MassDEP Investing in Air Quality Sensors in Environmental Justice Communities

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BOSTON — To celebrate Earth Week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration will dedicate $775,000 to install new air quality sensors across the state and put advanced monitoring technology into environmental justice communities to track local air quality and protect public health. 
 
The funding was announced by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Commissioner Bonnie Heiple during a tour of a MassDEP air monitoring station in Kenmore Square in Boston – one of 24 air monitoring stations currently located across the state.? 
 
"The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to addressing toxic air emissions impacting residents across Massachusetts – especially environmental justice communities that have historically carried this burden of our industrial legacy," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "We look forward to working with communities like Boston, environmental justice advocates, and residents to collect data and develop measurable progress to ensure all families are breathing clean, healthy air."? 
 
MassDEP's air monitoring stations test for pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Those data are posted in near real-time on the MassAir Online portal. MassDEP also provides air quality forecasts for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) year-round and for ozone during the summer ozone season.?  
 
Two programs funded by this $775,000 investment will support air sensors to expand on the information provided by the air monitoring stations. 
 
First, the Particulate Matter Air Sensor Grant Program provides "PurpleAir" air sensors at no cost to community-based and non-profit organizations, tribal communities, and municipalities. These softball-sized sensors monitor air quality by measuring fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The data from the sensors is displayed in real time on the PurpleAir website, as well as on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fire and Smoke Map.?Sensor recipients can use that information to work with MassDEP, residents, and community groups to assess local air quality and identify areas with higher pollution levels where mitigation efforts can be directed to protect public health.?This round of investment will deploy 202 sensors across the state, supplementing the 248 sensors distributed in 2021.  
 
Second, the Multi-Pollutant Sensor Pilot program will allow MassDEP to initially partner with two or three communities to deploy advanced air monitoring technology – black carbon and multi-pollutant air sensors – in or near environmental justice populations on a pilot basis. Forty black carbon sensors will characterize diesel emissions in areas that experience high levels of truck traffic. Fifty multi-pollutant air sensors will measure fine particulates (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide.?The resulting data will expand awareness of local air quality conditions and inform strategies to reduce exposure to pollutants, as well as inform future placement of the sensors. 

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Superior Court Briefs: Nov. 14

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Cesar Lagunas, age 51, was found guilty of Rape and Intimidation of a Witness on Nov. 13 in Berkshire Superior Court.

According to the District Attorney's Office, on April 15, 2019, Lagunas raped a person and then threatened them with blackmail if they reported the rape.

"The survivor demonstrated immense strength and resilience throughout this process. I am thankful for the jury's decision and appreciate their service," District Attorney Shugrue said.

Mid-way through the trial, Lagunas, formerly of Pittsfield, fled to Mexico; however, Judge Agostini  determined that the trial could continue. A warrant has been issued for Cesar Lagunas arrest.

Chief of the Child Abuse Unit Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. Director of Victim Witness Advocates Jane Kibby-Pierce served on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. The Pittsfield Police conducted the investigation.

Since fleeing to Mexico on Monday, Nov. 11, law enforcement response has included the Pittsfield Police Department, the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office; New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigation.
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On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Angel Nunez, age 51 formerly of Troy, NY, pleaded guilty to 15 indictments in connection with an organized theft ring.

Nunez pleaded guilty in Berkshire Superior Court and was sentenced by Judge Agostini. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office requested two years in the House of Corrections. Defense requested a period of house arrest.

The Defendant was ultimately sentenced to two years of straight probation with the condition that he not commit a crime.

Nunez was facing charges related to three visits into Berkshire Bank locations on June 23 and 26 of 2023 and July 10, 2023. During these visits, the Defendant attempted to fraudulently withdraw money.

Nunez suffered a serious medical event while awaiting trial. Due to his condition, Nunez cannot be housed at the House of Corrections. A House of Corrections' facility does not provide the level of medical care that Nunez requires.

 

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