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LAKES SOFTWARE NEWS & EVENTS

Monthly Newsletter - February 2024

Compliance Corner: Navigating the Regulatory Realm

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Particulate Matter (PM) to safeguard millions of Americans from the harmful health impacts associated with particulate pollution.


This decision, made on February 7, 2024 is detailed on the US EPA website and aims to reduce the risk of health issues such as heart attacks and premature death. PM pollution, particularly PM2.5, has been scientifically linked to a range of severe illnesses. The EPA is setting the primary annual PM2.5 standard at 9.0 micrograms per cubic meter, based on available health science, to increase public health protection.


While this update strengthens certain standards, the EPA is not altering the current standards for the 24-hour PM2.5 standards (both primary and secondary), the secondary annual PM2.5 standard, or the primary and secondary PM10 standards. Additionally, the EPA plans to improve public communication regarding PM2.5 exposure risks by revising the Air Quality Index and enhancing the monitoring network to better protect communities burdened by air pollution.


Take control of your air quality management with Lakes Environmental! Our AERMOD View solution facilitates permitting activities, including evaluation of the new PM2.5 standard, to help our clients ensure compliance with regulations, and assess community-wide impacts of particulate matter.


Our AQMIS environmental management system empowers regulatory agencies to comprehensively evaluate PM-related impacts, and provides the public with access to the AQMIS Air Quality Index (AQI) to enhance communication and safeguard public health.


Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your air quality management needs!

Online AERMOD Training Course – Apr 16-17, 2024 - A Few Spots Left!

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Don't miss your chance to attend our online AERMOD training taking place on April 16 and 17, 2024 from 8:30am to 5:00pm (Central Time – Chicago, USA).


Register now before space is gone!


Note: Due to the immense popularity of our online courses and small class sizes, we recommend registering and making payment as soon as possible.


Course:

AERMOD (Apr 16-17, 2024)

Register

Contact:

training@weblakes.com

Online AERMOD Course with CASANZ – April 30 - May 3, 2024

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Together with the Clean Air Society of Australia & New Zealand (CASANZ), we will hold an online AERMOD air dispersion modeling course. Training will take place in four, 4-hour webinars from April 30 to May 3, 2024 from 9:00am to 1:00pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) daily.


Register now before space is gone!


Note: The above course will be based specifically on regulations for the Australia/New Zealand region.


Course:

AERMOD (Apr 30 - May 3, 2024)

Register

Contact:

chez@casanz.org.au

Online CALPUFF Training Course – May 21-22, 2024

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Registrations are already rolling in for our 2-day online CALPUFF training course taking place on May 21 and 22, 2024 from 8:30am to 5:00pm (Central Time – Chicago).


Space is limited. Register today!


Course:

CALPUFF (May 21-22, 2024)

Register

Contact:

training@weblakes.com

UPCOMING TRAINING COURSES

2024 Course Schedule

Online AERMOD
Apr 16-17, 2024
Register →

Online AERMOD with CASANZ
Apr 30 - May 3, 2024
Register →

Online AERMOD
May 14-15, 2024
Register →

Online CALPUFF
May 21-22, 2024
Register →

Online AERMOD
Jun 11-12, 2024
Register →

Online AERMOD
Jul 9-10, 2024
Register →

Online AERMOD
Aug 13-14, 2024
Register →

Online AERMOD
Sep 17-18, 2024
Register →

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MODELING TIP

AERMOD View’s Concentration Converter

The AERMOD modeling system contains many flexible output options so users can define the types of output that will work best for their unique situations. Despite this flexibility, some components of AERMOD’s code are limited to specific units or file types. For example, users can modify the default emission & output units but these units are still mass-based.


To provide users with additional flexibility and customization, AERMOD View contains a Concentration Converter utility. Found in the Tools menu, the Concentration Converter generates new contour plot output files via multiple methods for converting data from existing model output.


Modeling Tip picture
Tools Menu



Modeling Tip picture
Concentration Converter Utility


First, open a contour plot file from your original model run in the “Original Plotfile” field. Next, click the Save icon next to the “Destination Plotfile” field and assign a name to the file that will contain the converted output.


The utility features three conversion methods:


1. Concentration Scale


Select this option to apply a multiplicative and/or an additive factor to the modeled concentrations. This method applies the linear transformation equation (y = [m * x] + b), and it is useful for scaling existing output without performing a full model run.


2. Averaging Time


Convert model output from a model-defined averaging period to a new period. This is most commonly employed for estimating sub-hourly averages using 1-hour average model output (which represents the minimum allowable time step in AERMOD). This option requires definition of a User-Specified conversion factor or Decay Factor. The following equation is then applied:


Cnew = Cold (Told / Tnew)q where:
Cnew = Converted concentration
Cold = Original modeled concentration
Tnew = New averaging period
Told = Original averaging period
q = Decay factor (values for q vary, please contact your regulator for guidance)


3. Unit Conversion


Another use for this utility is to convert model output to parts per million. This can make reporting values easier since air quality standards often refer to values in parts per million. This option applies the following equation:


Cppm = Cµg/m**3 x 0.02445 / MW where:
Cppm = Concentration of the contaminant
Cµg/m**3 = Modeled concentration in µg/m**3
MW = Molecular weight of contaminant
0.02445 = Constant representing the volume, in liters, of one mole of a gas at standard temperature (25°C) and pressure (1 atmosphere).


After supplying the required inputs for the desired conversion method, press the Modeling Tip picture  button to generate the converted contour plot. To visualize the new data, go to the Import menu and select the Plot Files option. Select the file in the location you saved it from the utility’s Destination Plotfile field.



Modeling Tip picture


Modeling Tip picture
Example display of a 10-minute average contour plot

Freeware

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS ARTICLES

Increased Temperature Difference Between Day and Night Can Affect All Life on Earth

February 1, 2024 - Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, have discovered a change in what scientists already knew about global warming dynamics. It had been widely accepted since the 1950s that global temperature rises were not consistent throughout the day and night, with greater nighttime warming being observed. However, the recent study reveals a shift in dynamics: with greater daytime warming taking place since the 1990s. This shift means that the temperature difference between day and night is widening, potentially affecting all life on Earth.



Read more →

Unprecedented Ocean Heating Shows Risks of World 3°C Warmer

February 1, 2024 - Record-high ocean temperatures observed in 2023 could become the norm if the world moved into a climate that is 3.0°C warmer than pre-industrial levels, according to a new study.



Read more →

Additional Environmental News

Visit the Environmental News Network (ENN), the most dependable online environmental news source!


ENN

UPCOMING CONFERENCES

2024 Conference Schedule

TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair and Conference (ETFC)
May 14-15, 2024 | Austin, TX | Booth # 1313

Learn more →


Air & Waste Management Association’s 117th Annual Conference & Exhibition
June 24-27, 2024 | Calgary, AB | Booth # 201

Learn more →

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to the sources cited. Organizations cited are in no way affiliated with Lakes Environmental Software.

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