DEP Seeks comment on change in ambient air monitoring plans in Chester
The DEP has published its 2026 Air Monitoring Network Plan for the entire state and is seeking public comment, but Delaware Countians are likely to be most interested in pages 22 to 29, dealing with Chester’s air monitoring program, of the 161-page statewide report.
The report can be downloaded HERE. The DEP will receive public comment until July 20.
According to the report, Chester’s current air monitoring site is adjacent to the PQ Corp. and Evonik Corp., about five or six blocks north of the Commodor Barry Bridge in Chester.
On windy days, elevated levels of silicon, particulate matter and sodium and chloride blow from the two facilities across the ambient air monitoring equipment making it difficult to get an accurate air pollution reading from the surrounding area, according to the report.
The DEP is trying to get an accurate reading in comparison to a background site for particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns at the New Garden Airport in Toughkenamon, Chester County.
The agency says it intends to combine the Chester and Marcus Hook sites into one relocated site a couple of blocks west of the current site. The proposed area of interest is illustrated in Figure 19 on Page 28 of the report and in the photo below.
The public can comment at ecomment@ pa.gov. Written comments can be submitted to the Policy Office, Department of Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063. Use ”2026 Annual Monitoring Network Plan” as the subject line in written communication.
