National Capital Region Network
Overview
The National Capital Region Vital Signs Network (NCRN) consists of 12 NPS units located in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. NCRN parks were established primarily to commemorate historical places and events, yet the parks also protect significant natural resources. All 12 units in the NCRN are designated Class II air quality areas.
None of the Network parks have on-site ambient air quality monitoring; however, in all cases, there are monitors nearby. The air pollutant of greatest concern for the NCRN is ozone. All of the Network parks are in proposed 8-hour ozone non-attainment areas. An ozone injury risk assessment indicates the risk of injury is high in all but one NCRN park.
The Network map below provides information on air quality monitoring. Ozone, sulfur dioxide, dry deposition, and meteorology are collected by the Clean Air Status and Trends (CASTNet) network. Ozone is also monitored with passive samplers and portable continuous analyzers. Wet Deposition is monitored through cooperation with National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN). Visibility is monitored as part of the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE). Additional details on these parameters are described in Air Quality Monitoring.
Air quality monitoring in or near the network is indicated on the map by symbols, with the blue line showing the approximate borders of the network. The legend shows the symbols for the type of monitoring present, with NPS park units in green.
