Navigating Colorado’s SB21-260 Air Quality Monitoring Requirements

Transportation accounted for the largest portion (29%) of total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2021, exacerbating climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, disrupting weather patterns, and leading to extreme events that pose direct threats to human health. In addition, combustion from fuel engines releases a range of air pollutants harmful to human health, including particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To address these interconnected challenges, Senate Bill 21-260 in Colorado sets out measures to alleviate the health threats of air pollution from transportation, including air quality monitoring and reporting requirements.

What is SB21-260?

In 2021, the Colorado General Assembly passed Senate Bill 21-260 (SB21-260), which allocates dedicated funding for a more sustainable transportation system. Now codified into Colorado Revised Statute 43-1-128, this legislation focuses on the preservation and expansion of current transportation infrastructure while supporting EV adoption and addressing environmental and health impacts from transportation use.

Applicable Air Monitoring Requirements

Section 30 of the bill sets higher standards for the Colorado Department of Transportation and planning organizations in project design, analysis, involving the community, and monitoring air quality for transportation projects.

For projects deemed regionally significant for transportation capacity, the planning organization must develop and implement continuous air quality monitoring targeting Particulate Matter—with an emphasis on fine PM, a potential pollutant in construction projects.

Air quality information must be transparently communicated to the public, with clear and accessible details about air pollution levels. Immediate alerts must be issued to inform the public when air pollution events occur, ensuring a swift and effective response to safeguard community health. Most importantly, the plan must include control measures to address emission levels, especially for communities impacted most by the project.

How QuantAQ Can Help

Implementing a PM monitoring plan to align with SB21-260 can be efficient, cost-effective, and accurate. Here’s how we can help:

Accuracy

As the sole sensor provider equipped with patent-pending Dual Detection technology, our devices measure both PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, including dust from construction activities. This unique continuous monitoring capacity is critical during construction projects for compliance with SB21-260. An optional sonic anemometer add-on provides wind speed and wind direction data that can help in identifying pollution sources and events.

Easy, solar-ready deployment

Quickly and easily deploy in your optimized locations regardless of connection to the grid, thanks to the optional Solar Power System. Our devices operate on less than 1W and the Solar Power System add-on means you never lose power.

Our sensors are lightweight, durable, and easily transported, so you can easily move your network around and adjust your configuration as construction activities proceed. Native IoT links your devices to the QuantAQ Cloud so you can begin streaming data within minutes.

Built — and priced — for accessibility

You don’t need specific training or knowledge to set up and collect data from QuantAQ sensors, and our open approach and API make it easy to make data accessible and easy to understand for the audiences you select. Accessible prices mean you can deploy a network for a fraction of the cost of a reference-grade monitor.

Dependable data with minimal maintenance

Data is published at one-minute intervals, enabling your team to take action in real-time to ensure you never miss a critical moment.

Together, let’s build a network that enables you to meet regulations and report confidently.