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Support Center for Regulatory Atmospheric Modeling (SCRAM)

Air Quality Dispersion Modeling - Related Model Support Programs

The programs and utilities listed here are used in support of some of the preferred/recommended, alternative, and screening models and include AERCOARE, AERMAP, AERPLOT, AERSURFACE, BPIP, BPIPPRM, BPIPPRM-Draft, CALMET2NCF, CALMPRO, CHAVG, CONCOR, EMS-HAP, MMIF, and MMIFstat.

Related Programs Supporting Air Quality Modeling
AERCOARE
The Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) air-sea flux procedure was coded into a meteorological data preprocessor program called AERCOARE. AERCOARE can read overwater measured hourly meteorological data or predicted hourly meteorological data from the Mesoscale Model Interface (MMIF) program. The output from AERCOARE is used by the AERMOD dispersion program in a marine environment.

An AERMOD-COARE approach was recently approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 as an alternative model to OCD for application in an Arctic ice-free environment with concurrence from the EPA Model Clearinghouse. Please reference the 2011 Model Clearinghouse formal action, record number 11-X-01. In that application, the COARE algorithm was applied to overwater measurements and the results assembled in a spreadsheet. AERCOARE replaces the need for post-processing with a spreadsheet, provides support for missing data, adds options for the treatment of overwater mixing heights, and can consider many different input data formats.
Model Code
Source Code (ZIP)(26.3 MB, 10-09-2012)
EPA is providing “beta” releases of various programs to facilitate the processing and evaluation of inputs and outputs for dispersion models. These draft programs support non-regulatory use and evaluation of dispersion models by the modeling community. Any proposed regulatory use of AERCOARE in providing inputs to dispersion models must be done in accordance with Appendix W and approved by the appropriate reviewing authority on a case-by-case basis. Beta users should send comments and any issues they find to Jay McAlpine of EPA's Region 10 Office. Users can email questions, comments, suggestions, or improvements to mcalpine.jay@epa.gov.
Model Documentation
Users Manual (PDF)(32 pp, 633 KB, 10-09-2012, 910-R-12-008)
AERCOARE Model Evaluation (PDF)(89 pp, 26 MB, 10-09-2012, 910-R-12-007)
AERMAP - Version 18081
AERMAP is a terrain preprocessor for AERMOD. AERMAP processes commercially available Digital Elevation Data and creates a file suitable for use within an AERMOD control file. This file would contain elevation and hill-height scaling factors for each receptor in the air dispersion study.
Model Code

Executable (ZIP)(2.1 MB, 03-22-2018) - 64-bit Operating Systems
Executable (ZIP)(2.0 MB, 03-22-2018) - 32-bit Operating Systems
Source Code (ZIP)(194 KB, 03-22-2018)
Test Cases (ZIP)(12.6 MB, 03-22-2018)

Model Documentation

Model Change Bulletin #4 - Version Date 18081 (TXT)(1 KB, 03-22-2018)
Model Change Bulletin #3 - Version Date 11103 (TXT)(2 KB, 04-13-2011)
Model Change Bulletin #2 - Version Date 09040 (TXT)(16 KB, 02-09-2009)
Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 06341 (TXT)(12 KB, 12-07-2006)
User's Guide (PDF) (136 pp, 1 MB, 03-22-2018)

Elevation Data Access

Data Sources and Conversion of Elevation Data for AERMAP (PDF)(4 pp, 233 KB, 04-07-2020)

Related Procedure
XYZ Elevation Data Preparation and Entry Procedure (ZIP)(1.6 MB, 11-16-2000) - This file contains the user's guide, test case and a readme file.
SDTS to DEM Format Conversion Program (ZIP)(209 KB, 12-22-2005)
 
AERPLOT - Versions 16216 and 13329

AERPLOT is a tool that converts the AERMOD.PLT (AERMOD plot file) output to a .KMZ (Google Earth) format for convenient receptor, contour, and gradient plotting. Receptors and contours are plotted and colored according to the respective concentrations. Source locations and source shapes can optionally be plotted. Version 16216 is the latest release version.

