13th Conference on Air Quality Modeling
On October 23, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling (13th Modeling Conference). The conference, mandated by Section 320 of the Clean Air Act, focused on proposed revisions to Guideline on Air Quality Models (CFR Title 40, Part 51, Appendix W) and enhancements to the formulation and application of the EPA’s near-field dispersion modeling system, AERMOD. The conference also served as the public hearing for this proposed rule. The public was invited to attend and participate in the conference and public hearing.
Conference Details:
The 13th Modeling Conference was conducted on November 14th and 15th, 2023 in the EPA Nantahala Auditorium, Room C111, of the EPA RTP Campus at 109 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The conference was formally conducted and chaired by an EPA official. The conference will started each morning at 8:30 am and conclude each afternoon by 5:00 pm. The first half of the conference consisted of a structured agenda with presentations. The second half of the conference was be reserved for the public hearing on the proposed revisions to the Guideline on Air Quality Models. .
- Final Agenda - Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling (PDF) (2 pp, 191K, 11-15-2023)
Disclaimer: The material linked in the Final Agenda above were presented during the proceedings of the Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling. The information contained in some of these presentations may not reflect U.S. EPA policy and should not be considered as an official endorsement of the Agency.
Transcripts and Audio Recordings:
- Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling - Session 1 Transcripts (PDF)(34 pp, 289 KB, 11-14-2023)
- Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling - Session 1 Audio Recording (MP4)(2.0 GB, 11-14-2023)
- Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling - Session 2 Transcripts (PDF)(49 pp, 366 KB, 11-14-2023)
- Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling - Session 2 Audio Recording (MP4)(2.6 GB, 11-14-2023)
- Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling - Session 3 Transcripts (PDF)(41 pp, 310 KB, 11-15-2023)
- Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling - Session 3 Audio Recording (MP4)(2.3 GB, 11-15-2023)
- Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling - Session 4 Transcripts (PDF)(2 pp, 88 KB, 11-15-2023)
- Thirteenth Conference on Air Quality Modeling - Session 4 Audio Recording (MP4)(79 MB, 11-15-2023)
Proposed Rule Information:
On October 12, 2023, the EPA Administrator signed a proposed rule that would revise the Guideline on Air Quality Models (Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51, "Guideline"). The Guideline has been incorporated into EPA’s regulations, satisfying a requirement under Clean Air Act (CAA) section 165(e)(3)(D) for the EPA to specify, with reasonable particularity, models to be used in the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. It provides EPA-preferred models and other recommended techniques, as well as guidance for their use in predicting ambient concentrations of air pollutants.
The EPA is proposing revisions to the Guideline, including enhancements to the formulation and application of the EPA’s near-field dispersion modeling system, AERMOD, updates to the recommendations for the development of appropriate background concentration for cumulative impact analyses, and various typographical updates to the existing regulation.
- 2023 Guideline on Air Quality Models (PDF) (43 pp, 908 KB, 10-23-2023) ("Appendix W" to 40 CFR Part 51) - Federal Register Version of Proposed Rule
- Rule Docket (ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0872)
- 2023 Appendix W Propose Rule Informational Webpage
Please direct any additional questions concerning the 13th Conference on Air Quality Modeling or related to the proposed rulemaking to Mr. George Bridgers, email: Bridgers.George@epa.gov.