Enhanced, multi criteria based site selection to measure mobile source toxic air pollutants

A multi-criteria-based site selection process that was developed for the Las Vegas near-road study is used to select the most appropriate near-road measurement sites in the Detroit area. The study measures particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ⩽2.5 μm and mobile source air toxic compounds, and to document the rationale for selecting or rejecting specific sites. An application of this multi-criteria decision analysis may be the recent US Environmental Protection Agency rule requiring the siting of NO2 monitors within 50 m of major roads as well as siting for the measurement of community-wide NO2 concentrations.

► Application of multi-criteria-based site selection process for air quality study. ► Applies lessons learned from Las Vegas study to Detroit study. ► Constraints and drivers were analyzed. ► Issues included monitoring protocol, scientific credibility and project budget. ► Documents the rationale for selecting or rejecting specific sites.