Projects
Data Analysis and Interpretation
WRAP - Regional haze analyses, Web development, and database design
ARS played a key role in the development of the WRAP (Western Regional Air Partnership) Technical Support System (TSS) (http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/tss/), a Web-based portal to technical data and analytical results required to support the air quality planning needs of western states and tribes. ARS conducted a number of Webinar and classroom training sessions with WRAP stakeholders, and future work will incorporate a one-atmosphere approach, integrating analyses of ozone, particulates, mercury, and deposition. ARS also hosts and operates WRAP's Emissions Data Management System (EDMS), a Web-accessible database which provides a consistent, complete, and regional approach to emissions data management and tracking (http://www.wrapedms.org). Future plans include direct linkages between the EDMS and the TSS.
MMS - Gulf of Mexico Air Quality Database
ARS teamed with ICF International to support a Gulf of Mexico data compilation and analysis project for the Minerals Management Service. ARS' contribution is the development of a Gulf of Mexico Air Quality Database and user interface to organize and serve up 15 years' worth of ambient air quality, particulate, meteorological, and emissions data.
VISTAS - Regional haze and PM non-attainment analyses
ARS scientists support VISTAS (the Visibility Improvement State and Tribal Association of the Southeast) with regional haze analyses. ARS finalized a variety of speciated aerosol analyses for Class I areas, meteorological back trajectories, and visual image modeling to understand causes and effects of regional haze, PM2.5 analyses for Environmental Protection Agency non-attainment areas, and supporting methods documentation.
Environment Canada - Lessons learned from the U.S. Regional Haze Rule
On behalf of Environment Canada, ARS conducted a survey of key stakeholders in the U.S. Regional Haze Rule (RHR) process. To ensure a broad representation of the lessons learned, the survey included participants from the EPA, Regional Planning Organization (RPO) leadership, U.S. Federal Land Managers (FLMs), state representatives, a key consultant, and industry stakeholders. Survey questions focused on stakeholders' perceptions of:
- The usefulness and limitations of monitoring, emissions and modeling methodologies, resulting datasets, and tracking metrics.
- Policy considerations and agency roles within the RHR process.
- Expected effectiveness of haze reduction strategies and meeting RHR milestones.
- Specific lessons British Columbia (and other regions in Canada) can learn from the U.S. experience in developing a visibility program.
