DEP Launches Air Monitoring Project in Delaware County

New dashboard tracks particulate matter and other pollutants in Chester and surrounding areas

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A highly structured abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, conceptually representing the complex atmospheric forces and air pollution patterns being monitored by the Delaware County air quality project.A data-driven visualization of the unseen forces shaping air quality in Delaware County, informing efforts to mitigate pollution and protect public health.Chester Today

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Delaware County Planning Department have launched a new air monitoring project in Delaware County to study pollution levels from refineries and other industrial sources in and around the City of Chester. The project includes a public dashboard that will display real-time data on particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide, with plans to eventually track hazardous air pollutants as well.

Why it matters

The air monitoring project aims to address longstanding community concerns about air quality in neighborhoods near industrial facilities and major transportation corridors. The data collected will help identify pollution sources and inform strategies to improve air quality and protect public health in impacted areas.

The details

The project study area spans roughly seven miles across the City of Chester and surrounding municipalities. DEP has deployed 32 air monitoring sensors to track various pollutants, with plans to display historical data and allow the public to view information specific to their local area. The project is funded by a $377,443 grant from the EPA's American Rescue Plan program and involves a partnership with Delaware County and Johns Hopkins University.

  • On March 30, 2026, DEP and Delaware County launched the air monitoring project and online dashboard.
  • In July 2023, DEP was awarded the EPA grant to conduct the enhanced particulate matter monitoring.
  • In December 2025, DEP finished deploying the 32 air monitoring sensors across the study area.

The players

Jessica Shirley

Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Delaware County Planning Department

A county government agency partnering with DEP on the air monitoring project.

Johns Hopkins University

A research institution that will perform data analysis for the project.

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What they’re saying

“Poor air quality can impact human health and the environment. The data calculated on the dashboard will identify sources of air pollution and be used as a tool to develop mitigation strategies to improve the air in impacted communities.”

— Jessica Shirley, DEP Secretary

What’s next

The final version of the air monitoring dashboard is expected in the coming months, which will include historical data on additional pollutants beyond particulate matter. The public can also attend an online community outreach meeting on March 31 to learn more about the project and provide feedback.

The takeaway

This air monitoring initiative represents an important step in addressing long-standing air quality concerns in Delaware County's industrial communities. By providing transparent, real-time data, the project aims to empower residents and guide policy decisions to improve public health and environmental conditions in the region.