A Critical Review of Four Types of Air Quality Models Pertinent to MMS Regulatory and Environmental Assessment Missions

A Critical Review of Four Types of Air Quality Models
Pertinent to MMS Regulatory and Environmental Assessment Missions

The Minerals Management Service (MMS), Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, announces the availability of a new study report, A Critical Review of Four Types of Air Quality Models Pertinent to MMS Regulatory and Environmental Assessment Missions. This report provides comparative information on several air quality models that might be used for four distinct purposes: Regional-scale Dispersion Models, Lagrangian Trajectory Models, Toxic Release Models, and Steady-state Gaussian Models.

For each model reviewed, information is provided for each of 20 categories or attributes that describe the model's underlying science and credibility, ease of use, computational requirements, cost, availability, and computer language and interface. In addition to narrative information, each model is numerically rated for 17 of the 20 categories, leading to a ranking of candidate models suitable for the four purposes mentioned above.

This project was undertaken to provide information useful to MMS in selecting air quality models for use in-house, or by offshore oil and gas operators, to predict air quality impacts from OCS operations. The project was performed by Earth Tech, Inc., of Concord, Massachusetts, under the leadership of Joseph Chang.

Copies of the report can be obtained from the Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, at a charge of $12.00 by referencing OCS Study MMS 98-0050. This report will also be available from the National Technical Information Service in the near future. These addresses are provided below. Copies are also available for inspection at selected Federal Depository Libraries.

Minerals Management Service
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region
Public Information Office (MS 5034)
1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394
Telephone requests may be placed at
(504) 736-2519 or 1-800-200-GULF
or FAX: (504) 736-2620
INTERNET: http://www.mms.gov/

U.S. Department of Commerce
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, Virginia 22161
(703) 487-4650 or FAX: (703) 321-8547
Rush Orders: 1-800-336-4700

MMS Internet website address: http://www.mms.gov/
24 hour Fax-on-Demand Service: (202) 219-1703

This page is maintained by Jacklyn Johnston
Last updated on Wednesday March 31 1999.

FOR RELEASE:	December 1998