Air Quality Dispersion Modeling - Alternative Models
This page lists some known alternative models to the preferred/recommended models listed in the Guideline on Air Quality Models, Appendix W that can be used in regulatory applications with case-by-case justification to the Reviewing Authority (Section 3.2 of Appendix W). However, inclusion here does not confer any unique status relative to other alternative models that are being or will be developed in the future. The models in this section include ADAM, ADMS, AFTOX, ASPEN, BLP, CAL3QHC/CAL3QHCR, CALINE3, CALPUFF, DEGADIS, HGSYSTEM, HOTMAC/RAPTAD, HYROAD, ISC3, ISC-PRIME, OBODM, OZIPR, Panache, PLUVUEII, SCIPUFF, SDM, and SLAB.
| Alternative Models and Documentation |
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| ADAM |
| Air Force Dispersion Assessment Model (ADAM) is a modified box and Gaussian dispersion model which incorporates thermodynamics, chemistry, heat transfer, aerosol loading, and dense gas effects. Release scenarios include continuous and instantaneous, area and point, pressurized and unpressurized, and liquid/vapor/two-phased options. |
| Model Code |
| Executables (ZIP)(271 KB, 09-21-1993) |
| Model Documentation |
| Readme (TXT)(1 KB, 05-05-2004) |
| ADMS |
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Atmospheric Dispersion Modeling System (ADMS) is an advanced dispersion model for calculating concentrations of pollutants emitted both continuously from point, line, volume and area sources, or discretely from point sources. The model includes algorithms which take account of the following: effects of main site building; complex terrain; wet deposition, gravitational settling and dry deposition; short term fluctuations in concentration; chemical reactions; radioactive decay and gamma-dose; plume rise as a function of distance; jets and directional releases; averaging time ranging from very short to annual; condensed plume visibility; meteorological preprocessor. The modeling system is available at no cost in selected circumstances. Potential users should contact Dr. David Carruthers at "David.Carruthers@cerc.co.uk" for information on acquiring the ADMS modeling system. For additional information on the ADMS Modeling System please link to the Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants Website.
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| AFTOX |
| AFTOX is a Gaussian dispersion model that will handle continuous or instantaneous liquid or gas elevated or surface releases from point or area sources. Output consists of concentration contour plots, concentration at a specified location, and maximum concentration at a given elevation and time. |
| Model Code and Documentation |
| Executable/Test Case/Readme (ZIP)(173 KB, 02-04-1994) User's Guide (ZIP)(26 KB, 02-04-1994) |
| ASPEN |
| The Assessment System for Population Exposure Nationwide (ASPEN) consists of a dispersion and a mapping module. The dispersion module is a Gaussian formulation based on ISCST3 for estimating ambient annual average concentrations at a set of fixed receptors within the vicinity of the emission source. The mapping module produces a concentration at each census tract. Input data needed are emissions data, meteorological data and census tract data. The Emissions Modeling System for Hazardous Pollutants (EMS-HAP) is needed to process the emission inputs into the ASPEN model or the ISC3 model. The ASPEN model was used in estimating annual ambient concentrations for air toxics pollutant in the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) Study. |
| Model Code |
| ASPEN Modeling System (ZIP)(3.7 MB, 01-08-2009) |
| Model Documentation |
| Descriptive Statement (PDF)(1 pg, 30 KB, 12-18-2000) User's Guide (PDF)(110 pp, 1.5 MB, 04-01-2000, 454-R-00-017) |
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The ASPEN model and the EMS-HAP Version 3.0 emission modeling system were used to estimate the ambient concentrations for the National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment for 1999. The 2005 results are available on the NATA website. The 1996 results using EMS-HAP Version 2.0 and the ASPEN model, are still available on the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) Archive Website.
