PM2.5 SIP 

Appendix C 

Model Protocol for Liberty-Clairton 
{This page left blank for printing purposes} 
PM2.5 Model Protocol 

Liberty-Clairton Nonattainment Area 

Allegheny County Health Department 

Air Quality Program 

October 15, 2007 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page

1.0 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................... 1 

 1.1 PM2.5 Designations .................................................................................... 1 

 1.2 Stakeholders.............................................................................................. 1 

2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT.......................................................................................... 2 

 2.1 Modeling Area .......................................................................................... 2 

 2.2 Monitored Data......................................................................................... 2 

3.0 SELECTION CRITERIA

 3.1 Models Selection ....................................................................................... 3 

3.2 Regional Modeling...................................................................... . 3 

 3.3 PM2.5 Components..................................................................................... 4 

 3.4 Modeling Year ........................................................................................... 4 

4.0 CALPUFF MODELING PROCEDURE...................................................................... 5 

 4.1 Domain Settings ........................................................................................ 5 

4.2 Geophysical Preprocessing....................................................................... 6 

4.3 Meteorological Preprocessing ................................................................... 7 

 4.4 Prognostic Meteorology............................................................................. 8 

 4.5 Meteorological Simulation ......................................................................... 8 

 4.6 Emission Inputs ....................................................................................... 10 

 4.7 Receptor Grid.............................................................................. 11 

 4.8 Modeling Tasks ....................................................................................... 13 

5.0 EVALUATION OF RESULTS

 5.1 Combination of CMAQ and CALPUFF .................................................... 14 

5.2 Attainment Test ....................................................................................... 15 

APPENDICES

 Appendix A – Maps of Affected Areas.................................................................A1 

 Appendix B – Monitor Sites and Data .................................................................A4 

 Appendix C – Meteorological Sites with Wind Roses..........................................A5 

 Appendix D – Surface Characteristics and Heat Flux Areas...............................A6 

 Appendix E – MANE-VU Grid Cells and Configuration .......................................A7 

 Appendix F – Facilities Potentially Affecting Liberty-Clairton ............................A10 

 Appendix G – Sample CMAQ Output................................................................A11 

 
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1.0 OVERVIEW 

This section explains the official designations for particulate matter 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5) in 

Allegheny County and need to carry out an attainment demonstration for the Liberty-Clairton 

Nonattainment Area according to this protocol. Stakeholders for the PM2.5 protocol are also 

discussed. 

1.1 PM2.5 Designations 

EPA issued final PM2.5 area designations on December 17, 2004, which became final on April 5, 

2005. 

Designations for PM2.5 were based on several factors, including 2001-2003 monitored data, 

proximity to metropolitan areas, census populations, types of emissions, and others. Five 

counties in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area (MSA)1 and portions of adjacent counties were 

designated as the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley nonattainment area. Additionally, the Liberty-Clairton 

area was designated as a separate area within Allegheny County. 

The Liberty-Clairton Area includes the Boroughs of Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln, Port Vue, and the 

City of Clairton. Appendix A provides maps of the Southwestern PA designation areas, including 

close-ups of the Liberty-Clairton Area. 

1.2 Stakeholders 

The PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) will model the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley 

nonattainment area, while the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) will model the 

Liberty-Clairton Area. A final attainment demonstration for the Liberty-Clairton Area will be 

submitted to the PA DEP, on behalf of the ACHD, for submittal to the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3 office. 

All contractual assistance for the development of Liberty-Clairton Area modeling will be under the 

direction of the ACHD. ACHD staff, the ACHD Criteria Subcommittee (subcommittee of the Air 

Advisory Committee), and the ACHD PM2.5 Modeling Workgroup have participated in the 

development of this protocol. 

The Criteria Subcommittee members include persons from industry, environmental advocacy 

organizations, environmental consultation companies, and the general public. 

Sullivan Environmental Inc. has been selected as the meteorological consultant for this modeling 

demonstration. Additional support for the dispersion modeling has not been contracted at the 

time of this protocol. 

 

1

 The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) encompasses Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, 

Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, November 2004. 
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2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT 

This section explains the nature of the PM2.5 problem and provides a conceptual design for the 

Liberty-Clairton Area. Monitored data results are also given. 

