City of Beloit Responds to Air Quality Report

The City of Beloit has received inquiries from residents and news media about an air quality report published by a for-profit business that disparaged the air quality in Beloit.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the entire State of Wisconsin fine particle concentrations (PM2.5) are lower than EPA standards and continues to improve due to increased pollution-control measures. Wisconsin meets all standards for federal particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead in our air quality.

City staff consulted with an air quality expert with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about the report. The report includes data from a year heavily influenced by Canadian wildfire smoke, which created hazardous air quality last summer. The City of Beloit took appropriate action by canceling outdoor recreation programming for children during that time.

More information about the improvement in state air quality over time can be found in the 2023 Wisconsin Air Quality Trends Report: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/AirQuality/Trends.html.

The City of Beloit would welcome air quality sensors that meet quality standards set by the EPA.