This paper presents and demonstrates, through a case study, an integrated modeling framework of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new mobile emission model MOVES (Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator) and a simulationbased dynamic traffic assignment (SBDTA) model for projectlevel emissions analyses. Specifically, this research focuses on the methodology and integration process that automates the extraction and conversion of traffic activity data to MOVES' required inputs. The emissions differences between using MOVES default drive schedule and using local specific operating mode distribution inputs are also explored. The integration approach is useful to support transportation conformity analyses required by law in the United States.
On March 10, 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule requiring transportation conformity analysis of project-level particulate matter (PM) in nonattainment and maintenance areas for projects of air quality concern. Since then the agency has released a public draft on transportation conformity guidance for quantitative hot spot analyses in PM2.5 and PM10 nonattainment and maintenance areas in which MOVES and EMFAC in California are designated as the official mobile emission models. The official air quality models are AERMOD and CAL3QHCR. The public draft requires detailed handling of emission and air quality data, which is a new requirement for state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations. The use of MOVES and AERMOD for transportation conformity analysis is showcased with priority given to the setup and running of the models with their respective data inputs in accordance with the transportation conformity guidance. Details of the input data preparation for MOVES and AERMOD, MOVES emission factor generation, sensitivity test results from MOVES, and the importance of interagency consultation process are presented. This showcase is an extended effort toward better understanding of the conformity process and setup of the models. Results from a real-world case study are presented as examples of the conformity process.
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