Air Quality Modeling

Stationary source air quality modeling is used to determine whether air quality standards are met for new and existing source permitting. Although air quality modeling is used in other ways - for example, compliance - this website has been designed to supply information for people completing air quality modeling for new or existing source permitting.

Stationary Source

Air quality dispersion modeling is performed to assess the impact of an air pollution source on the surrounding environment. The impact is quantified by predicting the concentration of the pollutant at ground level and then comparing that result to a reference level. The most commonly used reference for comparison is the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency to protect human health and welfare. Each standard is defined in terms of pollutant, averaging time, and level where health is protected with an adequate margin of safety (primary standard) or a level necessary to protect public welfare from unknown or unanticipated effects (secondary standard).

Stationary Source Related links:

Regional Background Concentrations [PDF, 164KB]
Air Quality Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Modeling Links
Meteorological Data
Prevention of Significant Deterioration
WDNR Dispersion Modeling Guidelines [PDF, 184KB]
Who to Call

Permits and Modeling