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While the MOVES emission model used in project-level air quality analyses can be used to estimate emissions for any road grade, it has not been validated for non-zero road grades
NCHRP 25-55 made ground-breaking recommendations for the design and implementation of an enhanced model evaluation process (EMEP) for air quality analyses for transportation, including in particular that model evaluations be
Background concentrations (BCs) for project-level “hot-spot” analyses for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) included in NEPA documentation are typically high relative to the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) set by
Objective: Develop methods to characterize and mitigate harmful effects of non-exhaust (tire wear, brake wear, re-entrained road dust) motor vehicle pollutant emissions to water quality, air pollution, and environmental and
Comparisons of alternative build and no-build scenarios in project-level air quality analyses for NEPA and conformity typically focus on comparisons of emissions and/or ambient concentrations of specific pollutants, including greenhouse
EPA suggested in response to a comment in the last MOVES Model Review Workgroup that grade-specific drive cycle data (second-by-second speeds) be used instead of model default data (which generally
The objective for this study would be to compile information on the state of the practice among state DOTs for using microscopic traffic simulation in support of project-level air quality
State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) conduct project-level air quality analyses for the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and to meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) transportation conformity
Comparisons of alternative build and no-build scenarios in project-level air quality analyses for NEPA and conformity typically focus on comparisons of emissions and/or ambient concentrations of pollutants, namely greenhouse gases
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s preferred air dispersion model for refined transportation project analyses, AERMOD is used to model roadway “link” source using AREA, VOLUME, LINE, RLINE, or
Emission factors versus speed curves generated using the MOVES3 model exhibit very anomalous behavior at higher road grades that are within the range encountered in project-level air quality analyses for
Regulatory requirements for conducting quantitative project-level analyses for particulate matter (PM) were introduced by EPA with the release of the MOVES model in 2010. This proposed study would prepare a
The recently completed NCHRP study (20-05 Topic 51-18 Practices for Project-Level Analyses for Air Quality) included a recommendation for the development of a template guidance document for the preparation of
This research will identify promising analytical techniques that enable four-step planning models, used to produce region-wide estimates of vehicle activity data, to interface with modal emission rate models. The research
Many users of EPA’s MOBILE model are developing regional or local fleet characterization data to more accurately predict mobile source emissions. Vehicle identification number (VIN) decoder software is often used
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Research Need Met FHWA, Assessing the Effects of Freight Movement on Air Quality at the National and Regional Level, Final Report, April 2007 http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/FREIGHT/docs/publications/federal/FHWAFrtAirQualRep1.pdf Given
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. PART5 calculates exhaust emission factors for primary emitted particulates, brake and tire wear emissions, and re-entrained
State and local transportation and air quality agencies have limited knowledge of the full range of options to reduce PM2.5 from transportation sources. PM10 nonattainment areas around the country have
TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Project funded as NCHRP 25-25-59 in 2009 The effect of control strategies on both PM and ozone is important because many areas of the country
TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Funded as NCHRP Project 25-25, Task 42 http://www.trb.org/TRBNet/ProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=1660. TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Task reported completed Nov. 2008. The US EPA emission factor document called
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) – International Association of Ports and Harbors – TOOL BOX FOR PORT CLEAN AIR PROGRAMS; HOW TO CONDUCT AN EMISSIONS INVENTORY, December 2007 http://www.iaphworldports.org Research
Background: Federal guidance[1] requires detailed emission modeling for mobile source air toxic emissions (MSATs) for transportation projects that meet certain traffic and other criteria. As the development of the requisite
Treat sections of those roadways with a limited set of commercially viable dust pallatives and/or surfacing materials.
Roadway access management has been shown to be highly effective in terms of improving both traffic safety and traffic flow. Crash rate reductions of between 40 and 50 percent are
TERI Administrator Note (Feb 2009) Related Research: Diesel Retrofit Technology – An Analysis of the Cost-Effectiveness of Reducing Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from Heavy-Duty Nonroad Diesel Engines Through
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. Background: Millions of dollars are spent annually on air quality (mobile source-related) public education programs Objectives
TERI Database Administrator Notes: Not recommended at present time by 2009 Air Quality Subcommittee. With so many new areas likely to be designated nonattainment under EPA’s revised 8-hour ozone standard,
The environmental performance of public transportation services plays a key role in improving air quality in urban areas. Replacing vehicles’ current engines with innovative propulsive systems may be an effective
Investigate the potential benefits of converting traditional cross intersections to modern roundbouts.