2.1 Modeling Area 

The Liberty-Clairton Area is made up of complex river valley terrain, approximately 3 miles wide 

by 5 miles long. It includes a 4-mile winding portion of the Monongahela River and is bordered by 

the Youghiogheny River to the east. The area includes rural land, densely populated residential 

areas, and industrial facilities. 

River valleys lie at 718 feet in elevation (MSL), while adjacent hilltops can be greater than 1250 

feet. Large temperature differences can be seen between hilltop and valley floor observations 

(e.g. 2 to 7° F) during clear, low-wind, nighttime conditions. Strong nighttime drainage flows can 

cause differences of up to 180° in wind direction with 3-4 mph downward flows. Also, strong 

nighttime inversions can lead to poor dispersion scenarios on several days of the year. 

The Liberty-Clairton Area is presumably impacted by regional, urban excess, and localized PM2.5. 

Source apportionment results based on speciated data can be found in the report Allegheny 

County PM2.5 Source Apportionment Results using the Positive Matrix Factorization Model (PMF 

Version 1.1).2

2.2 Monitored Data 

The Federal Reference Method (FRM) PM2.5 monitor at Liberty is located atop a school at high 

elevation near the center of the Liberty-Clairton area. The FRM monitor at Clairton is located 

atop a school at low elevation in the western portion of the area. Both are violating the annual 

PM2.5 standard of 15 μg/m3. The Liberty monitor is also in violation of the 24-hour standard of 65 

μg/m3. FRM monitors located to the west and to the south of the area have monitored attainment 

of both standards. Appendix B contains details of monitor sites and data. 

Results from the Liberty PM2.5 speciation 

monitor show that carbons, ammonia, and 

some trace elements are higher in the LibertyClairton Area than in other monitored areas by 

4 to 5 μg/m3. An in-depth analysis of speciated 

PM2.5 components in Allegheny County can be 

found in the report PM2.5 Chemical Speciation 

and Related Comparisons at Lawrenceville 

and Liberty: 18-Month Results.3

 

2

 Report can be found online at http://www.achd.net/airqual/pubs/pdf/pmf0106.pdf 3

 Report can be found online at http://www.achd.net/airqual/pubs/pdf/speciation_report.pdf 

Figure 2.2. Liberty PM2.5 Excess Species Pie Chart 
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3.0 SELECTION CRITERIA 

This section outlines the models, the species of PM2.5, and the years to be modeled for the 

Liberty-Clairton Area. The final EPA PM2.5 Implementation Rule was published in March 2007. 

The final EPA PM2.5 Modeling Guidance was published in April 2007. 

3.1 Models Selection 

The PaDEP is using CMAQ modeling for PM-2.5 as developed by the Mid-Atlantic NorthEast 

Visibility Union. The same modeling results will be used for the Liberty/Clairton area. However, a 

more detailed analysis is necessary for the Liberty/Clairton area due to localized emissions 

impacting communities located nearby. In this process, a local dispersion model will be used to 

more precisely locate and represent the impact of local emissions, the regional model CMAQ will 

be used for the remaining sources. 

The EPA-preferred CALPUFF modeling system will be used to create near-field and some longrange transport simulations of the Liberty-Clairton area. CALPUFF Version 5.8 (dated June 29, 

2007) is the most recently EPA-approved version for regulatory applications. CALPUFF was 

selected as the dispersion model for the Liberty-Clairton Area based on the complex terrain and 

strong temperature inversions that are characteristic to the area. CALPUFF also has the ability to 

model buoyant line sources that are resident to the area. 

The CALPUFF modeling system is comprised of CALMET (meteorological model), CALPUFF 

(dispersion model), geophysical data preprocessors, meteorological data preprocessors, and 

several postprocessors such as CALPOST. The CALPro GUI (dated June 29, 2007) comprises 

CALPUFF and associated preprocessors and postprocessors in a central interface and will be 

utilized as the modeling software.4

The CALMET meteorological model employs the use of gridded multi-layer wind fields. Data from 

the PSU/NCAR Mesoscale Model Generation 5 (MM5) will be used for prognostic wind field data. 

