Fairmead is a small, diverse unincorporated community in Madera County, located just south of State Highway 152 along State Highway 99 and within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Home to a mix of Hispanic, African American, and other residents, Fairmead has a rich history as a farming and agricultural colony and today reflects a blend of cultures and backgrounds.
The community faces significant air quality challenges due to its proximity to Highway 99, heavy truck traffic, industrial agriculture, and a nearby landfill. Residents are concerned about exposure to dust, pesticides, and traffic-related pollution, which contribute to higher rates of asthma and other health burdens. Fairmead is also impacted by longstanding infrastructure issues and environmental injustices, including limited access to basic services and green spaces.
The district has teamed up with Aclima and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to launch a community air monitoring project guiding future actions as a part of SMMI. Using Aclima’s advanced sensors, the project collects detailed, block-by-block data on air quality throughout the community. This provides residents with clear information about local pollution and helps guide actions to improve air quality, focusing on the areas and people most affected.
In April 2025, Fairmead residents, local organizations, and project partners met to discuss these air quality concerns and launch new community-driven air monitoring efforts to better understand local pollution and support a healthier future.