Using data from one state, conduct a statistical analysis to show the degree to which vehicle miles traveled and 1) accident rates and 2) cost of accidents correlate. Auto insurance
Background Truck freight operations are a major source of air pollutants, including criteria pollutants, toxic air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Although the 2008-2010 recession has led to recent reductions
Background The concurrent introduction in the past year of models (MOVES2010 and AERMOD) and guidance new to project-level “hot-spot” analyses poses significant challenges for state DOTs and other agencies with
TERI Administrator Note – Selected as FY12 NCHRP Project 25-38 RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT In the March 2, 2010 Federal Register (FR), EPA approved and announced the availability of the Motor
I. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT There is a renewed interest nationally and internationally in vehicular emissions, particularly as it relates to the formation of greenhouse gases. To date, there has been
TERI Administrator Note: Selected as NCHRP 25-25 (70) Screening level procedures for quantitative mobile source air toxics (MSATs) analyses for transportation projects are needed to provide state and other transportation agencies
Traffic flow has many adverse effects on its surroundings. Efforts to improve traffic operations traditionally focus on some of these factors, such as trip time and stop delay, and try
Ultrafine particles (UFP) can be defined as having at least one dimension that is less than 100 nanometers. Because of their dimensions, they exhibit unique properties that affect atmospheric transport
Freight transportation is a major contributor of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants in the U.S. Much of these emissions are due to truck operations, which have relatively higher emissions
Heavy on-road vehicle freight transportation is a significant contributor of green house gas and other pollutant emissions. Much work has been done to reduce emissions through mandated changes in vehicle
Given that many states are moving forward with climate adaption plans or state regulations that require transportation plans to include climate change strategies a look at conformity/air quality implications from
The project would generally involve a panel of state DOTs and EPA with a mandate to develop sample project-level studies (modeling and documentation) for particulate (and carbon monoxide and NO2
NESHAP applies to demolition and “renovation” (modification); requires prior inspection for presence of asbestos and remediation prior to demolition/renovation if possible; what’s the best way and time/place to do that? Is it necessary
EPA’s 1-hour NO2 standard is low enough to potentially cause problems, and they require near-road monitoring to determine attainment. What are the best methods for modeling roadway and rail (non-electric) NO2 microscale impacts?
If a project has known lead-contaminated soils, what are the best management practices for construction and maintenance activities in those areas for purposes of both worker safety and protection of nearby areas?
Problem Statement: Climate change, energy security and air quality concerns are at the forefront of contemporary challenges in the transportation sector. High quality travel behavior data provides an important input
There are several types of models used in analyzing highway emission impacts to air quality for both regional analysis and project or hotspot analysis. These models include traffic operations, transportation
When applying MOVES (MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulator) in project-level PM (particulate matter) conformity analysis, link-based traffic characteristics are required at local on-road level so as to ensure realistically representation of
The way one drives has an impact on the instantaneous and total emissions produced for a given trip. Driving style has an impact on microscopic (second by second) vehicle activities
An efficient and robust surface highway transportation system is essential for continued economic growth of the US. Conversely, vehicle emission has increasingly resulted in adverse impact on air quality and environmental
Introduction – The medium and heavy duty trucking industry sector could be responsible for 300-400 million metric tons of CO2 by 2030 (World Resource Institute). The same sector currently accounts for
With the rapid development of new energy passenger vehicles and high speed rail, heavy duty trucks will likely become the major greenhouse gas (GHG) emission contributor in transportation sector. In
The recent concurrent introduction of models (MOVES2010, CAL3QHCR and AERMOD) and associated guidance new to federally-required project-level “hot-spot” analyses poses significant challenges for state DOTs and other agencies with responsibilities in project implementation.