Regional modeling will also be required for background values for the Liberty-Clairton domain. 

This will be performed using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Regional 

impacts from CMAQ will be combined with the near-field impacts and long-range transport from 

CALPUFF during post-processing. 

3.2 Regional Modeling 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or its contractor will complete 

modeling for the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley Nonattainment Area, likely using the regional reactive 

model CMAQ. The results of this modeling will be the basis of the modeling completed for the 

Liberty-Clairton attainment demonstration. 

The regional results will provide a hourly concentrations by major PM2.5 component for each 12 x 

12 km grid cell. This will represent the background value for each cell, which will then be 

combined with the impacts from the CALPUFF model simulations. Sample hourly CMAQ results 

for major species for base year 2002 and projected year 2009 are shown in the tables in 

Appendix G. 

 

4

 CALPUFF can be downloaded at: http://www.src.com/calpuff/download/download.htm 
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3.3 PM2.5 Components 

Analysis of speciated PM2.5 data in Southwestern PA indicates that the Liberty-Clairton Area 

excess is composed mainly of primary components of PM2.5. Therefore, emission inputs for the 

CALPUFF modeling will consist of primary filterable and condensable PM2.5. Secondary 

formation of PM2.5 from sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 

will be excluded from the Liberty-Clairton modeling. Therefore, CMAQ modeled results will be 

used for all secondary components, and a combination of CMAQ (for background) and CALPUFF 

modeled results will be used for primary components. 

3.4 Modeling Year 

The availability of MM5 and CMAQ data is the limiting factor in the Liberty-Clairton modeling 

timeframe. Data is available for the area for the year 2002, based on MANE-VU regional 

modeling. Hence, 2002 will be the modeled year for the Liberty-Clairton modeling. Modeling will 

focus on annual concentrations, but selected short-term modeling periods may reveal specific 

meteorological scenarios and control techniques. 
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4.0 CALPUFF MODELING PROCEDURE 

This section delineates the procedures for preprocessing, model simulations, and postprocessing 

required for the Liberty-Clairton modeling demonstration. 

4.1 Domain Settings 

Since nested domains are not possible in the current version of CALPUFF/CALMET, separate 

domains for long-range transport and near-field impacts will be used at different resolutions. 

Results from these domains will be combined in postprocessing with the regional CMAQ 

background results. 

 

Common domain settings can be shared for CALPUFF, CALMET, and most associated 

preprocessor programs. These include: 

 Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) 

 Zone: 17, Northern 

 Datum: North American 1983 

 Continent/Region: North America/Continental US (CONUS), NAR-C 

 Base Time Zone: Eastern U.S. (GMT -05:00) 

 Grid Type: Cartesian, referenced to lower left corner 

 Grid Spacing: 

- 1 km for long-range transport grid 

- 100 m for near-field impact grid 

 Grid Dimensions: 

- 140 x 140 km for long-range transport grid 

- 20 x 20 km for near-field impact grid 

Figure 4.1. Modeling Domains 
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The near-field domain will be centered on the Liberty Monitor, allowing for equidistant movement 

of puffs around maximum monitored concentration point. The long-range transport domain will 

match the extent of the MM5 data as supplied by the regional modelers. 

Data files from different datum references can be used for geophysical inputs since the 

preprocessors are able to convert to one consistent datum. Contour plotting with software such 

as Surfer® should be used to reveal errors that may exist in gridded data. 

For the long-range modeling applications, Lambert Conformal coordinates are recommended for 

domains in which the earth’s curvature may be significant (greater than 200 km). For purposes of 

post-processing Liberty-Clairton results, UTM will be datum to be used for the gridded and 

discrete receptor coordinates within the long-range transport and near-field domains. 

