Air Quality Modeling with AERMOD is EnviroMod University’s introductory course in air modeling for industrial permitting and other regulatory applications. Most modeling scenarios, from construction permits to risk assessments to environmental impact studies, use techniques taught in this class.
Air Quality Modeling with AERMOD has been a continuous highlight of EnviroMod University. Its popularity is reflected in the number of companies who regularly send their new modelers to "learn from the experts" at EnviroMod University. Anyone from new modelers to somewhat more experienced modelers who want to brush up on their skills will benefit from Air Quality Modeling with AERMOD.
Like other EnviroMod University courses, Air Quality Modeling with AERMOD teaches students practical modeling methods and strategies. We don’t stress theory. After all, when that big modeling project looms, knowing how to organize, manage, and model the project is a lot more important than how to derive modeling equations!
In addition, we believe in the concept of "learning by doing." We intersperse lectures with hands-on exercises, allowing the student to immediately practice what has been discussed in class. We feel this approach works better than a "day of lecture, day of lab" type of class.
Location
Carriage House Inn
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
1, 301 16th Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta
Agenda
Day One We introduce students to some of the basic concepts of modeling; these are fundamentals we believe are important for any modeler. These include the US National Ambient Air Quality Standards, Canadian provincial air quality objectives, averaging periods, and how to compare model results with standards/objectives.
Then, we introduce some of the things the modeler will need to know for his or her project before the computer even gets switched on. This includes how to select and interpret meteorological data. We will focus on standard surface and upper air data, on-site meteorological data, and prognostic meteorological model (MM5)-generated meteorological data. There will be detailed exercises on how to process these data in the AERMET/AERSURFACE processors. We will show students how to properly implement and set up GEP and building downwash data (BPIP & BPIP-Prime). We will also review some of the modeling guidance and requirements for national and provincial agencies and programs.
Day Two We will focus on actual models and modeling strategies, including the latest guidance from U.S. EPA, Alberta Environment, and the British Columbia Ministry of the Environment. Current methods and guidance on "screening" modeling is presented, along with hands-on modeling with the SCREEN3 for Windows modeling software. We then dive into refined modeling strategies, including placing receptors, entering source data, and choosing model options. We will have a detailed session on using elevation data and processing it with AERMAP. We also look at how to create high-quality graphics for use in your modeling report. These hands-on exercises help reinforce the subjects presented.
Finally, we wrap things up by "putting it all together." Our final modeling exercise uses AERMOD and BEE-Line Software’s BEEST for Windows enhanced user interface to it.
By the end of this course, students should be prepared to return to the office, and, with a little practice, perform most modeling studies on their own.
To summarize, this course includes:
- Basics of computer modeling
- Fundamentals of modeling & air pollution meteorology
- Overview of provincial and national modeling guidance
- GEP, building downwash, & BPIP-Prime
- Screening techniques using SCREEN3
- Meteorological data processing with AERMET/AERSURFACE
- Receptor grid considerations and terrain data processing with AERMAP
- Refined modeling with AERMOD
- Graphics
- Hands-on exercises for AERMET/AERSURFACE, AERMAP, SCREEN3, BPIP/BPIP-Prime, and AERMOD