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| BLP |
| BLP is a Gaussian plume dispersion model designed to handle unique modeling problems associated with aluminum reduction plants, and other industrial sources where plume rise and downwash effects from stationary line sources are important. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Cases/Post-processors (ZIP)(231 KB, 11-19-1999) |
| Model Documentation |
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User's Guide (PDF)(206 pp, 5.8 MB, 07-01-1980) |
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CAL3QHC/CAL3QHCR |
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CAL3QHC is a CALINE3 based CO model with queuing and hot spot calculations and with a traffic model to calculate delays and queues that occur at signalized intersections; CAL3QHCR* is a more refined version based on CAL3QHC that requires local meteorological data. * Please note, the grace period for the use of CAL3QHCR in PM hot-spot analyses has ended. All new PM hot-spot analyses begun after January 20, 2020 must use AERMOD. For more information, refer to EPA’s refer to EPA’s Guideline on Air Quality Models - Appendix W (PDF)(54 pp, 761 K, 01-17-2017). |
| Model Code |
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CAL3QHC Executable (ZIP)(235 KB, 09-01-2004)
CAL3QHCR Executable (ZIP)(917 KB, 07-15-2013)
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| Model Documentation |
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CAL3QHC User's Guide (PDF) (98 pp, 2.4 MB, 09-01-1995, 454-R-92-006R) CAL3QHC Model Change Bulletin #6 - Version Date 04244 (TXT)(5 KB, 09-01-2004) CAL3QHCR Model Change Bulletin #8 - Version Date 13196 (TXT)(3 KB, 07-15-2013) |
| CALINE3 |
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CALINE3 is a steady-state Gaussian dispersion model designed to determine air pollution concentrations at receptor locations downwind of highways located in relatively uncomplicated terrain. CALINE3 is incorporated into the more refined CAL3QHC and CAL3QHCR models. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(442 KB, 08-07-1989) |
| Model Documentation |
| User's Guide - Unabridged (PDF)(184 pp, 7.6 MB, 11-01-1979) User's Guide - Abridged (PDF)(34 pp, 108 KB, 11-01-1979) Model Change Bulletin #2 - Version Date 89219 (TXT)(6 KB, 08-07-1989) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 86100 (TXT)(2 KB, 05-22-1989) |
| CALPUFF Modeling System |
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CALPUFF is a multi-layer, multi-species non-steady-state puff dispersion model that simulates the effects of time- and space-varying meteorological conditions on pollution transport, transformation and removal. CALPUFF can be applied on scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers. It includes algorithms for subgrid scale effects (such as terrain impingement), as well as, longer range effects (such as pollutant removal due to wet scavenging and dry deposition, chemical transformation, and visibility effects of particulate matter concentrations). From April 2003 until January 2017, CALPUFF was the EPA preferred model for long-range transport for the purposes of assessing NAAQS and/or PSD increments. With the 2017 revisions to the Guideline on Air Quality Models (Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51), the EPA has established in Section 4.2(c)(ii) a screening approach for long-range transport assessments for NAAQS and PSD increments. This screening approach will streamline the time and resources necessary to conduct such analyses and provides a technically credible and appropriately flexible way to use CALPUFF or other Lagrangian models as a screening technique. With the establishment of the screening approach for long-range transport, CALPUFF was delisted as an EPA preferred model in the 2017 revised Guideline. Should a cumulative impact analysis for NAAQS and/or PSD increments be necessary beyond 50 km, the selection and use of an alternative model shall occur in agreement with the appropriate reviewing authority and approval by the EPA Regional Office based on the requirements of Appendix W, Section 3.2. |
| Model Code |
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The files associated with this system, e.g., executables/source code, preprocessors, associated utilities, test cases, selected meteorological data sets and documentation can be found on Lakes Environmental Software’s CALPUFF website (https://calpuff.org/). Support documents related to CALPUFF can also be found on this website. Upon entering the Lakes website, you will see the CALPUFF Model listing on the left-hand panel. To access the system code, click on the "Download" link. The most recent EPA-Approved version of the CALPUFF Modeling System includes:
For every update of the "EPA-Approved" version of the CALPUFF Modeling System, a consequence analysis is performed by USEPA using an update protocol that identifies what model changes have been made and their implications based on the analysis results. This analysis compares the base CALPUFF Modeling System (i.e., current version) with the beta (i.e., proposed updated version). |
| Support Documents |
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Previous SCRAM Website CALPUFF Modeling System Posting Reference (PDF)(4 pp, 40 KB, 08-31-2018)
Summary of Update Process (PPT)(40 pp, 3.5 MB, 09-23-2005)
A Comparison of CALPUFF Modeling Results To Two Tracer Field Experiments (PDF)(48 pp, 1 MB, 06-01-1998, 454-R-98-009)
An Analysis of the CALMET/CALPUFF Modeling System In A Screening Mode (PDF)(56 pp, 1 MB, 11-01-1998, 454-R-98-010)
A Comparison of CALPUFF with ISC3 (PDF)(50 pp, 1 MB, 12-01-1998, 454-R-98-020)
Application of CALMET/CALPUFF and MESOPUFF II to Compare Regulatory Design Concentrations for a Typical Long-Range Transport Analysis (PDF)(88 pp, 486 KB, 04-01-2002)
Peer Review of Calmet/Calpuff Modeling System (PDF)(40 pp, 1 MB, 08-28-1998) Note: Part of Appendix F and all of Appendix G are unavailable in electronic form.
