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An investigation into using the CALMET/CALPUFF modeling system for assessing atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Chesapeake Bay

Conference ·
OSTI ID:351033
 [1];  [2]
  1. Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources, Annapolis, MD (United States). Power Plant Research Program
  2. ERM, Inc., Exton, PA (United States)
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Power Plant Research Program (PPRP) has a long-standing interest in the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. A plan has been developed for the ten tributary regions in Maryland that feed into the Chesapeake Bay. Possible reductions in NO{sub x} deposition rates achievable from reductions in airborne NO{sub x} due to Clean Air Act mandates for power plants are of interest in helping to meet the nutrient reduction targets. The Regional Acid Deposition Model (RADM) has been used to estimate NO{sub x} deposition quantities and the extent of the airshed for the Chesapeake Bay. The CALMET/CALPUFF modeling system, recently made available to the public via EPA`s Technology Transfer Network (TTN), is a meteorological and concentration/deposition modeling system that offers a great deal of flexibility for modeling airborne NO{sub x} deposition and for possibly complementing the RADM analyses. A study by PPRP is underway to explore different ways in which the CALMET/CALPUFF modeling system can provide insights into magnitudes, sources, and possible reductions of NO{sub x} deposition to the Bay. The Penn State/NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM4) gridded data set for 1990 has been used for meteorological inputs, and EPA`s 1990 National Emissions Inventory for NO{sub x} has been used to derive source inputs. The CALPUFF analysis is being conducted to provide information in three primary areas: first, detailed deposition estimates for the northern part of the Chesapeake Bay around Baltimore; second, source or source group-specific estimates of deposition in the receptor region for both local and distant sources; and third, time series of deposition patterns throughout the receptor region. This paper reports on the experiences gained in preparing and running the CALMET/CALPUFF system, and on the preliminary results of the analysis of NO{sub x} deposition to the Chesapeake Bay.
OSTI ID:
351033
Report Number(s):
CONF-970677--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English