The Idaho Environmental Monitoring Program

The Idaho Environmental Monitoring Program is jointly supported by the NOAA's Field Research Division, the State of Idaho Oversight Program, the U. S. Department of Energy, and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. Four weather stations were constructed in 1997 at publically accessible locations in southeastern Idaho. These stations are located in Idaho Falls on the Snake River Greenbelt, Fort Hall off Interstate-15 by exit 80, the Big Lost River Rest Area on U. S. Highway 20/26, and northeast of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory in Terreton. Kiosks at each station contain real-time displays of meteorological conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, solar radiation, and background gamma radiation. Posters in these kiosks provide easy-to-understand information to the public about the function of the various sensors and the variables they measure. Specific climatological data for that particular station is also displayed. These data are also available in real-time to the public via the Internet (http://oversite.inel.gov). The highest access of the web site occurs during the weekdays when people are commuting to and from work. In addition, use of the web site increases during episodes of severe weather conditions (e.g., extreme cold, snow, high winds). A workbook on the basic principles of meteorological and environmental monitoring has also been developed for distribution to local schools in southeastern Idaho. Refinements and enhancements are being made to the stations, web site, and workbook in an effort to improve the educational outreach program.