TRAINING COURSE (in-person)

April 29 – May 1, 2014
University Center
1201 Technology Drive
Aberdeen, MD  21001
443-360-9200

WEBINAR DATES

Pre-Course Webinar: April 22, 2014 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Slides

Post-Course Webinar: May 13, 2014 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Slides

PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to register for both the pre-course as well as post-course webinars, as these are vital to the overall training program.  Please contact Sue Dilli for registration links, if needed.

TRAINING COURSE OBJECTIVES and OVERVIEW

The objective of this training is to provide practical hands-on training necessary to become proficient users of the CALPUFF modeling system. The trainer will use a combination of training formats including three days of in-person hands-on instruction and two on-line webinars scheduled before and after 3-day in-person training.

The course will cover the fundamentals of regulatory air dispersion modeling as well as advanced application of the CALPUFF model to address real-world air quality challenges. Attendees will be able to download and install all necessary CALPUFF software. Following the training participants will as maintain ongoing access to the software, technical support and an extensive online knowledge base. Training will include CALPUFF model theory and application to ensure that participants understand both the underlying atmospheric sciences and practical model implementation. Model theory begins with fundamental principles and builds step-by-step through state-of-the-science methods. This approach ensures users of all experience levels will benefit from attending the course. Discussion will include selection of the appropriate model and software versions based on current regulatory modeling practices and insight gained by working closely with numerous regulatory agencies across the US. Additional topics covered during the training include:

• Practical examples demonstrating how CALPUFF modeling system factors and components work together to influence model predictions.
• Running pre- and post- processing tools such as CALPUFF’s CALMET and CALPOST.
• Discussion of model selection to foster an understanding of the benefits and limitations of each model regarding regulatory applications.
• Model sensitivity, key data inputs, potential pitfalls, key decision points, and common mistakes including how these factors relate to regulatory applications such as general source permitting, National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), New Source Review (NSR), and other regulatory requirements.
• Advanced topics such as secondary formation of PM 2.5 will also be addressed.
• Extensive 10 hands-on cases.  These will include obs models, non-obs (WRF) models, coastal cases, terrain cases, sub-hour model, large cases employing CALSUM, visibility study using FLAG 2010 and “your own” selected site case.

In addition to the fundamentals and underlying model and regulatory theory, attendees will complete 10 air impact modeling analysis from start to finish as part of the course. Participants will have access to modern software tools, model inputs and internet resources during the course. CALPUFF will be contrasted with other models such as AERMOD, SCIPUFF, CAMX, and CMAQ to provide participants with an understanding of the correct application of CALPUFF. For example, AERMOD is most appropriate for near-field regulatory modeling, and CALPUFF is appropriate for PSD, visibility, Class I impact analysis, or NSR studies requiring long range transport and chemistry. In addition, attendees will be alerted to all recent or anticipated EPA activities impacting the regulatory air dispersion modeling community.

PRE-COURSE WEBINAR OVERVIEW (Webinar is expected to take approximately 2 hours to complete)

1. Overview/Introduction

   1. CALPUFF Modeling System
      1. Model Components
      2. Download and Installation Instructions (if needed)
      3. Additional Resources
         1. Meteorological and Geophysical Data Resources
         2. Software Technical Support
         3. Online Knowledge base

   2. Example Case Studies  

      1. Project setup
      2. Preprocessors (meteorology, land use, terrain, buildings)
      3. Data Entry (source parameters, emissions)
      4. Model Configuration (receptor grids, discrete receptors, etc.)
      5. Mapping
      6. Reporting/Post Processing

   3. Homework Assignment - Case Studies

POST-COURSE WEBINAR OVERVIEW (Webinar is expected to take approximately 2 hours to complete)

 The Post-course webinar will focus on advanced topics intended for experienced modelers.

1. Review of the Homework Assignment – case study provided during Pre-course webinar
2. Recent NAAQS revisions for PM2.5, SO2, and NO2, NSR
3. Secondary formation of PM 2.5
4. NSR
5. PSD
6. Visibility – Class I Areas
7. Near-field modeling
8. Sub-hourly modeling
9. Regulatory Checklist
10. How to Review Applicants CALPUFF Files
11. How to Run CALPUFF in Raw Mode
12. CALWRF

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Please book your hotel reservations as soon as possible, if needed, as this is a very busy time of year for them. All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card.

Recommended Hotel:
Holiday Inn Express
1007 Beards Hill Road
Aberdeen, MD 21001
410-272-8100

Approximate Price: $98.50 is the government rate (state ID must be presented upon check-in or the rate may be higher)

MARAMA SUPPORT AVAILABLE

MARAMA will cover the cost of the room and tax for up to 2 rooms per MARAMA member agency. Supported attendees are responsible for all incidentals and travel. Overnight support is not available to those who live within 50 miles of the course location.  Pre-approval by the MARAMA Executive Director is needed for alternative or additional support. If alternative or additional support is needed, please contact Sue Dilli for further information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 443-901-1882.