OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality announced on May 22 that the 2026 Air Monitoring Network Plan is available for public review and comment until June 21. Mannford is listed as one of the air monitoring sites for Ozone in the plan.
According to the agency, the monitoring network is used to measure outdoor air pollution levels across the state and serves several functions including determining compliance with federal Clean Air Act standards, informing the public about air quality conditions, and monitoring areas of special concern. The Annual Network Plan contains planned changes to the ODEQ ambient air monitoring network which is operated by the Air Monitoring Section of DEQ’s Air Quality Division.
One section in the plan explained the expanded use of low-cost air quality sensors designed to make monitoring more flexible and accessible in rural areas. For fine particle pollution, known as PM2.5 described as tiny particles in the air that can affect breathing and overall health — DEQ plans to start using Purple Air monitors. These monitors have compact, portable sensors that will allow the agency to quickly test air quality in areas that may not have permanent monitoring stations. In the plan, officials noted the devices could be used to track smoke from wildfires in real time, helping provide faster health advisories to Oklahoma residents.
The annual network review is required under federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations and helps ensure monitoring stations continue to provide accurate and effective coverage throughout Oklahoma. Similar reviews are conducted annually by environmental agencies nationwide.
DEQ officials said the 2026 plan will remain available for public review and comment through June 21. Written comments may be submitted to Ryan Biggerstaff, Environmental Programs Manager for the Air Quality Division, by mail at PO Box 1677, Oklahoma City, OK 73101, or by email through the contact information provided on DEQ’s website.
The draft plan can be accessed through the agency’s Air Monitoring webpage on the DEQ website.