4.2 Geophysical Preprocessing 

Geophysical preprocessing for CALMET includes the programs TERREL, CTGCOMP, 

CTGPROC, and MAKEGEO. The following settings should be used for these: 

 Coastline: none 

 Terrain Files: 

- USGS30, 7.5’ DEMs in and adjacent to the Liberty-Clairton Area 

- USGS90, 1° DEMs outside the vicinity of the Liberty-Clairton Area 

 Discrete Receptors: only for Liberty and Clairton nearby receptors 

 Land Use Files: 

- USGS NLCD 1992 land use (by state) 

The use of 7.5’ DEM terrain and NLCD 1992 land use data provide data points at every 30 

meters within the near-field domain (100 meter resolution). Since the resolution of the long-range 

transport domain is 1 km, the use of 1° DEM terrain data at 90-meter resolution is sufficient. 

Figure 4.2. Near-Field CALMET Domain at 100 m Resolution
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Land use files are periodically updated by the USGS. NLCD 2001 land use data would provide a 

more accurate depiction of the Liberty-Clairton Area. However, The CTGPROC preprocessor 

code will not accept NLCD 2001 at the time of this protocol. 

4.3 Meteorological Preprocessing 

Meteorological preprocessing for CALMET includes SMERGE, READ62, PXTRACT, and 

PMERGE. The following inputs should be used for these preprocessors: 

 Period: Jan.1-Dec. 31, 2002, Local Standard Time (LST) 

 Surface Data: DATSAV3 (TD-9956), converted to SAMSON 

 Upper Air Data: NCDC FSL or MM5 

 Top Pressure: must equal or exceed top of vertical domain 

 Precipitation Data: TD-3240 

Airports near the Liberty-Clairton Area include the Pittsburgh International Airport (Code: PIT, 

WBAN: 94823) and the Allegheny County Airport (Code: AGC, WBAN: 14762). Upper air and 

precipitation data is not available for the Allegheny County Airport. 

Several local surface data sites have been evaluated for use in the modeling demonstration. 

Local surface data to be included are the Liberty site, operated by the ACHD Air Quality Program, 

and the Clairton site, operated by US Steel on Clairton Coke Works property. Photographs and 

wind roses of 2002 data for key sites are shown are shown in Appendix C. 

For the long-range transport domain, the following inputs will be used 

 PIT Airport surface and precipitation data 

 PIT Airport and/or MM5 for hourly upper air data 

For the near-field domain, the following inputs will be used: 

 AGC Airport, Liberty, and Clairton surface data 

 PIT Airport precipitation data 

 PIT Airport and/or MM5 for hourly upper air data 

Raw surface from the U.S. Steel Clairton site is incomplete, containing no data from Jan.1 – Aug. 

11, 2002. A regression analysis based on additional years of data from Clairton, Liberty, and 

historical met sites may be used to substitute or “back-fill” missing data for 2002 at Clairton. 

Details of the regression analysis will be given in the final report by the meteorological contractor. 

Since surface data from local meteorological sites only provide wind speed, wind direction, and 

temperature, airport data will be substituted for other meteorological variables. During hours 

where local temperature is lower than airport dew point temperature, relative humidity will be 

corrected to 100% in the surface data files. 

Surface characteristics such as albedo and surface roughness can vary by season. Therefore, 

CALMET files will be processed on a seasonal basis with varying surface characteristics for the 

near-field domain. Adjustments will also be made to anthropogenic heat flux in grid cell areas 

where combustion sources emit large amounts of heat. Appendix D shows default average 

surface parameters (all-season) and high anthropogenic heat flux areas. 
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4.4 Prognostic Meteorology 

Data for prognostic meteorology will be extracted from 2002 MM5 results. The PSU/NCAR 

Mesoscale Model Generation 5 (MM5) is a limited-area, non-hydrostatic, terrain-following sigmacoordinate model designed to simulate or predict mesoscale atmospheric circulation. Modeled 

surfaces near the ground closely follow the terrain, and the higher-level sigma surfaces tend to 

approximate isobaric surfaces. The vertical and horizontal resolution and domain size are 

variable. 

MM5 data has been prepared for 2002 in the Northeastern United States by states in the MidAtlantic/Northeast States Visibility Union (MANE-VU) during early work for Regional Haze State 

Implementation Plans (SIPs) for these states. This same data will be used by the member states 

in preparation of their PM2.5 SIPs. PA DEP has indicated that they will use this data in their SIPs, 

including the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley SIP. 

For consistency with the regional modeling for the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley SIP, ACHD will use 

the same meteorological data and process it through CALMET for use in the CALPUFF model. 

