Environmental managers at industrial facilities are often required to perform air dispersion modeling in support of air permit applications. Commercial versions of EPA-approved air dispersion modeling software offer many enhancements that can improve modeling productivity and facilitate analysis. BREEZE software, from Trinity Consultants, leads the market in feature-rich versions of popular air dispersion, fire, and explosion models used by EH&S professionals. One of these products is the AERMOD dispersion model, a next-generation model that predicts pollutant concentrations from industrial sources of continuous air emissions.

Once promulgated by EPA, AERMOD will become the required model for most air permitting applications. Recent updates to BREEZE AERMOD provide expanded capabilities to environmental professionals. The BREEZE Flowcharter, for instance, enables the modeler to view and track the modeling process. A color-coded flow chart allows the user to see what steps are complete and what data are still required, and to link directly to referenced input forms. Enhanced Map Layer Management allows the modeler to import DXF files, Shapefiles, and image files through individual wizards, streamlining the process. The Map Manager can then be used to add and manipulate the various image layers to produce a multi-dimensional image of the surrounding terrain and modeling objects. Once the set-up is complete, the user can rotate individual modeling objects by pointing and clicking with the mouse, helping to ensure accurate data quality.

When downwash from nearby buildings is a factor, the PRIME Charting tool allows modelers to depict plume response to building wake regions and cavity zones. The depiction has recently been enhanced to include plume extents, stack parameters, and meteorological conditions to help analyze particular modeling scenarios. Source/time combinations can be selected to investigate high concentration episodes.

Frequent modelers, or those who desire the most in modeling capabilities, benefit from the full GIS features available in BREEZE AERMOD/ISC GIS PRO. The integrated GIS capabilities include 3D visualization and multiple visual rendering options. A GIS can be especially important if modeling across multiple Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) zones, or when accuracy is required when placing model objects such as source, receptors, or buildings in a modeling scenario where terrain has been imported.

Due to meteorological input requirements of AERMOD and even more demanding models such as CALPUFF, modelers typically need access to high quality, preprocessed meteorological data. Trinity Consultants provides model-ready data, available online, that has been processed and quality checked by professional meteorologists. Trinity’s library of preprocessed data for locations worldwide, access to raw data, and ability to process on-site data, make Trinity the go-to source for meteorological data for modeling.

BREEZE AERMOD users, especially those new to modeling, are perhaps best served by Trinity’s value-added resources. Expert technical support, user newsletters, instructional Webinars, and top-notch technical training, provide the education and ongoing information environmental professionals need to acquire and maintain modeling skills.

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Phone: (972) 661-8881
Fax: (972) 385-9203
E-mail: breeze@trinityconsultants.com
Web: www.breeze-software.com