Air Quality Dispersion Modeling - Preferred and Recommended Models
These refined dispersion models are listed in Appendix W (PDF)(45 pp, 803 K, About PDF) and are required to be used for State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions for existing sources and for New Source Review (NSR) and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) programs. The models in this section include the following:
AERMOD Modeling System - A steady-state plume model that incorporates air dispersion based on planetary boundary layer turbulence structure and scaling concepts, including treatment of both surface and elevated sources, and both simple and complex terrain.
CALPUFF Modeling System - A non-steady-state puff dispersion model that simulates the effects of time- and space-varying meteorological conditions on pollution transport, transformation, and removal. CALPUFF can be applied for long-range transport and for complex terrain.
Other Models - Other dispersion models including BLP, CALINE3, CAL3QHC/CAL3QHCR, CTDMPLUS, and OCD.
AERMOD Modeling System
The American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model Improvement Committee (AERMIC) was formed to introduce state-of-the-art modeling concepts into the EPA's air quality models. Through AERMIC, a modeling system, AERMOD, was introduced that incorporated air dispersion based on planetary boundary layer turbulence structure and scaling concepts, including treatment of both surface and elevated sources, and both simple and complex terrain.
There are two input data processors that are regulatory components of the AERMOD modeling system: AERMET, a meteorological data preprocessor that incorporates air dispersion based on planetary boundary layer turbulence structure and scaling concepts, and AERMAP, a terrain data preprocessor that incorporates complex terrain using USGS Digital Elevation Data. Other non-regulatory components of this system include: AERSCREEN, a screening version of AERMOD; AERSURFACE, a surface characteristics preprocessor, and BPIPPRIM, a multi-building dimensions program incorporating the GEP technical procedures for PRIME applications.
At this time, AERMOD does not calculate design values for the lead NAAQS (rolling 3-month averages). A post-processing tool, LEADPOST (ZIP)(65 M), is available to calculate design values from monthly AERMOD output. This tool calculates and outputs the rolling cumulative (all sources) 3-month average concentration at each modeled receptor with source group contributions and the maximum cumulative (all sources) rolling 3-month average concentration by receptor.
Below is the model code and documentation for AERMOD Version 16216. The model code and supporting documents are not static but evolve to accommodate the best available science. Please check this website often for updates to model code and associated documents. As of December 9, 2006, AERMOD is fully promulgated as a replacement to ISC3, in accordance with Appendix W (PDF).
| AERMOD Modeling System Documentation and Code |
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| AERMOD Implementation Guide |
| AERMOD Implementation Guide (PDF)(38 pp, 170 K, 2016) - Provides information on the recommended use of AERMOD for particular applications and is an evolving document. (Updated August 3, 2015) |
| Model Code |
| README (v16216r) (TXT) (2 K, 2017) Executable (v16216r) (ZIP)(1.2 M, 2017) Source Code (v16216r) (ZIP)(515 K, 2017) |
| Model Documentation |
|
README (v16216r) (2 K, January 17, 2017) Model Change Bulletin #12 - Version Date 16216 (PDF) (2 pp, 167 K, 2016) |
| Test Cases |
| Test Cases README (TXT)(5 K, 2017) AERMET-AERMOD Test Comparisons (XLSX)(710 K, 2017) Test Case - AERMET_Def_15181_AERMOD_16216r (ZIP) (11.4 M, 2017) Test Case - AERMET_Def_16216_AERMOD_15181 (ZIP)(20.2 M, 2016) Test Case - AERMET_Def_16216_AERMOD_16216r (ZIP)(11.4 M, 2017) Test Case - AERMET_UStar_15181_AERMOD_16216r (ZIP)(11.4 M, 2017) Test Case - AERMET_UStar_16216_AERMOD_15181 (ZIP)(20.2 M, 2016) Test Case - AERMET_UStar_16216_AERMOD_16216r (ZIP)(11.4 M, 2017) Test Case - MAXDCONT (ZIP)(5.6 M, 2017) |
| Installation Guide (Sample Run) |
| Read Me (TXT)(1 K, 2014) - please read this file first Sample Run Instructions (PDF)(5 pp, 250 K) - detailed installation and execution instructions Sample Run (ZIP)(1 M) - sample test case |
| Model Supporting Documents |
