OAQPS Update NESCAUM PMC Meeting New London, CT May 30, 2007

Outline OAQPS Reorganization Update Air Quality Modeling Group Activities Model Clearinghouse AERMOD Modeling System CALPUFF Modeling System Next Steps

Immediate Office Health and Environmental Impacts Division Air Benefit and Cost Group Ambient Standards Group Sector-Based Assessment Group Climate, International and Multi-Media Group Air Quality Policy Division Geographic Strategies Group State and Local Programs Group Integrated Implementation Group Operating Permits Group Air Quality Assessment Division Air Quality Modeling Group Measurement Technology Group Air Quality Analysis Group Ambient Air Monitoring Group Emissions Inventory and Analysis Group Outreach and Information Division Tribal, Community and Urban Programs Group Voluntary and Innovative Programs Group Outreach Group Information Transfer Group National Air Data Group Sector Policies and Programs Division Program Design Group Measurement Policy Group Metals and Minerals Group Coatings and Chemicals Group Natural Resources and Commerce Group Energy Strategies Group Policy Analysis and Communications Staff Washington Operations Staff Central Operations And Resources Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards

Air Quality Modeling Group Conducts air quality modeling for regulatory and policy assessments –e.g., NOx SIP Call, Heavy Duty Diesel, Nonroad Rule, Clear Skies, CAIR, CAMR, NAAQS RIAs Provides guidance for the application of air quality models for SIP demonstrations and NSR/PSD permitting –Appendix W, O3/PM/RH Guidance Partners and coordinates w/ others (e.g, ORD, scientific community, etc) on model evaluations and development efforts NOAA Branch w/in our division provide meteorological & dispersion modeling expertise

FY06 Accomplishments Regulatory/policy modeling –CAIR/CAMR/CAVR petitions for reconsideration –Developed CMAQ-based RSM for PM2.5 –PM NAAQS & OTAQ Rules –Pulp & Paper sector modeling –ICAP & related international modeling projects Permit modeling –AERMOD Promulgation & Implementation –8 th Modeling Conference & R/S/L Modelers workshop –Model Clearinghouse & RO coordination SIP Modeling Guidance & Support –O3 & PM/RH Modeling Guidance for SIP Demos –Detroit Multi-pollutant Pilot Study (ongoing) Coordination w/ ORD and scientific community –CMAS, AMD/AQMG retreat, NARSTO, monthly meetings –Hg tagging source appt into CMAQ & sensitivity analyses

FY07 Focus Areas 2002 Multi-pollutant Modeling Platform Integrated O3/PM/RH SIP Modeling Guidance Regulatory/Policy Modeling –O3 NAAQS, O3/PM Implementation, OTAQ rules, 812 Study –RTR & 2002 NATA, Sector initiatives, Mercury NSR/PSD Permit Modeling –Model Clearinghouse and R/S/L technical support –AERMOD/CALPUFF Implementation & Updates Modeling Infrastructure Investments –Multi-pollutant ‘hybrid’ modeling capability (CMAQ/AERMOD) –Sector-based, Multi-pollutant Source Appt Techniques –Deposition Modeling & Linkages w/ Eco, Watershed & Related Models –Multi-pollutant response surface modeling w/ CMAQ Accountability/Multi-pollutant Report

Need for Improved Modeling Support In May 2006, the ROs presented two recommendations to the Air Division Directors: –OAQPS need to enhance its technical expertise regarding the “new generation” of near-field models –OAQPS needs to accelerate its reinstatement of an active and effective Model Clearinghouse to provide technical expertise for permitting and SIP applications OAQPS has responded and taken actions

40CFR, Part 51, Appendix W, Section 3.3 states “As appropriate, the Regional Office may request assistance from the Model Clearinghouse after an initial evaluation and decision has been reached concerning the application of a model, analytical technique or data base in a particular regulatory action.” Appendix W – Model Clearinghouse

Formal Clearinghouse Process State contacts Region Region writes memo to clearinghouse: –Statement of Issue –Desired approach –Justification Clearinghouse facilitates solutions and writes formal response Clearinghouse summarizes & archives decisions: –Searchable database (MCHISRS) via web access (SCRAM) –Present summary at annual Regional/State/Local workshop –Write annual report OAQPS develops guidance as appropriate: Policy memo, EPA Report, Rule Making

Clearinghouse helps to insure consistency! Timely interpretation of guidance (as issues arise) Minimizes bad precedents: –Get in early on issues –Memoranda provide essential support to regions, states and locals Guidance development through consensus building

AERMOD Modeling System AERMOD Implementation Workgroup –Co-chairs = Roger Brode & Randy Robinson –Guide OAQPS resources on model development w/ AERMIC & community –3 State-led subgroups on ASOS/MET issues, surface characteristics, & urban issues AERMIC reinstituted wrt science issues Update to AERMOD Regulatory Code –January 2007 AERSCREEN/AERSURFACE Tools Gridded MET tool development

CALPUFF Modeling System Update to Regulatory Approved Version –June 2006, Version 5.7 to 5.711a Issues with planned update to VISTAS version –Discussions across Federal agencies –BART apps separate from NSR/PSD –Engaged TRC through VISTAS –Despite delays and frustrations, value of update process and need for community to work together demonstrated Update outcome to be resolved soon (we hope!) –Need to clarify role/responsibility/expectations of model developer and modeling community

Next Steps: Items of Interest AIWG outcomes & report AERMOD & CALPUFF updates AERSCREEN & AERSURFACE release Gridded MET tool demo Model Clearinghouse upkeep & usage Continued interaction with policy staff Potential for “Interim” Modeling Conference