Model Code

README (TXT)(6 KB, 08-03-2016)
Version 16216 - Executable (ZIP)(6.7 MB, 08-03-2016)
Version 13329 - Executable (ZIP)(6.7 MB, 11-25-2013)

Model Documentation

AERPLOT Release Notes - Version 16216 (TXT)(6 KB, 08-03-2016)
AERPLOT Release Notes - Version 13329 (TXT)(6 KB, 11-25-2013)
 

AERSURFACE - Version 20060
AERSURFACE is a tool that processes land cover data to determine the surface characteristics for use in AERMET.
Model Code

Executable (v20060) (ZIP)(1.4 MB, 02-29-2020) - AERSURFACE executable (64-bit for Windows)
Executable (v20060) (ZIP)(1.4 MB, 02-29-2020) - AERSURFACE executable (32-bit for Windows)
Source Code (v20060) (ZIP)(1.2 MB, 02-29-2020) - AERSURFACE source code, with batch files to recompile using the gfortran, Absoft, and Intel Fortran compilers.

Model Documentation

AERSURFACE v20060 Transmittal Memo (PDF)(5 pp, 175 KB, 04-06-2020)

README (TXT)(3 KB, 02-29-2020) - AERSURFACE README File

Model Change Bulletin #3 - Version Date 20060 (PDF)(2 pp, 132 KB, 02-29-2020)
Model Change Bulletin #2 - Version Date 19039 (TXT)(4 KB, 02-08-2019)
Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 13016 (TXT)(5 KB, 01-16-2013)

User's Guide (PDF)(174 pp, 17.3 M, 02-29-2020, 454-B-20-008) - AERSURFACE User's Guide

AERSURFACE Test Cases (ZIP)(91.8 MB, 03-31-2020) - AERSURFACE test case for RDU (2016 NLCD)

Impervious Canopy Simulator (XLSX)(100 KB, 03-23-2020) - Simulate implementation of impervious and canopy data in assignment of surface roughness length to 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 developed categories

AERSURFACE UG Appendix_G_Intercomparison 2001 NLCD (ZIP)(385 MB, 03-31-2020) - Input/output files for AERSURFACE intercomparison provided in the AERSURFACE User's Guide as "Section 11 Appendix G: Inter-comparison of AERSURFACE," including inter-comparison of AERSURFACE and AERMOD results based on 2001 NLCD (2011 edition)

AERSURFACE UG Appendix_G_Intercomparison 2016 NLCD (ZIP)(1.1 GB, 04-02-2020) - Input/output files for AERSURFACE intercomparison provided in the AERSURFACE User's Guide as "Section 11 Appendix G: Inter-comparison of AERSURFACE," including inter-comparison of AERSURFACE and AERSURFACE results using 2001 NLCD (2011 edition) compared to the 2016 NLCD.

Land Surface Data Access

NLCD Sources for AERSURFACE, Version 20060 (PDF)(9 pp, 1.6 MB, 04-23-2020)
 

BPIP
Building Profile Input Program (BPIP) is a PC-based program designed to incorporate the concepts and procedures expressed in the Good Engineering Practice (GEP) technical support document, Guideline for Determination of Good Engineering Practice Stack Height Revised (PDF)(101 pp, 4 MB, 06/01/1985, 450-4-80-023R), building downwash guidance, and other related references that correctly calculate building heights (bh) and projected building widths (pbw) for simple, multi-tiered, and groups of structures. This program is often used with the ISC3 model. This most recent version of BPIP, 04/21/04, has been upgraded with allocatable arrays while maintaining the basic functionality of the program.
Model Code
Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(276 KB, 04-29-2004)
Model Documentation
README (TXT)(1 KB, 04-29-2004)
User's Guide (PDF)(86 pp, 317 KB, 02-08-1995, 454-R-93-038)
User's Guide Updates (PDF)(6 pp, 13 KB, 04-21-2004, 454-R-93-038)
Model Change Bulletin #5 - Version Date 04112 (TXT)(57 KB, 04-29-2004)
Model Change Bulletin #4 - Version Date 95086 (TXT)(2 KB, 03-27-1995)
Model Change Bulletin #3 - Version Date 95039 (TXT)(31 KB, 02-08-1995)
Model Change Bulletin #2 - Version Date 94074 (TXT)(33 KB, 03-15-1994)
Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 93320 (TXT)(1 KB, 01-19-1994)
BPIPPRM (v04274) - Regulatory
Building Profile Input Program for PRIME (BPIPPRM) is the same as BPIP but includes an algorithm for calculating downwash values for input into the PRIME algorithm which is contained in such models as AERMOD. The input structure of BPIPPRM is the same as that of BPIP and is often used with the ISC3 model. For more information, see the BPIP User's Guides.
Model Code
Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(323 KB, 12-07-2004)
Model Documentation
README (TXT)(5 KB, 12-07-2004)
Addendum to the ISC3 User's Guide containing BPIPPRM documentation (PDF)(13 pp, 229 KB, 12-05-1997)
Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 04274 (TXT)(44 KB, 12-07-2004)
BPIPPRM (v19191_DRFT) - Draft