The MM5 grid cells are set at 12 km spacing. ACHD will use the existing grid and the subset of 

meteorological data appropriate for the modeling domains. Appendix E shows MANE-VU MM5 

and CMAQ maps and configurations for Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

Additional meteorological data will be included in the CALMET processing of data. This includes 

surface, upper air, and precipitation data from the Greater Pittsburgh Airport (PIT), surface data 

from the Allegheny County Airport, and surface data from ACHD air quality or other monitoring 

sites. CALMET will create a three-dimensional wind and temperature gridded fields for use in 

CALPUFF. 

4.5 Meteorological Simulation 

CALMET will be used for the meteorological simulation. ACHD will begin by using only the MM5 

data in CALMET and review the CALMET-created wind fields for representative wind 

characterization. Meteorological site data will be added, with limited range of effectiveness, until 

sufficiently accurate representative wind fields are structured for each hour across the modeling 

domain. 

Meteorological data processed through CALMET will result in two gridded meteorological 

domains: a long-range transport domain (140 x 140 km, 1 km receptor spacing) and a near-field 

impact domain (20 x 20 km, 100 m receptor spacing), with each domain containing 11 vertical 

layers of meteorological data. Data used to create these grids will come from 12-km spaced 

MM5 data already processed for multi-state regional modeling, combined with local airport and 

local meteorological tower data. The steps of meteorological data preparations are: 

a) Quality-assure MM5 grid points from MANE-VU MM5 meteorological data processed for 

2002. 

b) Reformat observed data as necessary to prepare for CALMET runs. 

c) Review results for model input parameters such as albedo and surface roughness from 

the preprocessor programs. Identify values for model inputs such as bias and mixing 

height constants; use default values if unknown. 

d) Compare meteorological data from CALMET run to observed data. Identify specific days 

to run during data preparation tests, including days of high concentration and 

representation of various meteorological conditions. 

e) Make a first run through CALMET using only MM5 and terrain data, using the days 

selected in (d). 

f) Evaluate results against observed data. 
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g) Review airflow information surrounding the USS Clairton coke works. Using heat 

information from the plant, identify a proper representation of air movement near and 

above the plant. 

h) Review and determine use of observed meteorological data for subsequent test runs. 

i) Make subsequent test runs, with selected observed data files and adjusted 

meteorological parameters. Analyze results, and recommend modifications to 

meteorological parameters with each run. 

j) Make full year runs with final meteorological parameters and chosen observed data sets. 

CALMET runs will be performed by season to allow for seasonally-adjusted surface parameters. 

For modeling purposes, seasons are defined as follows: 

 Winter: Dec. – Feb. 

 Spring; Mar. -May 

 Summer: June - July 

 Autumn: Sept. - Nov. 

For a complete year of CALMET data for year 2002, a total of five files are needed as input to 

CALPUFF, since the winter season is split between Jan.-Feb. and December. 

Key variables in CALMET are needed to assign bias, radii of influence, and many other options. 

Table 4.5 below lists CALMET variable assignments based on preliminary modeling and 

meteorological analyses. 

TABLE 4.5. CALMET Variable Values 

CALMET Variable Selected Value Rationale

NOOBS 1 Use MM5 upper air data 

NPSTA -1 Use MM5 precipitation data (to consider 

wet deposition) 

IEXTRP -4 

Using MM5 for upper levels, extrapolate 

observed surface winds aloft to account 

for valley wind effects based on BIAS. 

ZFACE 0.,20.,40.,80.,160.,320.,640., 

1000.,1500.,2000.,2500.,3000. 

Define 11 cell face heights (m) in 

vertical grid 

BIAS -1, -1, -1, -1, .5, .8, 1, 

 1, 1, 1, 1 

Heavily weight surface observations 

below valley wall height of 200m and 

then increase weighting of upper air 

observations above valley wall. 

