Transportation Conformity Particulate Matter Hot-Spot Air Quality Modeling

In light of the new development in particulate matter (PM) hot-spot regulations and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation requirements, this project is intended to (1) perform and demonstrate modeling of motor vehicle–generated PM in Illinois’s PM2.5 nonattainment and maintenance areas [in IDOT Districts 1, 3, and 8 (northeastern Illinois and Metro East)], (2) identify data needs and gaps in PM2.5 hot-spot modeling, (3) gain technical insights into PM hot-spot modeling, and (4) understand uncertainties and limitations of PM hot-spot modeling. Three required regulatory models are investigated: MOVES, the latest U. S. Environmental Protection Agency mobile source emission model, and AERMOD and CAL3QHCR which are air dispersion models authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) for PM hotspot conformity analyses. For all three models, model inputs, parameters, model capability, model performance, and output are investigated thoroughly through one pilot study and three case studies - one highway project in the East St. Louis metropolitan area, and two arterial street-signal intersection projects located in both Chicago and Metro East areas. Major findings of the modeling exercises, modeling experience and insight, an/d recommendation for future work are discussed in the report.Illinois Department of Transportation R27-93published or submitted for publicationnot peer reviewe