Air quality modeling is a mathematical simulation that shows how air pollutants move and interact in the atmosphere and affect air quality. The Environment Department conducts and provides guidance to the regulated community on air modeling to check compliance with air quality standards.
An air dispersion modeling analysis must be submitted with some air quality permit applications. New Mexico Air Quality Bureau has developed guidelines to aid the dispersion modeler in developing an acceptable analysis and to facilitate the Bureau staff in expediting the review process.
Modeling guidance and information are available below.
- 2024 Modeling Guidelines (July 2024) describe the requirements and standards for submitting air dispersion modeling. (Updated PM2.5 annual standard to 9 μg/m3 and corrected order of cement handling depletion parameters in Table 28 in 2024.)
- Air Quality Control Region (AQCR) Description and AQCR map describe the use of PSD increments in New Mexico.
- Class I Area map shows areas granted special air quality protections under the federal Clean Air Act.
- Elevation Data for model input can be obtained from USGS.
- MergeMaster source retrieval is a webpage that that retrieves surrounding sources and location information. (MergeMaster database is an MS Access database alternative to the web retrieval.)
- Meteorology files ready for use in AERMOD are prepared by the AQB for certain locations.
- Modeling protocol template for fugitive sources may be used to help write a modeling protocol. (Modeling protocol for fugitives, PDF version)
- Modeling protocol template for point sources may be used to help write a modeling protocol. (Modeling protocol for point sources, PDF version)
- Modeling protocol sample is an example of a protocol submitted to AQB before running modeling.
- Modeling report form (UA4) is the modeling report that permit applicants include with a permit application.
- Modeling waiver form may sometimes be used to show that previous modeling satisfies modeling requirements for a new permit. (Note: Very small emission rate height threshold was corrected from feet to meters on March 4, 2024. Very small emission rate criteria were reduced July 27, 2023 based on recent modeling.)
- Nonattainment Areas are areas that are designated as not in attainment with air quality standards.