Response to Peer Review Comments of CALMET/CALPUFF Modeling System (PDF)(5 pp, 16 KB, 11-01-1998)
Technical Issues Related to CALPUFF Near-field Applications (PDF)(16 pp, 145 KB, 09-26-2008)
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| DEGADIS |
| DEGADIS simulates the atmospheric dispersion at ground-level of area source dense gas (or aerosol) clouds released with zero momentum into the atmospheric boundary layer over flat, level terrain. The model describes the dispersion processes which accompany the ensuing gravity-driven flow and entrainment of the gas into the boundary layer. |
| Model Code |
| Executables (ZIP)(3.2 MB, 09-16-2012) Source Code, NMAKE files, and Recompile Instructions (ZIP)(266 KB, 09-16-2012) Test Cases, Batch Files, and Results for Comparison (ZIP)(334 KB, 11-28-2012) |
| Model Documentation |
| Readme (PDF)(12 pp, 60 KB, 09-16-2012) User's Guide (PDF)(419 pp, 9.6 MB, 11-01-1989, 450-4-89-019) Evaluation of Dense Gas Simulation Models (PDF)(114 pp, 3.5 MB, 05-01-1991, 450-4-90-018) Model Change Bulletin #8 - Version Date 12260 (TXT)(1 KB, 09-16-2012) Model Change Bulletin #7 - Version Date 92260 (TXT)(1 KB, 09-16-1992) Model Change Bulletin #6 - Version Date 91056 (TXT)(1 KB, 02-25-1991) Model Change Bulletin #5 - Version Date 90355 (TXT)(3 KB, 12-21-1990) Model Change Bulletin #4 - Version Date 90257 (TXT)(1 KB, 09-14-1990) Model Change Bulletin #3 - Version Date 90180 (TXT)(1 KB, 06-29-1990) Model Change Bulletin #2 - Version Date 90162 (TXT)(3 KB, 06-11-1990) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 90012 (TXT)(2 KB, 01-12-1990) |
| HGSYSTEM |
| HGSYSTEM is a collection of computer programs designed to predict the source-term and subsequent dispersion of accidental chemical releases with an emphasis on denser-than-air (dense gas) behavior. Available from NTIS, Order Number PB96-501960. |
| HOTMAC/RAPTAD |
| HOTMAC is a 3-dimensional Eulerian model for weather forecasting; RAPTAD is a 3-dimensional Lagrangian random puff model for pollutant transport and diffusion. These models are used for prediction of transport and diffusion processes for complex terrain, coastal regions, urban areas, and around buildings where conventional models fail. Available from MP & Associates. |
| HYROAD |
| The HYbrid ROADway Model (HYROAD) integrates three historically individual modules that simulate the effects of traffic, emissions and dispersion. The traffic module is a microscale transportation model which simulates individual vehicle movement. The emission module uses speed distributions from the traffic module to determine composite emission factors; spatial and temporal distribution of emissions is based on the vehicle operation simulations. The model tracks vehicle speed and acceleration distributions by signal phase per 10-meter roadway segment for use in both emissions distribution and for induced flows and turbulence. The dispersion module uses a Lagrangian puff formulation, along with a gridded non-uniform wind and stability field derived from traffic module outputs, to describe near-roadway dispersion characteristics. HYROAD is designed to determine hourly concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) or other gas-phase pollutants, particulate matter (PM) and air toxics - in consultation with appropriate Reviewing Authority - from vehicle emissions at receptor locations that occur within 500 meters of the roadway intersections. |
| Model Code and Documentation |
| Executable/Test Case/README (ZIP)(13.5 MB, 07-02-2002) Model Formulation (ZIP)(1.8 MB, 02-15-2003) User's Guide (ZIP) (1 MB, 07-02-2002) |
| ISC3 |
