Regional Air Quality Modeling Analyses

In accordance with the Clean Air Act, modeling analyses must be done for two reasons. One is to prove attainment and maintenance of the federal air quality standards. The other is to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures. Regional air quality modeling work is conducted by MAG for carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter.

The modeling process involves a wide range of technical procedures. These include developing emissions inventories, validating modeling procedures, and simulating future air quality conditions. Modeling analyses must also be performed to determine the conformity of transportation plans, programs, and projects. These analyses have been performed since the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments took effect.

It is vital to maintain, update, and enhance the air quality models to determine conformity and for preparing air quality plans. Well maintained, updated, and enhanced models produce crucial data about pollution problems in Maricopa County. These models also enable effective regional air quality planning.

MAG’s air quality modeling staff validates emissions, meteorology, and air quality models developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). This is done for air quality and emission modeling analyses.