accurate than the more costly continuous air monitoring stations, they effectively track particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, particularly in areas lacking permanent monitoring stations.
The sensors operate around the clock, uploading data directly and in real-time to the PurpleAir website. This platform not only showcases PM2.5 readings from LICA’s sensors but also integrates data from a global network of sensors, offering a comprehensive view of air quality trends. However, it’s important to recognize that the data from these sensors does not conform to the regulatory standards of the Government of Alberta, and as such, it is not currently employed in making regulatory decisions or in the issuance of air quality advisories.