We are pleased to announce that a draft version (19191_DRFT) of the BPIPPRM building preprocessor is now available for informal review, testing, and comment. This draft version of BPIPPRM is not a replacement for version 04274 and should not be used in a regulatory context.  BPIPPRM version 19191_DRFT is being released simultaneously with AERMOD version 19191 to facilitate testing and evaluation of the ALPHA options associated with building downwash that were incorporated into AERMOD version 19191. In addition, the EPA is requesting feedback on the changes incorporated into this draft version of BPIPPRM for consideration in a future version of BPIPPRM that will replace version 04274.

Refer to the Transmittal Memo and the Model Change Bulletin related to this draft version of BPIPPRM (19191_DRFT) for a complete description the updates and usage. Please note, that the updates to this draft version are limited in that they only apply to rectangular buildings and tiers that are oriented at an angle to the wind flow. Non-rectangular buildings and tiers are unaffected, and complex building configurations which comprised of a mixture of rectangular and non-rectangular tiers have not been tested. Again, the primary purpose of this draft version is to facilitate testing and evaluation of the ALPHA downwash options in AERMOD version 19191.

The EPA would appreciate written informal comments no later than November 4, 2019. Please send questions and provide feedback to Clint Tillerson through email at tillerson.clint@epa.gov
Model Code
Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(1.4 MB, 08-21-2019)
Model Documentation
BPIPPRM, Version 19191 DRFT, Transmittal Letter (PDF) (7pp, 275 KB, 08-21-2019)
Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 19191 (PDF)(1p, 34 KB, 08-21-2019)
CALMET2NCF - Beta
The CALMET2NCF program allows users to convert multivariate gridded environmental datasets created by the CALMET meteorological model into netCDF format. This beta release of this program is written in Fortran 90 (f90) and C. These new files can then be visualized using the Visualization Environment for Rich Data Interpretation (VERDI).Exit The CALMET2NCF users’ guide documents the program functionality, installation instructions, and shows example illustrations of CALMET output. There are currently 2 distributions of this code, one with all third party libraries (CALMET2netCDF_Libraries.tar.gz) and one with just pre-compiled executables (CALMET2netCDF.tar.gz).
Model Code
Source Code (GZ)(13 MB, 08-02-2012)
Pre-compiled Executables (GZ)(9 MB, 08-06-2012)
EPA is providing “beta” releases of various programs to facilitate the processing and evaluation of inputs and outputs for dispersion models. These draft programs support non-regulatory use and evaluation of dispersion models by the modeling community. We will be providing an overview of these beta programs as part of the 10th Modeling Conference in mid-March 2012 and welcome comments on these tools. Beta users should send comments and any issues they find to Chris Misenis of EPA/AQMG. Users can email questions, comments, suggestions, or improvements to misenis.chris@epa.gov.

