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Announcements

9/23/2011 EPA has released its draft guidance on modeling and the development of SIPs for the new 1-hour SO2 NAAQS: Guidance for 1-Hour SO2 NAAQS SIP Submissions

11/10/2010  Federal Land Managers have released FLAG 2010

10/20/2010  EPA has published in the Federal Register its final rule: Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) for Particulate Matter Less than 2.5 Micrometers (PM2.5) - Increments, Significant Impact Levels (SILs) and Significant Monitoring Concentration (SMC). 

8/23/2010  EPA has released a clarification memo regarding “Applicability of Appendix W Modeling Guidance for the 1-hour SO2 NAAQS” in conjunction with “Guidance Concerning the Implementation of the 1-hour SO2 NAAQS for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program”.

6/28/2010  EPA has released a clarification memo regarding “Applicability of Appendix W Modeling Guidance for the 1-hour NO2 NAAQS” in conjunction with “Guidance Concerning the Implementation of the 1-hour NO2 NAAQS for the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Program”.

 

 

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's Office of Air Quality Assessments (OAQA) performs local-scale dispersion modeling and regional-scale photochemical modeling.  The OAQA also issues daily air quality forecasts for localities in Virginia.

This site contains the following sections:

Dispersion Modeling - generally associated with the construction permit application process and is used to predict the air quality impact of new or modified emission sources.  Other uses of dispersion modeling include: analysis of monitored violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), assistance in planning, and the development of rules.   

Photochemical Modeling - utilizes computer models to characterize the impact of emissions originating in other states on Virginia's air quality as well as characterizing the impact of emissions originating in Virginia on other state’s air quality.  This type of modeling is conducted in house and through coordination with regional planning organizations.

Air Quality Forecasting - The air quality forecast is the most visible element of the program and is seen by a large segment of the public on local TV news weather segments.  Expected ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, in terms of color code and Air Quality Index (AQI), are forecasted by Virginia DEQ meteorologists.  These forecasts are distributed to local media (television, radio, and newspaper) and to area businesses and individuals.  The forecast and current conditions are displayed on the Virginia DEQ air quality page. Separate forecasts are issued for the Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Roanoke, and Winchester areas.

 

Employment Opportunities:  The OAQA currently has no open positions to fill.  As positions become open, OAQA will update this website with details.  In addition, job announcements can be found on the internet at the Virginia DEQ Employment website.

If you would like to be notified when we have a position for which you may be interested in applying, you may send a resume to Mike Kiss, Director - Office of Air Quality Assessments, at: Michael.Kiss@deq.virginia.gov.