AKWESASNE -- Akwesasne is among the 23 applicants chosen from communities across the state to conduct air sampling to help identify and address local air quality concerns.

The sampling is to “help us understand air quality concerns at the community level,” state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said. “These samples will provide DEC with a better picture of the state's air quality at the neighborhood level and help identify areas that need to be addressed.”

In selecting applicants for the Community Air Screen Program, a committee evaluated the applications and considered the description of the community air quality concerns, details of the sampling plan, whether the location was in or near an environmental justice area and whether it was around sensitive outdoor areas like schools, day care facilities and public areas where people play.

Selected to represent St. Lawrence and Franklin counties in the program was the Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment.

Participants will use Environmental Protection Agency-approved sampling equipment to collect air samples for an hour. This type of sampling provides a snapshot of the types of air toxics found in a community. A total of 60 samples will be collected starting in mid-July and running over the course of about a year.

If air toxics are detected above levels of concern, DEC will conduct additional testing. If further sampling confirms air quality concerns, DEC staff will determine possible sources contributing to the pollution levels of concern and look at ways to reduce them. Additionally, a recommendation will be made for further evaluation through EPA's Community-Based Air Toxics Program.

DEC received a total of 42 applications. EPA funding allowed DEC to accept 23 applications to the organizations and individuals.

Anyone can follow the progress of the air sampling and obtain more information online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/81629.html, or call DEC at (518) 402-8044.