As necessary, we may provide updates for certain programs when necessary, but we are not currently supporting or maintaining these programs for regulatory applications. Based on input from the modeling community and our own assessment of these tools, we will determine if they should be considered for regulatory use and, if so, would need to undertake the necessary efforts to provide appropriate guidance and other supports for such use.
Model Documentation
Users Guide (PDF)(26 pp, 904 KB, 08-06-2012)
CALMPRO
Calms Processor (CALMPRO) is a meteorological processor which provides consistent application of handling calms by setting the wind direction of the calm hour to the last reported wind direction and the wind speed to 1 m/s.
Model Code and Documentation
Code/Test Case/Readme (ZIP)(12 KB, 04-21-1989)
Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 84152 (TXT)(2 KB, 05-22-1989)
CHAVG
CHAVG is a post-processor program for computing running averages (averages that begin each hour and overlap) and end-to-end averages (averages that do not overlap) from hourly concentrations files.
Model Code and Documentation
Code/Test Case/Readme (ZIP)(32 KB, 04-25-1989)
Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 81180 (TXT)(2 KB, 05-22-1989)
CONCOR
CONCOR is a program for converting latitude/longitude coordinates to UTM or UTM coordinates to latitude/longitude.
Model Code and Documentation
Code/Executable/Test Case/Readme (ZIP)(31 KB, 08-21-1990)
Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 90239 (TXT)(2 KB, 08-27-1990)
EMS-HAP
The Emissions Modeling System for Hazardous Pollutants (EMS-HAP) is an emissions processor that performs the steps needed to process an emission inventory for input into the ASPEN model or the ISCST3 model. EMS-HAP is written in the SAS programming language and is designed to run on any UNIX workstation. The user will need a SAS license and some knowledge of SAS to use this program.
Model Code
EMS-HAP Modeling System (ZIP)(146 MB, 01-08-2009)
Model Documentation
Descriptive Statement (PDF)(1 p, 12 KB, 08-17-2004)
Version 2: User's Guide (PDF)(452 pp, 5 MB, 08-01-2002, 454-B-02-001) - For reference only.
Version 3: User's Guide (PDF)(448 pp, 3 MB, 08-30-2004, 454-B-03-006)
MMIF

The Mesoscale Model Interface Program (MMIF) converts prognostic meteorological model output fields to the parameters and formats required for direct input into dispersion models. Supported dispersion models include AERMOD, SCICHEM, and CALPUFF. This beta release of MMIF specifically processes geophysical and meteorological output fields from the Fifth Generation Mesoscale Model (MM5, version 3) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model (Advanced Research WRF [ARW] core, versions 2 and 3). The program diagnoses certain required parameters that are not directly available from various versions of MM5 or WRF. It also offers the option to directly pass through planetary boundary layer (PBL) heights from the meteorological models, or to independently diagnose them from other variables. The MMIF user’s guide documents MMIF v3.3 and includes descriptions of the algorithms, the program code, user input, and runtime instructions. A MMIF Change Log is provided to account for notable changes from the original MMIF release in 2009. The remainder of this section provides background information.

Users should send any discovered technical bugs or issues to Chris Misenis of EPA/AQMG. Users can email questions, comments, suggestions, or improvements to misenis.chris@epa.gov.

Model Code
MMIFv3.4.1 - Source Code (ZIP)(2 MB, 03-11-2019)
MMIFv3.4.1 - Test Problems (no MM5 or WRF files included)(ZIP)(256 MB, 07-26-2018)
MM5 and WRF files used in the Test Problem for all versions of MMIF (ZIP)(3.0 GB, 10-14-2011)
Model Documentation

User's Guide (PDF)(72 pp, 338 KB, 03-11-2019)
MMIF Change Log - Version 3.4.1 (TXT)(16 KB, 03-11-2019)

Guidance on the Use of the Mesoscale Model Interface Program (MMIF) for AERMOD Applications (PDF) (21 pp, 565 KB, 04-23-2018, 454-B-18-005)
Evaluation of Prognostic Meteorological Data in AERMOD Applications (PDF) (183 pp, 8.3 MB, 04-23-2018, 454-R-18-002)

MMIFstat - Beta
The MMIFSTAT program generates time series data and estimates model performance metrics by comparing user supplied observation data with CALMET formatted meteorological data. This beta release of MMIFSTAT was developed through funding from the National Park Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and EPA Region 10.
Model Code
Source Code (ZIP)(296 KB, 02-26-2010)
MMIF Macro Spreadsheet (XLS)(149 K, 02-26-2010)
EPA is providing “beta” releases of various programs to facilitate the processing and evaluation of inputs and outputs for dispersion models. These draft programs support non-regulatory use and evaluation of dispersion models by the modeling community. We will be providing an overview of these beta programs as part of the 10th Modeling Conference in mid-March 2012 and welcome comments on these tools. Beta users should send comments and any issues they find to Chris Misenis of EPA/AQMG. Users can email questions, comments, suggestions, or improvements to misenis.chris@epa.gov.

As necessary, we may provide updates for certain programs when necessary, but we are not currently supporting or maintaining these programs for regulatory applications. Based on input from the modeling community and our own assessment of these tools, we will determine if they should be considered for regulatory use and, if so, would need to undertake the necessary efforts to provide appropriate guidance and other supports for such use.
Model Documentation
Users Guide (PDF)(18 pp, 343 KB, 02-22-2010)

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