EPA installs data-driven park bench to monitor Philadelphia air

Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, in concert with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), installed a unique, high-tech bench Tuesday that informs the public of weather and air quality measurement.

Activated on the eve of Earth Day, the innovative piece is called the Village Green Station and includes a built-in monitoring station equipped with solar and wind power components. Running on renewable energy, the contraption provides continuous data measurement of air pollution and weather.

Monitored by Philadelphia Air Management Services, data on wind speed and direction, temperature and relative humidity is also streamed to the Village Green Project web page for public access.

“The Village Green station is an exciting new resource for helping Philadelphia's residents and visitors better understand the connection between air quality and their health,” Philadelphia Health Commissioner James Buehler said. “We are thrilled to have been selected as a recipient city and will be working closely with EPA and (the National Parks Service) NPS over the next year as part of our education and outreach.”

The station in Philadelphia is one of five stations nationwide to test the new technology. Other locations are Washington, D.C.; Kansas City, Kansas; Oklahoma City; and Hartford, Connecticut.