What is the purpose of the EPA Air Quality System (AQS)?

• A. Manufactures air monitoring equipment.
• B. Stores ambient air quality data from monitors and networks and provides data for regulatory reporting and public access.
• C. Regulates drinking water quality.
• D. Performs real-time emission modeling.

Answer: (B)

The key thing being tested is what the EPA Air Quality System actually does. AQS is the national repository that collects ambient air quality data from monitors and networks and makes that data available for regulatory reporting and public access. It brings together data from state, local, and tribal networks in standardized formats so regulators can track attainment status and trends, and so the public can view air quality information. It’s about storing and providing data, not about building equipment, regulating drinking water, or running real-time emission models.