| ISC3 is a steady-state Gaussian plume model which can be used to assess pollutant concentrations from a wide variety of sources associated with an industrial complex. This model can account for the following: settling and dry deposition of particles; downwash; point, area, line, and volume sources; plume rise as a function of downwind distance; separation of point sources; and limited terrain adjustment. ISC3 operates in both long-term and short-term modes. The screening version of ISC3 is SCREEN3. ISC3 also uses the Emissions Modeling System for Hazardous Pollutants (EMS-HAP) to process an emission inventory for input into the model. The Building Profile Input Program (BPIP) and the Building Profile Input Program for PRIME (BPIPPRM) can also be used with ISC3 to correctly calculate building heights (bh) and projected building widths (pbw) for simple, multi-tiered, and groups of structures. For the status of ISC3 as a preferred model, please see the Note below. |
| Model Code |
| SHORT term (ISCST3) (ZIP)(1.7 MB, 02-04-2002) LONG term (ISCLT3) (ZIP)(390 KB, 05-07-1996) |
| Model Documentation |
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User's Guide, Volume 1 with Addendum (PDF)(390 pp, 1.4 MB, 09-01-1995, 454-B-95-003a) Model Change Bulletin #9 for SHORT term (ISCST3) (TXT)(2 KB, 02-04-2002) Model Change Bulletin #2 for LONG term (ISCLT3) (TXT)(4 KB, 05-07-1996) |
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Note: The promulgation package which establishes AERMOD as the preferred air dispersion model in the Agency's "Guideline on Air Quality Models" (Appendix W) in place of the ISC3 air dispersion model was signed by the Administrator of the US EPA on October 21. The package was then submitted to the Federal Register office and was published November 9, 2005.
This rule becomes effective December 9, 2005. Beginning one year after this date, the new model - AERMOD - should be used for appropriate application as replacement for ISC3. During this one-year period, protocols for modeling analyses based on ISC3 which are submitted in a timely manner may be approved at the discretion of the appropriate Reviewing Authority. Applicants are therefore encouraged to consult with the Reviewing Authority as soon as possible to assure acceptance during this period. |
| ISC-PRIME |
| ISC-PRIME (Plume RIse Model Enhancements) is a model with building downwash incorporated into the Industrial Source Complex Short Term Model (ISCST3). |
| Model Code |
| Source Code (ZIP)(217 KB, 08-26-2004) Executables (ZIP) (639 KB, 08-26-2004) |
| Model Documentation |
| README (TXT)(8 KB, 08-26-2004) User's Guide (PDF)(13 pp, 229 KB, 12-05-1997) Model Evaluation: ISCST3 and ISC-PRIME (PDF)(162 pp, 262 KB, 11-01-1997) - Graphics are not included in document. Complete copy is available from NTIS. (See README for ordering information.) Consequence Analysis - Available from NTIS (See README for ordering information.) Consequence Analysis for Adoption of PRIME: an Advanced Building Downwash Model (PDF)(7 pp, 22 KB, 01-21-1999) and Associated Tables (PDF)(3 pp, 24 KB, 01-21-1999) Consequences Analysis of Using ISC-PRIME over the Industrial Source Complex Short Term Model (PDF)(47 pp, 903 KB, 04-01-1998) |
| Technical Papers |
| Development and Evaluation of the PRIME Plume Rise and Building Downwash Model (PDF)(5 pp, 19 KB, 1995) Project PRIME: Evaluation of Building Downwash Models Using Field and Wind Tunnel Data (PDF)(4 pp, 32 KB, 1998) Development and Evaluation of the PRIME Plume Rise and Building Downwash Model (PDF)(34 pp, 588 KB, 10-05-1999) |
| OBODM |
| Intended for use in evaluating the potential air quality impacts of the open burning and detonation (OB/OD) of obsolete munitions and solid propellants. OBODM uses cloud/plume rise dispersion, and deposition algorithms taken from existing models for instantaneous and quasi-continuous sources to predict the downwind transport and dispersion of pollutants released by OB/OD operations. |