| Model Evaluation Paper (PDF) (41 pp, 1 M, 2005) Bulk Richardson Number Evaluation Report (PDF)(34 pp, 329 K, 2004) Comparison of Regulatory Design Concentrations: AERMOD vs ISCST3, CTDMPLUS, ISC-PRIME (PDF)(89 pp, 31 K, 2003) Development and Evaluation of the PRIME Plume Rise and Building Downwash Model (PDF)(5 pp, 31 K, 1998) Project PRIME: Evaluation of Building Downwash Models Using Field and Wind Tunnel Data (PDF)(44 pp, 18 K, 1998) Development and Evaluation of the PRIME Plume Rise and Building Downwash Model (PDF)(34 pp, 588 K, 1999) Evaluation of Bias in AERMOD-PVMRM (PDF)(33 pp, 236 K, 2005) PVMRM and OLM Sensitivity Analysis (PDF)(67 pp, 522 K, 2004) Ambient Ratio Method Version 2 (ARM2) Development and Evaluation Report (PDF)(67 pp, 2 M, 2004) AERMOD Deposition Science Document (PDF)(95 pp, 196 K, 2013) AERMOD Deposition Parameterizations Document (ZIP)(338 K) Draft Peer Review Document (ZIP)(797 K) - For the AERMOD Deposition Parameterizations Document (above) Technical Support Document (TSD) for AERMOD/BLP Development and Testing (43 pp, 538 K, 2016) Technical support document (TSD) for NO2-related AERMOD modifications (32 pp, 1.6 M, 2016) |
| Model Evaluation Databases |
| README (TXT)(1 K) - Document that explains the databases below that contain input and output data for the model evaluation AGA (ZIP)(2 M) - Input/output data for AGA: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Independent Alaska (ZIP)(661 K) - Input/output data for Alaska: Flat, Rural Downwash, Developmental Baldwin (ZIP)(4.5 M) - Input/output data for Bladwin: Flat, Rural, Non-downwash, Independent Bowline (ZIP)(2 M) - Input/output data for Bowline: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Developmental/Independent Clifty Creek (ZIP)(3.5 M) - Input/output data for Clifty Creek: Flat, Rural , Non-downwash, Independent DAEC (ZIP)(1 M) - Input/output data for DAEC: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Developmental EOCR (ZIP)(4 M) - Input/output data for EOCR: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Independent Indianapolis (ZIP)(1 M) - Input/output data for Indianapolis: Flat, Urban, Non-downwash, Developmental Kincaid SF6 (ZIP)(3 M) - Input/output data for Kincaid SF6: Flat, Rural, Non-downwash, Developmental Kincaid SO2 (ZIP)(5 M) - Input/output data for Kincaid SO2: Flat, Rural, Non-downwash, Developmental Lee Wind Tunnel (ZIP)(13 M) - Input/output data for Lee Wind Tunnel: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Independent Lovett (ZIP(9 M) - Input/output data for Lovett: Terrain, Rural, Non-downwash, Developmental Martin's Creek (ZIP)(11.5 M) - Input/output data for Martin's Creek: Terrain, Rural, Non-downwash, Independent Millstone (ZIP)(660 K) - Input/output data for Millstone: Flat, Rural, Downwash, Developmental Prairie Grass (ZIP)(342 K) - Input/output data for Prairie Grass: Flat, Rural, Non-downwash, Developmental Tracy (ZIP)(2.5 M) - Input/output data for Tracy: Terrain, Rural, Non-downwash, Independent Westvaco (ZIP)(10 M) - Input/output data for Westvaco: Terrain, Rural, Non-downwash, Independent |
CALPUFF Modeling System
CALPUFF is a multi-layer, multi-species non-steady-state puff dispersion model that simulates the effects of time- and space-varying meteorological conditions on pollution transport, transformation and removal. CALPUFF can be applied on scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers. It includes algorithms for subgrid scale effects (such as terrain impingement), as well as, longer range effects (such as pollutant removal due to wet scavenging and dry deposition, chemical transformation, and visibility effects of particulate matter concentrations).
--Please read the following before accessing the CALPUFF modeling system--
The files associated with this system, e.g., executables/source code, preprocessors, associated utilities, test cases, selected meteorological data sets and documentation can be found on Exponent's website. Support documents related to CALPUFF can be found on this website and are listed below. Exponent will provide updates and changes as necessary for the CALPUFF modeling system on their website. Users entering the Exponent website will have the opportunity to register their e-mail addresses in order to receive notices of any updates to the system. This registration is voluntary and not necessary to access the system files.
