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The
URBan EMISsions (URBEMIS) 2007 model (version 9.2.4), which estimates air
pollution emissions from a wide variety of land use projects, is now
available. The latest version of the model has been rewritten in Microsoft.net and offers many new features. The model's format has been revised to
make it easier to use. When starting URBEMIS, seven steps are shown to guide
the user from start to finish. The software for the model, as well as
the user manual, can found on the URBEMIS
2007 for Window (version 9.2.4) website.
The URBEMIS 2007 model uses the California
Air Resources Board's EMFAC2007 model for on-road vehicle emissions and the
OFFROAD2007 model for off-road vehicle emissions. Two new pollutants have
been added: PM2.5 and carbon dioxide. Construction phases can now be added
and removed by the user, and phases can overlap. The Construction report for
daily emissions is displayed as a series of "time slices" that represent
emissions associated with overlapping and non overlapping phases. The time
slice that represents the maximum emissions for each pollutant is underlined
for easy recognition. Area Source and Operational data entry forms have been
redesigned for easier data input. Mitigation measure control efficiencies
have also been updated.
URBEMIS 2007 version 9.2.4 was released February 2008 to
include the first plug-in module that allows the user to create and save a
file that lists individual pieces of construction equipment that can be
assigned to a project's construction phase. Version 9.2.2 was released September 2007
(an update to the original version 9.2.0 released in June, 2007) and a
training class was conducted on September 19, 2007, to discuss the new
features of the updated model, as well as guide the user through the
mechanics of the model. The training session was
webcast and the archive is
available for viewing. In addition, the
training overhead presentation (2.5 kb, ppt
file) is also available.
Major enhancements for the version 9.2 include:
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Improved appearance and organization of URBEMIS to make it easier and more
intuitive for the novice user while providing more options for the power
user.
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Fixed
bugs discovered in version 8.7.
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Uses
EMFAC2007 emission factors (for on-road mobile sources).
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Allows
the user to select air basin and county specific EMFAC and default files.
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Uses
OFFROAD2007 emission factors (for off-road mobile sources).
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Allows
all construction phases to overlap.
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Allows
the user to specify additional construction phases.
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Enhanced procedure for estimating and mitigating architectural coating
emissions.
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Refined estimates of default construction equipment based on data
collected by the air districts.
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Improved reporting capabilities, including selectable emission estimates,
plus reporting for two additional pollutants: PM2.5 and CO2
The program changes reflected in the previous URBEMIS model versions 8.7.0
and 7.5.0 can be found on
the Frequently Asked Questions page.
For
technical support, please e-mail comments or questions to
ceqa_admin@aqmd.gov Please
provide a contact name, phone number, address and e-mail address.
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