Web-Based Decision Support Systems: Supporting Air Quality Monitoring Networks, Science, and Regulations Bret A. Schichtel, National Park Service Rudolf.

Web-Based Decision Support Systems:Supporting Air Quality Monitoring Networks, Science, and Regulations

Bret A. Schichtel, National Park ServiceRudolf B. Husar, Washington University

AbstractIt is recognized that the value of air quality data increases as it get more, and proper, use in data and modeling analyses and assessments. In the United States, over the past 15 years a number of web-based decision support systems (DSS) have been developed to increase the distribution and use of air quality data. This course presents an overview of how DSSs have been used to support air quality monitoring networks, improving the program’s management and communication and collaboration with users; and how the availability and integration of data from multiple networks and data analysis and visualization tools can be used to enhance and increase the efficiency of scientific investigations and implementations of air quality regulations. The course uses the Datafed (http://www.datafed.net/), IMPROVE (http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/improve/), VIEWS (http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/views/), and WRAP Technical Support System (http://vista.cira.colostate.edu/tss/), for real world examples of successful DSSs. In addition, a brief overview of metadata standards for describing and sharing air quality data and database architectures for storing data and implementation technologies is presented.

Course Topics• Air quality issues and management• Decision support system and its key components• The need and use of a DSS to support air quality management• DSS architectures• Datafed – A distributed DSS for technical assessments and regulatory

support• DSS’s in support of visibility monitoring networks, science, and

regulations– Introduction to visibility science and regulations– Introduction to the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments

(IMPROVE) aerosol and visibility monitoring networks and program– The IMPROVE website for supporting the national monitoring program and

technical/scientific assessments • Creating a transparent and traceable monitoring program

– The Visibility Information Exchange Web System (VIEWS) and WRAP Technical Support System (TSS) for supporting the Regional Haze Rule

Ambient Air Quality Effects

• Health effects– Criteria pollutants - common and detrimental to

human welfare: PM, O3, CO, NOx, SOx, Lead – Hazardous air pollutants – known or suspected to

cause cancer or other serious health effects

• Visibility effects– Aerosols and gases reduce visibility

• Ecological effects– Acid rain – Excess nitrogen deposition modifying ecosystems– Mercury

• Climate Change– …

Unite States Air Quality Regulations

• Most U.S. air quality regulations are derived from the 1970 clean air amendment and it amendment in 1977 and 1999– Air quality standards: Set air quality standards which cannot be

exceeded• National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

– PM10, PM2.5, O3, CO, SOx, NOx, lead

• Regional Haze Rule– Protect visibility in remote sensitive areas

– Emission standards - limit the emission rates of pollutants• National emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP)

• States are responsible for implementing the regulations and develop State Implantation Plans (SIP) to mitigate exceedences of standards

The Air Quality Problem

Air Quality management

• What are the current air quality conditions?– Measure relevant pollutants

• Is there a problem?– Compare measured concentrations to standards and goals

• Where did the pollutants come from?– Source apportionment assessments using modeling and data analyses

• What strategies are used to mitigate air quality problem– Emission control and modeling scenarios– State implementation plans defining the plan for action

Scientific and Technical Foundation

–Monitoring• Emissions• Ambient air quality• Health and exposure• Ecosystems• Meteorology

–Analysis•Models (e.g. air quality, emissions)•Economics•Health and ecological risk assessment

–Research•Public health and ecosystem studies• Laboratory studies (e.g., air chemistry, toxicology)

–Development• Source control technology• Monitoring technology

2.) Designing and Implementing Control Strategies

3.) Assessing Status and Measuring Progress• Emissions trends• Air quality trends• Health effects trends• Ecosystem trends• Institutional accountability

• Emissions standards• Ambient air quality standards• Reducing acid deposition• Reducing regional pollution• Protecting visibility

• Source control technology requirements• Emissions caps and trading• Voluntary or incentive-based programs• Energy efficiency• Pollution prevention (e.g., product substitution and process alteration)• Compliance assurance

1.) Setting Standards and Objectives

–Source: National Academy of Science–http://www.nap.edu/books/0309089328/html

–National Research Council Air Quality Management Schematic

Air Quality Management Needs• Air quality management require extensive sets

of data and tools to perform assessments and develop implementation plans

• Much of this information is reusable for multiple and future assessments

• However, there often many resistances in finding, accessing, evaluating and/or using the needed data and tools

• Decision support systems can help to reduce and remove these resistances

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