DHEC has developed an ambient (outdoor) air quality monitoring network for sulfur dioxide and other pollutants to:

• measure maximum expected concentrations
• measure concentrations in areas where people live, work and play,
• provide background information in rural areas,
• help determine the impacts of sulfur dioxide emissions from specific sources, and
• monitor interstate and intrastate transport of pollutants.

In 2011, there were 7 SO2 monitors strategically located in 5 counties throughout the state. DHEC chose the location for each monitor in accordance with EPA monitor-siting requirements found in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 58, Appendix E .