Upon entering the Exponent website, you will see the CALPUFF Model listing on the left-hand panel. To access the system code, click on "DOWNLOAD", then click on "Skip Registration" if you do not want to register. Go to Exponent.Exit
| CALPUFF Regulatory Updates and Consequence Analysis |
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The current regulatory version of the CALPUFF Modeling System includes:
For every update of the "EPA-Approved" version of the CALPUFF Modeling System, a consequence analysis is performed by USEPA using an update protocol that identifies what model changes have been made and their implications based on the analysis results. This analysis compares the base CALPUFF Modeling System (i.e., current regulatory version) with the beta (i.e., proposed updated version). |
| Summary of Update Process (PPT)(40 pp, 3.5 M, 2005) |
| 07-26-16 UPDATE |
| The EPA has approved an update of CALMET and CALPUFF from V5.8.4 (dated July 31, 2013) to V5.8.5 (dated December 14, 2015). This update includes code changes described in Model Change Bulletin H (MCB-H (TXT)(27 K, 2015)). These changes include fixes to bugs in the implementation of PRIME downwash, along with updates to eliminate specific compilation and list file errors. |
| 12-04-13 UPDATE |
| The EPA has approved an update of CALMET and CALPUFF from V5.8 (dated June 23, 2007) to V5.8.4 (dated July 31, 2013). This update includes portions of code changes described in Model Change Bulletin E (MCB-E(15 K, 2008 )), MCB-F (TXT)(15 K, 2008 ) and MCB-G (TXT)(13 K, 2011 ). The EPA has approved only those portions of the Model Change Bulletins that are recognized as bug fixes. All other code changes (enhancements and new features) are not included at this time. A Modification of CALPUFF and CALMET Memorandum (PDF)(131 pp, 9 M, 2013) is available and describes bug fixes versus enhancements in this update of CALPUFF and CALMET. Note that the EPA-Approved version of CALPOST remains V6.221 (level 080724). |
| 08-27-12 UPDATE |
| The EPA-Approved version of CALPOST has been updated from version 5.6394 (level 070622) to version 6.221 (level 080724). Version 6.221 includes "Method 8" (MVISBK = 8, M8_MODE = 5, MVISCHECK = 1), which utilizes the revised IMPROVE equation per the Federal Land Managers' Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG) revised October 2010 Phase 1 Report.Exit This update only effects CALPOST and no other program in the CALPUFF System of programs. The EPA-approved version of CALPUFF remains version 5.8 (level 070623), and the EPA-Approved version of CALMET is still version 5.8 (level 070623). |
| 02-15-12 UPDATE |
The EPA is releasing the Documentation of the Evaluation of CALPUFF and Other Long Range Transport Models using Tracer Field Experiment Data (PDF)(242 pp, 8 M, 2012) (EPA Contract No: EP-D-07-102, Work Assignment No: 4-06). This EPA report documents the evaluation of various Long Range Transport (LRT) dispersion models using several inert tracer study field experiment data. The tracer studies used include:
The LRT dispersion modeling was performed primarily by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during 2008 to 2010 and builds off several previous LRT dispersion modeling studies that evaluated models using tracer study field experiments. The work was performed primarily by Mr. Bret Anderson while he was with EPA Region VII, EPA/OAQPS and the United States Forest Service (USFS). Disclaimer: Although this work was reviewed by EPA and approved for publication, it may not necessarily reflect official Agency policy. |
| 05-27-09 UPDATE |
| The EPA is releasing the DRAFT document Reassessment of the Interagency Workgroup on Air Quality Modeling (IWAQM) Phase 2 Summary Report: Revisions to Phase 2 Recommendations (PDF)(56 pp, 1 M, 2009) at this time to provide additional technical information in support of the May 15, 2009 Memo, Model Clearinghouse recommendations (PDF)(14 pp, 643 K, 2009) to U.S. EPA Region 8 regarding the Otter Tail BART modeling protocol. The purpose of this document is to inform the modeling community of our concerns regarding the CALPUFF modeling system for long range transport (LRT) applications, and to notify the community of our plans for addressing these concerns. The draft revisions to the IWAQM Phase 2 recommendations provided in this document are still undergoing internal testing to assess their viability for meeting the technical objectives of this reassessment. Some sections are still under development and will be incorporated in future updates to the DRAFT document.< |
| 06-29-07 UPDATE |
| The EPA has approved an update in CALPUFF from V5.711a (dated July 16, 2004) to V5.8 (dated June 23, 2007). This update includes code changes described in Model Change Bulletin B (MCB-B TXT)(62 K, 2005)), MCB-C (TXT)(66 K, 2006) and MCB-D (TXT)(45 K, 2007). CALMET has been updated from V5.53a (dated July 16, 2004) to V5.8 (dated June 23, 2007). The new codes are based on the VISTAS-series codes (CALPUFF V5.756 and CALMET V5.726) with the main changes being the addition of a regulatory switch in CALMET and switch settings recommended by the USEPA to configure the models to be consistent with the prior regulatory versions. A Model Update Report (PDF)(32 pp, 500 K, 2008) is available and describes the CALPUFF and CALMET updates in greater detail. |
| 06-15-06 UPDATE |
| The EPA has approved an update to CALPUFF from v5.7 (dated April 2, 2003) to v5.711a (dated July 16, 2004) as described in Model Change Bulletin A (MCB-A (TXT)(16 K, 2004)). |
Support Documents
Support Literature
Bennett, M.J, M.E. Yansura, I.G. Hornyik, J.M. Nall, D.G. Caniparoli and C.G. Ashmore, 2002. Evaluation of the CALPUFF Long-range Transport Screening Technique by Comparison to Refined CALPUFF Results for Several Power Plants in Both the Eastern and Western United States. Proceedings of the Air & Waste Management Association's 95th Annual Conference, June 23-27, 2002; Baltimore, MD. Paper #43454.