RMIN2 -1 Not used since NOOBS=1; IEXTRP=-1 

IPROG 14 Use MM5 as a first guess but allow 

CALMET to adjust for terrain 

TERRAD 0.5 

Using formula of terrain ridge to ridge 

distance divided by 2 plus some small 

factor 

R1 & R2 1.5 

This adjustment is data dependent and 

projected wind patterns will be 

compared to observed wind flows 

(feedback mechanism) 

RMAX1 & RMAX2 1.5 

This adjustment dependent on met data 

sites relative to terrain valley/ridge 

features 

ITPROG 1 Use surface stations and MM5 for upper 

air 

IRHPROG 1 Use MM5 relative humidity 

SIGMAP 12 Set radius to the MM5grid spacing 
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4.6 Emissions Inputs 

Emissions inputs will be based on calculated actual emissions data for sources affecting the 

Liberty-Clairton Area. Types of sources should be modeled as such: 

 Stacks: point sources 

 Ambient-Temperature Fugitives: area or volume sources 

 Quench Towers: point or short buoyant line sources 

 Coke Oven Batteries: buoyant (BLP) line sources 

 Significant roads: non-buoyant line sources 

For the base inventory, the ACHD will begin with the NEI inventory as prepared for the MANE-VU 

regional PM2.5 modeling effort. All sources in Allegheny County and significant sources outside 

Allegheny County will be reviewed for their influence on the non-attainment area. 

The MANE-VU inventory lists 1439 point sources for Allegheny County. Preliminary runs will be 

made of individual sources and groups of sources to determine if these sources create a gradient 

of concentrations across the CMAQ grid cell (that matches the near-field domain), i.e. that the 

source results in a significantly higher concentration at one receptor point than another. Sources 

with no gradient that are not targeted with local controls will be removed from the CALPUFF 

inventory. The intent in the CALPUFF modeling is to find the variance of concentrations to add or 

subtract that gradient from the full CMAQ model. 

Sources will be reviewed for emissions and source parameter errors. MANE-VU has corrected 

some source inputs, but since the accuracy of source emissions and parameters become more 

sensitive to a finer grid, it may be necessary to further refine these sources. Recent stack tests 

may be incorporated to better characterize emission rates and stack parameters. 

For consistency with CMAQ modeled results, sources with erred parameters will be subtracted 

from the regional results, based on average CALPUFF results that closely matches that CMAQ 

grid cell, then added according to corrected CALPUFF average results. This is discussed more in 

the model simulation and postprocessing sections that follow. 

The MANE-VU emission inventory contains a number of area sources. ACHD will evaluate these 

sources to determine whether they are spread evenly across the County and therefore would not 

be responsive to the CALPUFF model. Also, ACHD will review the effect of these sources within 

the Liberty/Clairton non-attainment domain. 

Allowable vs. Actual Emissions

The regional model is based on 2002 actual emissions for its modeling runs. This is necessary 

because the formation of some PM2.5 components such as sulfates and nitrates depend on the 

ambient mix of chemicals. Thus, an actual emission inventory, rather than an allowable emission 

inventory, is needed. The CALPUFF modeling of the Liberty-Clairton Area must be consistent 

with the CMAQ modeling, so modeling will also be based on 2002 actual emissions using the 

inventory. This is different from most local regulatory dispersion modeling applications, where 

allowable or potential emissions are used. 

In developing a control strategy, a procedure must be developed to calculate expected actual 

emissions from the control strategy. For those sources with a control strategy set by the 

Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley SIP demonstration and modeled in the attainment run for that model, 

the ACHD will use the same emission rates for the CALPUFF modeling runs. For those sources 

whose emissions have changed by the ACHD control strategy for the Liberty-Clairton Area, or 

changed due to other expected source changes, emission rates will be adjusted to represent 
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actual emission rates in the attainment year by evaluating actual operating levels and actual fuel 

use over the most recent two years. 

Appendix F contains sources potentially affecting the Liberty-Clairton PM2.5 Nonattainment Area, 

lying within the nonattainment area or adjacent municipalities. 

4.7 Receptor Grid 

Either a 100-meter or 1-kilometer grid across the area covered by the CMAQ modeling grid 

number 98, 89 of the MANE-VU modeling will be used to determine an average CALPUFF 

concentration for each source modeled. Tests will be made of the sensitivity of the model to the 

choice of grid. 

