Project Level Training for Quantitative PM Hot-Spot Analyses
EPA has developed a three-day training course on completing quantitative PM hot-spot analyses according to EPA's "Transportation Conformity Guidance for Quantitative Hot-spot Analyses in PM2.5 and PM10 Nonattainment and Maintenance Areas" (the PM Hot-spot Guidance). Additional information, including a more detailed course description, is found below. There is no registration fee for this course.
Course Information
This page will be updated with the course materials as additional training sessions are scheduled.
The course is based on the November 2015 version of the PM Hot-spot Guidance and is based on MOVES2014a and AERMOD 16216r. The course materials are designed to be a resource for practitioners to reference on their own.
Please note: The course materials include a module on CAL3QHCR and associated CAL3QHCR exercises, but this model can no longer be used for PM hot-spot analyses. This model has been replaced with AERMOD as the Appendix A preferred model for refined modeling for mobile source applications. For more information, refer to EPA’s refer to EPA’s Guideline on Air Quality Models - Appendix W (PDF) (54 pp, 848 K, About PDF). Also note that this training does not include the California emissions model, EMFAC.
Course Description
This three-day course provides detailed, hands-on instruction on how to complete a quantitative PM hot-spot analysis in accordance with EPA's guidance. This course is geared towards state and local agency staff who will be completing these analyses, as well as those who may be reviewing, approving, or otherwise assessing hot-spot analyses. Previous modeling experience is not necessary, although familiarity with MOVES and air quality dispersion modeling may be helpful. The course includes class discussion and numerous hands-on exercises, including a hypothetical project that will be carried through the course as an example of a quantitative PM hot-spot analysis.
The course includes the following topics:
- An overview of the PM Hot-spot Guidance;
- Using MOVES at the project level for PM hot-spot analyses;
- Selecting an air quality model, data, and placing air quality modeling receptors;
- Using the AERMOD dispersion model for a hot-spot analysis;
- Estimating background concentrations; and
- Calculating design values.
An agenda for this course is available. As most elements of the course build on each other, participants should be prepared to attend the entire class to obtain the full benefits of any in-person training.
Download and unzip the 2018 3-Day PM Hot-spot Training Course (ZIP)(41 MB,
May 2018)
file to your laptop.Free Viewers
This important zip file contains the presentations and training materials for the course.
Contents of the PM Hot-spot 3-day Training folder (ZIP file)
- Presentations and Handouts. Contains presentations for all seven course modules and a class handout packet.
- MOVES Files. Includes the MOVES2014a run specifications, input, and output files used in the class. The MOVES model is not included in the download. See EPA’s MOVES web site to download the model.
- AERMOD Files. Includes the AERMOD model (dated 16216r) and associated input and output files used in the course. Note, the most recent version of AERMOD is available on EPA’s dispersion model website. “Administrative rights” are not required to download or run this model.
- Design Value Calculation Files. Includes spreadsheets with AERMOD output used to complete design values calculations for the example analyses.
Questions about installing MOVES should be directed to mobile@epa.gov. Questions about downloading the course materials should be directed to Laura Berry (berry.laura@epa.gov.)
Upcoming Courses
When additional sessions are confirmed, EPA will provide the date, location, and contact information here. Please contact Laura Berry to suggest a location or express interest in hosting this course.