South Coast AQMD Expands Dust Monitoring in Coachella Valley

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is deploying new technology and partnerships to track and address dust problems in the Coachella Valley.

The district has installed a high-resolution camera at San Jacinto State Park that uses artificial intelligence to track dust emissions and movement in the northwestern Coachella Valley. A second camera, operated by UC San Diego as part of the ALERTCalifornia network, is positioned on Toro Peak with views from Indio to the north Salton Sea shore. A third camera is planned for the eastern valley.

"These two cameras are new steps in these efforts," said Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, who also serves on the South Coast AQMD governing board. "They will help us pinpoint where the dust is coming from and allow us to focus remediation efforts."

The agency has been working on increased airborne dust monitoring since Hurricane Hilary impacted the region.

South Coast AQMD is partnering with UC Riverside to combine camera data with field measurements, satellite analysis, and computer modeling to develop targeted dust-mitigation strategies. Real-time images from the cameras are accessible to the public through the district's Coachella Valley dust monitoring website.

In October, the South Coast AQMD board approved a three-part dust-reduction plan focused on identifying major dust sources, developing mitigation strategies, and funding reduction projects in affected areas. The agency hosted a dust summit in November featuring community input and scientific presentations on current and future mitigation efforts.

South Coast AQMD regulates air quality across large portions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley.

You can take a look at the new camera feeds here.