Although the modeling domains are larger in scale to accommodate changing wind patterns, the 

attainment analysis will only be performed on the 12 km CMAQ grid cell that contain the LibertyClairton Area. Final attainment will be based on the nearby receptor impacts located at the FRM 

sites within the Liberty-Clairton Area on a quarterly (calendar year) basis 

Nearby Receptors

The modeling guidance recommends modeling concentrations at “nearby receptors,” receptors 

close to the 2 PM-2.5 monitors in the Liberty/Clairton area, the Liberty monitor and the Clairton 

monitor. Nearby receptors have been defined by ACHD as receptors spaced at 100 meter 

resolution up to a 500 meter radius from the FRM site and located at an elevation no less or 

greater than 40 feet of the FRM monitor elevation. Once the elevation criterion is not met, 

receptors at further distances away from the monitor in the same radial direction are excluded. 
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The locations of the Clairton nearby receptors have led to a problem: the receptors located 

southwest of the monitor are located outside the CMAQ grid cell used in the remaining modeling. 

Several options were discussed to deal with this issue: 

• Include the next CMAQ grid cell in the analysis, by using the CMAQ concentrations from 

this grid with the receptors located in that cell. This may lead to some inconsistency. 

• Include the next CMAQ grid cell in the analysis, by averaging the CMAQ results of the 

two grid cells and modeling CALPUFF as a 12 x 24 kilometer grid. This would shift the 

emphasis off the non-attainment area and into locations further south. 

• Do not consider any nearby receptors not located within the CMAQ grid. This may lead 

to concerns from the excluded areas. 

• Locate the CALPUFF modeling grid 0.5 southwest of the CMAQ grid, but use the 

concentrations provided by the one CMAQ grid cell when combining the results of the two 

models. 

ACHD has chosen the fourth option: make a slight shift to the southwest to the CALPUFF 

equivalent cell to include the nearby receptors for Clairton (see Figure 4.8.b below). The 

CALPUFF receptor gird would not include the area represented by the “top” 0.5 km x 12 km of the 

CMAQ grid cell, and include an area 0.5 km x 12 km area below the identified CMAQ grid cell. 

This would maintain the mass of a 12 km x 12 km grid, include all the nearby receptors, and 

maintain consistency of the CMAQ results across the grid. Since there are no major sources 

affected by such an adjustment, and the average should be similar to that of the exact equivalent 

CMAQ grid cell area, this shift should not negatively affect the final modeled results. 

Figure 4.8.a. Near-Field Domain Aerial Map, with CMAQ Grid Cell Area 

and Nearby Receptors for Liberty and Clairton 
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4.8 Modeling Tasks 

The CALPUFF model will be run for each source, for each quarter, for each of the selected 

pollutants. 

The modeling steps, in brief, are: 

a) Select input and results data from MANE-VU CMAQ runs for Liberty-Clairton nonattainment area. Develop software as needed to extract data from the MANE-VU runs. 

b) Compare the NEI/MANE-VU PM and VOC emissions inventory against ACHD, PADEP, 

& WVDEP inventories for Allegheny County sources and select sources from the 

remainder of the modeling domain. This review will include source parameters. 

c) Confirm questionable emission rates and source parameters. 

d) Write software, if needed, to combine results from modeling runs of separate groups of 

sources, specifically to combine CALPUFF and CMAQ results. Results from different 

CALPUFF runs, i.e., near-field and long-range grids, can be combined using the 

CALSUM or other postprocessor. 

e) Make test runs of individual and groups of sources or small sets of receptors or dates 

using CALPUFF to check the integrity of input files. 

f) Perform test runs for model options as applicable; exclude options not applicable to 

Liberty-Clairton modeling such as chemical transformation. 

g) Set up full modeling runs. If needed, set up separate modeling runs to run 

simultaneously on separate computers. 

h) Combine CALPUFF and CMAQ results, using the process described below. 

i) Run the model iteratively to determine the optimum control strategy. 

j) Verify the attainment modeling by making a final run using the selected control strategy. 

k) Combine CALPUFF results with CMAQ results of the final run. 

l) Prepare a technical support document on the final attainment modeling. 