Scope: This project will enhance current methods and modeling tools to quantify the benefits of a diversified transportation fuel mix. Benefits to be evaluated include the value of reduced fluctuation in
Scope: South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) promotes expedited implementation of advanced zero and low emission transportation technologies in Southern California to achieve air quality standards. In case of high
Scope: Zero and near-zero emission transportation technologies such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles are critical element in California’s strategy in achieving energy security and in reducing emissions of greenhouse
Scope: Background: Efforts to develop and deploy clean energy, and transportation technologies that use clean energy (e.g., electric power), are impacted by fluctuating fossil fuel prices. Incentives to deploy clean energy that
Scope: (1) The objective would be to develop potential regulatory and incentive mechanisms to accelerate deployment of IMO Tier 3 marine vessels to U.S. ports. (2) Key tasks would be
Scope: Background concentrations representative of a project area are the most critical information needed for transportation projects subject to the new guidance for quantitative hot-spot analyses of particulate matter (PM). The
Scope: Transitioning to use of cleaner energy in transportation has the potential to address multiple needs including energy security, energy cost certainty, local air quality, and climate. Many of these benefits
Scope: The AASHTO Air Quality Community of Practice May 2012 draft report “Establishing and Coordinating Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets State-of-the-Practice” recommended an NCHRP study to: “advance the state-of-the-practice for establishing
Effective December 20, 2012, a new era in air quality analyses for transportation projects began as federal transportation conformity rule requirements and associated guidance issued by the US EPA for
The proposed study would develop a practical guide for (or compendium of) mitigation measures for air quality for typical highway and transit projects that, ultimately, may serve as the basis
Successful research efforts require identifying all of the conditions and unknowns surrounding the area of interest and then defining them. This requires developing a plan for conducting research which identifies
Background: Construction activities can produce fugitive dust and exhaust emissions of criteria pollutants from heavy duty construction equipment. The AASHTO Air Quality Community of Practice issued State of the Practice
Section 1113 of MAP-21 addresses the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program and provides for “optional programmatic eligibility” as follows: (1) IN GENERAL.—At the discretion of a metropolitan
The development of standard reference cases for modeling various project types and pollutants would benefit state DOTs that are transitioning to the new federal models and guidance for project-level air
DOTs and other agencies working on transportation-related air quality issues are under increasing financial and environmental constraints. Several of these agencies put forward research ideas and fund research projects in
In 2012, the EPA MOVES model became a requirement for air emissions modeling on transportation projects. In addition to MOVES, EPA regulations require dispersion modeling using one of two allowable
November 2012 Proposal: Effective December 20, 2012, a new era in air quality analyses for transportation projects begins as regulatory requirements issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
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
In 2012, a template for NEPA/conformity documentation for project-level air quality analyses was completed as NCHRP 25-25 (Task 71), (See “Templates for Project Level Analysis Using MOVES, CAL3QHC/R and AERMOD”,
Templates for modeling of various typical transportation project types would be developed in this proposed study. The modeling would be conducted using the latest updates to US EPA models and
Regulatory-mandated air quality analysis, such as SIP analysis, transportation conformity determinations, and project level evaluations typically require the use of multiple models (model chain) to analyze a complex chain of land use
Federal and state objectives for streamlining project development may be supported in general by the development and implementation of programmatic agreements (PAs) and, where federal requirements for transportation conformity apply,
The recently completed NCHRP 08-83 study (see excerpt below) on “Analytical Travel Forecasting Approaches for Project-Level Planning and Design” addressed project-level transportation modeling in detail but only addressed air quality
While there are a number of published studies that provide information to state and local agencies about the potential emission reduction benefits of control strategies that are designed to reduce
There are many air pollution emission components associated with motor vehicles, which historically have been subjected to stricter and stricter environmental controls, including running exhaust, crankcase running exhaust, cold start,
The use of mobile source emissions models is inescapable for many regulatory, planning, and research applications in the air quality and transportation field. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MOVES
The purpose of this research is to evaluate modeling techniques and ambient measurements to comprehensively understand and explain vehicle emissions contributions to local air quality. The research will consist of
Note: This research idea was short-listed at the 2015 TRB meeting of the Project-Level Subcommittee of the Transportation and Air Quality Committee (ADC20). The broader research problem to be addressed
The NCHRP 25-25 Task 78 study (2015) successfully developed templates for programmatic agreement (PA) and associated technical documentation that are designed to be implemented by state DOTs to streamline project-level
Most recently, NCHRP 25-25 Task 78, developed templates for a PA for CO hot-spot analysis and identified needed research areas to develop PAs for PM hot spot analyses and MSAT
In 2007, the National Research Council (NRC) issued the landmark report “Models in Environmental Regulatory Decision Making” (http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11972/models-in-environmental-regulatory-decision-making). It assessed EPA’s use of computer models in developing regulations and recommended
Summary Statement: Research is needed in fusing together public and private commodity flow and operational datasets describing the light and heavy truck shipments between supplies and buyers. The data fusion
The designation and classification of areas as nonattainment areas has significant impact on that area. It requires developing both policy and technical approaches to bring the area back into attainment.
This research will provide information on the sensitivity of ambient air quality to project-level traffic and other key inputs in the traffic, emission and dispersion modeling chain including meteorological inputs.
