Research Idea Details

Research Idea Scope

Current US DOT guidance specifies 140 to 150 thousand
in average daily traffic (ADT) volume as the effective threshold, applicable
across the nation, for conducting quantitative assessments of mobile source air
toxic (MSAT) emissions. The primary focus of the proposed study would be to
work with the US DOT to develop a template that state DOTs may apply to
establish local (higher) thresholds for quantitative analyses, based on
modeling conducted using state-specific data. The deliverables from the
proposed study would include both modeling files as well as template language
for the programmatic agreement.

As resources permit, the proposed study may also
conduct analyses as needed to support streamlining quantitative analyses for
projects that exceed the thresholds by:

1.  For
individual projects, focusing modeling on the project links (and eliminating
network modeling for related links), and/or 2. For multiple projects underway
at the same time, combining analyses (e.g. using one sub-regional MSATs
analysis) as an option used at the discretion of state DOTs. (Based on a
proposal submitted for the 2013 TRB; see: http://www.trbairquality.org/projectpage/.)

Urgency and Payoff

The proposed study would help streamline the
environmental clearance process for projects by reducing the time and resources
required for quantitative MSAT analyses. This is consistent with both MAP-21
and the federal Every Day Counts initiative.