WESTAR
Regional Technical Center Project
Title:
Regional Modeling Center Demonstration
Objective: The
purpose of the project is to utilize EPA’s Models-3 modeling system to
demonstrate, through a series of episodic runs, a functioning, regional system
to simulate meteorology, dispersion, and chemical transformation of emissions
in the Pacific Northwest. This
project will establish the basis for future regional modeling efforts to
fulfill regulatory requirements and will provide a guide for adjoining areas
or States with similar needs.
Background: Regional
Modeling: The concept
of a Regional Modeling Center is based on a centrally run computer simulation
of meteorology, dispersion, and chemical transformation of emissions as they
travel to receptor areas. Impacts
to particular areas may occur from increased ambient concentrations, higher
levels of wet or dry ground deposition, or visual obscurations when looking at
points of interest. By attempting
simulations centrally, all emissions and transport conditions for a large area
can be assessed concurrently which is a requisite for addressing the newer
federal standards such as regional haze, visibility degradation, and
tropospheric ozone. The analysis
can then be compared to comprehensive monitoring network data for verification
and improvement.
Models-3: EPA
has been developing a tool for use in regional modeling assessments for a
number of years. This system,
called the Models-3 Framework, addresses a number of issues that have
traditionally been difficult and time consuming tasks associated with large
domain, comprehensive simulations.
For example, Models-3 includes the following:
1) A modular code structure to allow easier incorporation of new
techniques and procedures; 2) A
standardized data structure for efficient flow of information through the
process steps; 3) A complete set
of pre- and post-analysis utilities; 4)
A nationwide default dataset of background layer emissions; and, 5) A
graphical user interface.
Northwest
Team: Because
of the Department of Ecology’s (Ecology’s) participation in a unique group
of air quality regulators, land managers, and research professionals, we are
proposing in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff,
the development of a two year regional modeling center demonstration for the
Pacific Northwest. This would
reflect a collaborative effort between EPA, Washington State University, and
Ecology staff and would analyze areas of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and lower
British Columbia, Canada. Although
Models-3 is a relatively new simulation system, support from EPA HQ RTP
scientists and Northwest Meteorology Consortium, as well as recent successes
in the Southwest Ozone Study (ozone study using CalGrid) and MM5 diagnostic
modeling, uniquely prepares our group for this regional effort.
Description of Work:
This two
year project consists of the following four tasks:
Initialize CMAQ:
This task would include the transformation and testing of Ecology’s
existing emission inventory (recent Southwest Ozone Study) with the Models-3
dispersion model CMAQ. The Southwest Ozone Study event has already been well
documented and can offer a highly comparable reference for CMAQ initialization.
This evaluation would study ozone formation only.
Develop Emission Inventory: This
task would develop an aerosol inventory for Washington and would assist Oregon
and Idaho in production of an ozone- and aerosol-ready inventory.
To ensure consistency, one of the initial efforts in the development of
the inventories will be to convene a workshop where techniques and quality
control/quality assurance methods are defined.
Demonstrate Aerosol Case:
This task is the primary focus of the project and would result in the
development and demonstration of a comprehensive haze/visibility simulation for
the Pacific Northwest. As such,
this demonstration would assess impacts from emission inventories for the
baseline year of 1999 showing calculated degradations of both fine particulate
and visibility. This evaluation
would study ozone and secondary particulate formation.
Implement Models-3 Framework: The
Models-3 framework is a tool for all scientists within a large study to
collaboratively work on a project. The
framework incorporates a graphical tool set that allows the technical steps of a
project to be visualized and ensures an easier transfer of information and
technique to all parties involved. This
can be significant as project areas grow and data complexity increases.
Deliverables: Specific
work products include: 1)
Interstate emission inventory for the study area;
2) Midterm review report and presentation; and, 3) A final report and demonstration of the centralized
modeling system. A key element of
this project will involve transferring knowledge gained to emission inventory
and modeling staff in the WESTAR member states to increase their understanding
of the technical and organizational requirements of multi-state regional
modeling.
Qualifications:
Work group has already been established and
includes: 1) Ecology staff; 2) Staff from Oregon and Idaho Departments of Environmental
Quality; 3) Washington State
University researchers (Prof. Brian Lamb and staff);
4) EPA (Region 10 and HQ staff from Research Triangle Park, NC).
Estimated Cost:
Projected financial resources:
Ecology
$65,000.
EPA
$100,000.
WESTAR
$100,000.