The Calcasieu Parish Air Monitoring Study was initiated in 2001 as a three-year voluntary cooperative between the LAIA, LDEQ and EPA.

Using computer modeling, the EPA selected five monitoring sites. LAIA provided $1.5 million to fund the monitoring of the five sites selected and the LDEQ hosted a Web site for the posting of results. The EPA and LDEQ carried out oversight and auditing of the study, and site operation and data collection were handled by an independent contractor. The five sites were located in Vinton, Mossville, Westlake, Bayou D’Inde and Lighthouse Lane.

Over 90,000 air quality measurements were analyzed during the study. All but two samples met strict regulatory standards. The two samples that did not meet the standard were well below levels that would be considered a health concern. One was related to a self reported incident experienced by a member company and immediate steps were taken to address the situation. The second high sample was determined to be related to something other than industrial emissions.

Although the initial agreement has concluded, the LAIA agreed to continue funding a portion of the air quality monitoring system. Four monitoring sites are still operational.

LAIA continues to monitor the Mossville and Bayou D’Inde sites and the LDEQ continues to monitor the Lighthouse Lane and Westlake. These monitors follow the EPA protocol for regular sampling. Additionally, the LDEQ operates two episodic monitors at the Lighthouse Lane and Westlake sites.