AERCOARE: An Overwater Meteorological Preprocessor for AERMOD

ImplicationsA new meteorological preprocessor called AERCOARE was developed for offshore source dispersion modeling using the EPA regulatory model AERMOD. The combined AERCOARE-AERMOD modeling approach allows stakeholders to use the same dispersion model for both offshore and onshore applications. This approach could replace current regulatory practices involving two completely different modeling systems. As improvements and features are added to the dispersion model component, AERMOD, such techniques can now also be applied to offshore air quality permitting. A new meteorological preprocessor called AERCOARE was developed for offshore source dispersion modeling using the EPA regulatory model AERMOD. The combined AERCOARE-AERMOD modeling approach allows stakeholders to use the same dispersion model for both offshore and onshore applications. This approach could replace current regulatory practices involving two completely different modeling systems. As improvements and features are added to the dispersion model component, AERMOD, such techniques can now also be applied to offshore air quality permitting.