Air Dispersion Models (AERMOD): Overview & Applications Course (APTI 423)

Course Description: The three‐day lecture and hands‐on modeling course in Air Dispersion Modeling will enable students to select and apply dispersion models for specific regulatory programs and be able to judge the validity of such applications based on gained knowledge of the model theories, assumptions, and limitations. The class will consist of lectures regarding modeling background, theory, and application and will also provide many opportunities for student hands‐on application of models. Students will review the fundamentals of dispersion modeling and extrapolate such basic tenants to in‐class applications for a variety of scenarios with follow‐up interaction between the students and the lecturer to draw out the best understanding of the modeling application, limits, assumptions, and uses. The focus will be on modeling and model theory but will also tie back to real‐world applications. The basic syllabus for the course will include an overview of modeling and meteorological principles, a review of the U.S. EPA Guideline on Air Quality Models, a review of the EPA SCRAM website clarification memos from 2010‐2011, the review and use of the SCREEN3 Model, an introduction and use of the AERSCREEN Model, review and hands‐on exercise with the more refined AERMOD Model (and its preprocessors, AERMINUTE, AERMET, AERSURFACE, and AERMAP) and a very brief introduction to a number of specialized models (CALPUFF, CAL3QHC, CAMx, CMAQ, and air toxic models). AGENDA

Pre-Requisites: Participants will be assumed to have completed APTI 409 (Basic Air Pollution Meteorology) and 410 (Introduction to Dispersion Modeling) prior to the course. Alternatively the students could have an engineering or scientific background and be involved in preparing permits or reviewing permit applications of which one component is application of air dispersion models to estimate air quality impacts.

Instructor: George Schewe, Trinity Consultants, Inc.