What is a CAMS?

CAMS stands for Continuous Ambient Monitoring Station.
The IDEM operates continous ambient monitoring sites that measure both air and water pollutants.
The IDEM operates continuous air monitoring sites in various metropolitan areas around the state. Continous water monitoring sites are operated in various river basins around the state.
The EPA has established the following guidelines for the placement of ambient air monitoring stations in metropolitan areas.

A minimum of two ozone monitors are required in metropolitan areas with a population of at least 200,000.
A minimum of two carbon monoxide monitors are required in metropolitan areas with a population of at least 500,000.
A minimum of two nitrogen oxide monitors are required in metropolitan areas with a population of at least 1,000,000.

A CAMS is a small building or shelter that houses instruments that measure the amount of pollutants , nutrients, or other parameters in the atmosphere or in a body of water.
A small pump draws in outside air (or water) which is then distributed to the instruments housed in the shelter.
Different instruments measure different parameters.

The IDEM operates instruments that measure the following nutrients in bodies of water or physical properties of bodies of water:

Some of the CAMS operated by IDEM also contain instruments that measure local meteorological conditions. These conditions, especially winds and temperature, can greatly affect the amount of pollutants in an area.
Local meteorological conditions that are measured include:

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