| Model Code |
| Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(524 K, 02-09-2010) Source Code (ZIP)(1 MB, 06-11-2007) |
Model Documentation |
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README1 (TXT)(1 KB, 06-11-2007) - install directions for version 1.3.24 Model Change Bulletin (TXT)(1 KB,06-11-2007) |
| OZIPR |
| OZIPR is a one-dimensional photochemical box model that is an alternative version of the OZIP model that deals with air toxic pollutants. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Inputs (ZIP)(907 KB, 02-09-2000) |
| Model Documentation |
| README (TXT)(2 KB, 02-01-2005) User's Guide (PDF)(43 pp, 183 KB, 08-28-2000) Guidance Document (PDF)(120 pp, 4 MB, 07-01-1989, 450-4-89-012) - Procedures for applying City-Specific EKMA. Support Document (PDF)(78 pp, 3 MB, 12-01-1999) - Also available from NTIS (TXT)(19 KB, 12-01-1999) Appendix A (PDF)(17 pp, 126 KB, 12-01-1999) Appendix B (PDF)(241 pp, 438 KB, 12-01-1999) Appendix C (PDF)(241 pp, 437 KB, 12-01-1999) Appendix D (PDF)(61 pp, 114 KB, 12-01-1999) Appendix E (PDF)(25 pp, 70 KB, 12-01-1999) Appendix F (PDF)(4 pp, 35 KB, 12-01-1999) |
| Panache |
| Panache is an Eulerian (and Lagrangian for particulate matter), 3-dimensional finite volume fluid mechanics model designed to simulate continuous and short-term pollutant dispersion in the atmosphere, in simple or complex terrain. Available from fluidyn. |
| PLUVUEII |
| A model used for estimating visual range reduction and atmospheric discoloration caused by plumes resulting from the emissions of particles, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides from a single source. The model predicts the transport, dispersion, chemical reactions, optical effects and surface deposition of point or area source emissions. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(1.9 MB, 08-29-2024) |
| Model Documentation |
| User's Guide (PDF)(116 pp, 4 MB, 10-01-1992, 454-B-92-008) User's Guide - Addendum (PDF)(24 pp, 900 KB , 06-19-1996, 454-B-95-001) Model Change Bulletin #4 - Version Date 24242 (TXT)(2 KB, 08-29-2024) Model Change Bulletin #3 - Version Date 96170 (TXT)(5 KB, 06-19-1996) Model Change Bulletin #2 - Version Date 92243 (TXT)(2 KB, 04-13-1993) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 90134 (TXT)(2 KB, 05-14-1990) |
| SCIPUFF |
| Second-order Closure Integrated PUFF Model (SCIPUFF) is a Lagrangian puff dispersion model that uses a collection of Gaussian puffs to predict three-dimensional, time-dependent pollutant concentrations. In addition to the average concentration value, SCIPUFF provides a prediction of the statistical variance in the concentration field resulting from the random fluctuations in the wind field. |
| Model Documentation |
| Model Overview (PDF)(5 pp, 18 KB, 04-27-2000) |
| SDM |
| Shoreline Dispersion Model (SDM) is a multiple-point Gaussian dispersion model that can be used to determine ground level concentrations from tall stationary point source emissions near a shoreline. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(328 KB, 01-16-1991) |
| Model Documentation |
| User's Guide (PDF)(222 pp, 4.7 MB, 09-01-1988, 450-4-88-017) Model Change Bulletin #1 - Version Date 90320 (TXT)(2 KB, 01-16-1991) |
| SLAB |
| The SLAB model treats denser-than-air releases by solving the one-dimensional equations of momentum, conservation of mass, species, and energy, and the equation of state. SLAB handles release scenarios including ground level and elevated jets, liquid pool evaporation, and instantaneous volume sources. |
| Model Code |
| Code/Executable/Test Case (ZIP)(483 KB, 04-26-2010) |
| Model Documentation |
| Model User's Guide (PDF)(150 pp, 6.2 MB, 06-01-1990) Evaluation of Dense Gas Simulation Models (PDF)(114 pp, 3.5 MB, 05-01-1991, 450-4-90-018) |