Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater is asking the Maryland Department of the Environment to expand air quality monitoring in the Adamstown area as construction continues on the Quantum Frederick data center campus.
The request includes a new air quality monitor now operating at Carroll Manor Elementary School as part of the county’s Air Quality Monitoring Network. Additional monitors are already in place at Saint Joseph on Carrollton Manor, the Adamstown Fire Station and the Claggett Center.
According to county officials, data collected through June 24 shows air quality in the Adamstown area is consistent with readings from other parts of Frederick County.
Fitzwater said the county has already adopted strict land-use regulations for data centers, but air quality oversight falls under the state’s authority. She is asking Maryland environmental officials to establish a state-led monitoring program similar to one in Northern Virginia, where air monitoring around data centers found pollution levels met national air quality standards.
Board of Education President Dean Rose welcomed the monitor at Carroll Manor Elementary, saying it will provide valuable information to help guide future decisions and support a safe learning environment for students and staff.
Frederick County launched its local air quality monitoring program in 2023.
By: Dianah Gibson
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