PHASE II DDM FOR CAMx PROBING TOOLS

Project No. A-64

Leaders:   A. M. Dunker
                  R. S. MacArthur

Scope and Objective

The objectives of this project are to (1) complete more rigorous testing and evaluation, and (2) demonstrate probing tools in relevant database.

Current Status and Future Program 

Several probing tools are emerging for PM models. These include DDM (decoupled direct method), PSAT (particulate source apportionment technology), and PA for CAMx; and TSSA (tagged species source apportionment) and PA for CMAQ.  Later tasks of the original probing tools project (A-51), including full-scale testing, were not funded.  The approach to be used in this study will include using a Regional Planning Organization (RPO) modeling database to give the results a real-world application.

The project is being conducted by ENVIRON, the A-51 contractor.  ENVIRON is working with the CMAQ TSSA developers at the University of California at Riverside to collaborate with an RPO or leverage the existing applications that are being used.  The project will yield a final report and/or journal papers on probing tool implementation and comparison with updated CAMx source code if changes result from extensive testing.  These results will help encourage use of probing tools by states and EPA in PM and visibility modeling for improved diagnostics leading to better modeling and more detailed understanding of source contributions and/or sensitivities. 

The committee scheduled a start date of September 2007 to allow completion of Projects A-56 and A-63 by ENVIRON.  ENVIRON completed the modeling plan for the study and the committee approved a small expansion of the project scope to explicitly track NOx area and point sources.  Project A-64 is scheduled for completion in 2008.

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