Advanced air quality sensors deployed in Alt Pasadena as JPL aids wildfire relief efforts

Los Angeles County, California – Governor Gavin Newsom announced a notable increase in the cooperation between the State of California and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), in a strategic attempt to support wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles County. This project will improve air and water quality monitoring to protect nearby areas impacted by recent wildfires close to Eaton and Palisades.

“California and JPL are once again demonstrating the power of science, technology and partnership to address real-world challenges. While JPL is known for exploring the farthest reaches of our solar system, their scientists – many directly impacted by these fires – have turned their attention toward helping their neighbors, demonstrating that innovation and collaboration are vital for accelerating recovery,” Gov. Newsom said.

This increased cooperation comes at an important time since JPL, located in La Cañada Flintridge, has become the largest workplace for individuals affected by the Eaton Fire. Newsom reinforced the human stakes involved in the recovery efforts by meeting with about 200 JPL staff members during a recent visit to the campus who either lost their homes or were displaced by the fire.

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The strategic method is using cutting-edge technologies to monitor the surroundings thoroughly. JPL has established a new monitoring station in Alt Pasadena to track particle matter and gaseous contaminants for air quality. A Caltech-led air quality sensor network initiative called PHOENIX and a cooperation with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) help to assist this endeavor. Real-time air quality data from this network is vital for directing clean-up efforts and dust reduction in Alt Pasadena and surrounding areas.

While JPL monitors ocean water quality use satellite images to assist the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, water quality is not left unchecked. This imaging is pivotal in tracing runoff discharge plumes.

Important for planning recovery and sample activities in the impacted areas, X-band radar technology and aerial data collecting from JPL’s Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-3 (AVIRIS-3) are also being used to gather comprehensive data on storm structures and the distribution of ash.

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California and JPL have a long history of working together to produce technological breakthroughs meant to solve environmental and natural resource problems. Especially the development of VIRGO, an online mapping tool to monitor groundwater changes, and joint projects on pollution-tracking satellites and drought monitoring highlight the continuous dedication to use science for public good.

Supported by CARB, this new project combines sophisticated mobile air monitors and community monitoring stations on top of the current air monitoring programs run by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. These tools are essential for collecting comprehensive air pollution data across the greater Los Angeles area. Although the extent of the flames is significant, first monitoring has shown that public health is not directly threatened by the air quality levels right now.

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The state is dedicated to a transparent recovery process as these technology and cooperative initiatives go forward; updated air and water quality data available on CA.gov/LAfires guarantees the public stays informed every stage of the journey.