Summary Objective: The objective of this research is to provide guidelines and best practices for practitioners for developing spatial and temporally detailed vehicle fleet and activity estimates for input to
The purpose of this research is to evaluate dispersion models and understand their current limitations using data collected from tracer studies conducted at locations with complex real-world traffic flow patterns.
Electric vehicle charging stations are becoming more commonplace in many states but vary as to type and format and usage-there is no consensus as to how they should be funded
RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT Interstate highway improvement projects that are deemed to have traffic noise impacts result in near-road barrier walls being constructed or expanded. Although the barriers are designed and
The Congestion Management and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) has existed since 1991 providing benefits by reducing air pollution. This program has evolved over the years and will be entering
Background: New vehicle technologies, publically sponsored programs, and public-private partnerships designed for various reasons but applicable to reduce vehicle-generated emissions have been emerging for a decade or more. These include
Background: There are several types of models used in analyzing highway emission impacts to air quality for both regional analysis and project or hotspot analysis and for both for NEPA
State DOTs would benefit from guidance that goes beyond the norm on how to conduct modeling for project-level air quality analyses and addresses which modeling inputs are the most cost-effective
This project aims to model the environmental effect of a new form of car sharing system with free-floating vehicles. The free-floating vehicle system, unlike traditional car-sharing systems, is based on
The objective of this project is to develop guidance on how to apply microscopic traffic simulation models to project level emissions analysis, focusing specifically on vehicle trajectory information. This project
To comply with the transportation conformity requirements, state and local transportation agencies use various transportation strategies designed to reduce air pollutant emissions in nonattainment and maintenance areas by improving traffic
For project level analysis using MOVES model, detailed link level activity (volume, speed, source type mix, etc.) information are used to estimate link level emission rates or total emissions. Studies
This research would analyze the new California Truck Survey data to develop MOVES model inputs and compare inputs developed from this survey with other sources. It would also provide suggestions
The objectives of this research will be to better understand the contribution of extended idling (hoteling) by heavy-duty diesel trucks to state and local emissions inventories, and to assist local
The transportation conformity regulation (40 CFR Parts 51 and 93) has been amended repeatedly since “Conformity provisions first appeared in the Clean Air Act Amendments [CAA] of 1977 (Pub. L.
AIR QUALITY IS TYPICALLY MEASURED BY RESOURCE AGENCIES USING VERY EXPENSIVE STATIONARY MONITORING EQUIPMENT. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE BEST LOW COST AIR QUALITY SENSORS FOR DOT AIR QUALITY SPECIALISTS IS
Air quality project-level analyses (PLAs) that state DOTs are required to prepare for purposes of NEPA and the EPA transportation conformity rule have become more complicated, time-consuming and costly in
State DOTs would benefit from guidance that goes beyond the norm on how to conduct modeling for project-level air quality analyses and addresses which modeling inputs are the most cost-effective
Air quality project-level analyses (PLAs) that state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are required to prepare for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the EPA transportation
Background For purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, Federal agencies have initiated efforts on how to assess the impacts of potential GHG emissions from proposed Federal actions
On-road mobile sources are still considered a major pollution source, especially in high-density urban areas. Regulatory measures have significantly decreased the emissions from tailpipes but other uncontrolled emissions from brake-wear,
When a transportation project is undertaken, an air quality analysis may be required to meet federal and/or state requirements related to U.S. EPA transportation conformity regulations, NEPA, associated FHWA guidance,
The objective of this project is to develop guidance on how to apply microscopic traffic simulation models to project level emissions analysis, focusing specifically on vehicle trajectory information. This project
Background On January 18, 2017, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published the final performance measure rule (PM3) under MAP-21. This rule, which took effect on May 20, 2017, established CMAQ
This study would develop recommendations for future research topics for air quality, climate change and energy, i.e., a research roadmap. Recommendations would be developed to cover all available NCHRP funding
NCHRP 25-25 Task 104 recently completed updates to templates for a programmatic agreement (PA) for project-level air quality analyses for carbon monoxide (CO). The templates were designed to be customized
Air pollution across the nation has improved significantly over the past 20 years. Nonetheless, in highly populated area, sensitive populations living adjacent to high volume roadways are exposed to air
A major update to the MOVES emission model used in air quality analyses of transportation improvement projects is expected later this year, which may result in significant changes to forecast
Traffic volumes dropped substantially across the nation as a result of stay-at-home policies implemented during the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in improved air quality which in turn can lead to improved
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