Title: The Effects of Uncertainties in Fire Emissions Estimates on Predictions of Texas Air Quality
Institution(s) Represented: The University of Texas at Austin - Elena McDonald-Buller, ENVIRON International - Chris Emery
Lead PI: Elena McDonald-Buller
AQRP Project Manager: Dave Sullivan
TCEQ Project Liaison: Clint Harper
Awarded Amount: $106,970.00
Abstract
The Effects of Uncertainties in Fire Emissions Estimates on Predictions of Texas Air Quality
Wildland fires and open burning can be substantial sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), which are precursors to ozone formation, as well as particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3). Fire emissions are often transported over long distances and can contribute to exceedances of air quality standards at local and regional levels. Achieving attainment with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone has been the primary focus of State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for Texas. Accurate characterization of fire events is necessary for understanding their influence on measured ambient concentrations, for providing a weight of evidence for exceptional event exclusions if necessary, and for conducting air quality modeling for planning and attainment demonstrations. In addition, if more stringent federal standards for ozone are considered in the future, emissions of its precursors from regional sources, such as fires in the Western U.S., Mexico, and Central America, that can contribute to background concentrations will become increasingly important for understanding the relative effectiveness of local and regional emissions control programs. This project examines the effects of uncertainties in fire emissions estimates on modeled ozone and particulate matter concentrations in Texas using the Fire INventory from NCAR (FINN) and the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with extensions (CAMx).
Executive Summary: projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Executive Summary.pdf
Work Plan: projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Work Plan.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Jan 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Feb 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Mar 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Apr 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 May 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Jun 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Jul 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Aug 2013 MTR.pdf
Technical Report(s): projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Sep 2013 MTR.pdf
QAPP: projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 QAPP.pdf
Final Report: projectinfoFY12_13\12-018\12-018 Final Report.pdf