Levy, JI; Spengler, JD; Hlinka, D; Sullivan, D; Moon, D (2002): Using CALPUFF to evaluate the impacts of power plant emissions in Illinois: mode sensitivity and implications. Atmos. Environ. Vol 36(6):1063-1075.
Zhou, Y; Levy, JI; Hammitt, JK; Evans, JS (2003): Estimating population exposure to power plant emissions using CALPUFF: a case study in Beijing, China. Atmos. Environ. Vol. 37(6):815-826
Other Preferred/Recommended Dispersion Models |
|---|
| BLP |
| BLP is a Gaussian plume dispersion model designed to handle unique modeling problems associated with aluminum reduction plants, and other industrial sources where plume rise and downwash effects from stationary line sources are important. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Cases/Post-processors (ZIP)(231 K) |
| Model Documentation |
| User's Guide (PDF)(206 pp, 5.8 M, 1980) User's Guide Addendum (PDF)(17 pp, 505 K, 1991) Model Change Bulletin (TXT)(1 K, 1999) |
| CALINE3 |
| CALINE3 is a steady-state Gaussian dispersion model designed to determine air pollution concentrations at receptor locations downwind of highways located in relatively uncomplicated terrain. CALINE3 is incorporated into the more refined CAL3QHC and CAL3QHCR models. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(442 K) |
| Model Documentation |
| User's Guide - Unabridged (PDF)(184 pp, 7.6 M, 1979) User's Guide - Abridged (PDF)(34 pp, 108 K, 1979) Latest Model Change Bulletin (TXT)(6 K, 1989) |
| CAL3QHC/CAL3QHCR |
| CAL3QHC is a CALINE3 based CO model with queuing and hot spot calculations and with a traffic model to calculate delays and queues that occur at signalized intersections; CAL3QHCR is a more refined version based on CAL3QHC that requires local meteorological data. Both models are available below. |
| Model Code |
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CAL3QHC Executable (ZIP)(235 K)
CAL3QHCR Executable (ZIP)(917 K)
|
| Model Documentation |
| CAL3QHC User's Guide (PDF) (98 pp, 2.4 M, 1995) Latest CAL3QHC Model Change Bulletin (TXT)(5 K, 2004) CAL3QHCR User's Guide (PDF)(96 pp, 209 K, 1995) Latest CAL3QHCR Model Change Bulletin (TXT)(3 K, 2013) |
| CTDMPLUS |
| Complex Terrain Dispersion Model Plus Algorithms for Unstable Situations (CTDMPLUS) is a refined point source gaussian air quality model for use in all stability conditions for complex terrain. The model contains, in its entirety, the technology of CTDM for stable and neutral conditions. CTSCREEN is the screening version of CTDMPLUS. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(842 K) |
| Model Documentation |
| User's Guide Supplement (PDF)(5 pp, 60 K, 1993) User's Guide, Volume 1 (PDF)(210 pp, 7 M, 1989) User's Guide, Volume 2 (PDF)(77 pp, 2 M, 1990) User's Guide for Terrain Preprocessor (PDF)(180 pp, 6 M, 1988) User's Guide for Meteorological Preprocessor (PDF)(166 pp, 5 M, 1989) Final Report (PDF)(484 pp, 16 M, 1987) Latest Model Change Bulletin (TXT)(5 K, 1993) |
| OCD |
| Offshore and Coastal Dispersion Model Version 5 (OCD) is a straight line Gaussian model developed to determine the impact of offshore emissions from point, area or line sources on the air quality of coastal regions. OCD incorporates overwater plume transport and dispersion as well as changes that occur as the plume crosses the shoreline. Hourly meteorological data are needed from both offshore and onshore locations. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable (ZIP)(9 M) |
| Model Documentation |
| User's Guide (ZIP)(369 M) User's Guide Supplement (PDF)(204 pp, 3 M, 1989) Latest Model Change Bulletin (TXT)(6 K, 2000) |