Figure 4.8.b. Near-Field Domain Aerial Map, with CALPUFF Equivalent (Average) 

Grid Cell Shift and Liberty-Clairton Area and Monitors
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5.0 EVALUATION OF RESULTS 

This section delineates the procedures for postprocessing modeled results and testing for 

attainment. 

5.1 Combination of CMAQ and CALPUFF 

Component-by-Component Analysis

Total concentration of PM2.5 can be determined by summing the primary dispersion derived 

component and the secondary grid model component. The Speciated Modeled Attainment Test 

(SMAT) will adjust the major species to a total that is more equivalent to an FRM mass 

concentration on a quarterly basis. 

Elsewhere in this document, it is demonstrated that nitrates and sulfates in the Liberty/Clairton 

are regional, rather than local, in nature. The results of the CMAQ model are sufficient for these 

components, and CALPUFF will not be run for them. For nitrates, sulfates, and ammonium, the 

value from CMAQ base and attainment modeling runs will be used. There will be one value each 

day per 12 x 12-km grid, on a quarterly basis. 

CALPUFF modeling will be done for primary filterable and condensible PM2.5 emissions. Results 

will be analyzed and calculated against the same component in CMAQ. For primary filterable, 

condensable, and other primary PM2.5, the value from CMAQ will be combined with CALPUFF 

modeled values. 

CMAQ regional modeling will provide one value per species across the 12 x 12 km grid cell that 

includes the Liberty-Clairton Area. CALPUFF modeling for the near field domain (long-range 

domain discussed below), will produce two end-results: 

 And array of concentrations in an area equivalent to the area represented by the CMAQ 

12 x 12 km cell, from which an average will be calculated. Resolution for this area should 

be sufficient enough (250 m to 1 km) to realize the maximum and minimum impacts 

throughout the area. The average from all the receptors from the CALPUFF “equivalent 

cell” will be used in combination with the CMAQ value to effectively remove any doublecounting of average/background concentrations. 

 Concentrations at the nearby receptors, at or adjacent to the FRM site locations within 

the Liberty-Clairton Area, representing community impacts. 

The methodology of the CALPUFF procedure is to use CMAQ values as background, remove the 

equivalent CALPUFF average values from the background (to avoid double-counting), and add 

the localized CALPUFF impacts at the nonattainment sites. 

Based on work done for the Philadelphia air toxics study, the CALPUFF modeling can provide a 

finer resolution to the terrain within the non-attainment area than the CMAQ model; however, the 

mass of the CMAQ grid cell should be maintained. For the nearby receptor analysis, ACHD plans 

to use the equation: 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

 Page 15 

CMAQ + CALPUFF defined sub-grid variability: 

 Csub-Grid = CCMAQ + CCALPUFF – [CCALPUFF] AVG

In this case, the concentration results from the CMAQ attainment run and the concentrations from 

the CALPUFF attainment runs will be used. The effects of local controls on sources that are not 

included in the CMAQ modeling would be eradicated from the attainment run if a new, final 

CALPUFF average were subtracted from each receptor. So, the final attainment calculation 

would need to be: 

Ccontrolled_sub-Grid = CCMAQcontrolled + CCALPUFFcontrolled – [CCALPUFF]AVGuncontrolled

Relative response factors (RRFs) will be applied to elemental and organic carbons base year 

actual monitor concentrations in order to project future year concentrations. Actual speciation 

monitor results are not available for Liberty-Clairton in 2002, and averages for 2003-2007 will be 

extrapolated temporally to represent quarterly averages. 

5.2 Attainment Test 

Final concentrations for each species will be entered into SMAT analysis, which adjusts the 

speciated results to more closely match FRM results using the SANDWICH method on a 

quarterly basis. The SANDWICH method (Sulfate, Adjusted Nitrate, Derived Water, Inferred 

Carbonaceous mass Hybrid) material balance approach adds water, passive mass, and corrects 

the organic carbon species. 

The EPA Modeling Guidance for PM2.5 (and ozone and regional haze) provides the procedures 

for processing the data by SMAT. Weight of evidence analysis will be needed based on final 

values for PM2.5 for the controlled year. 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A1 

APPENDIX A – Maps of Affected Areas 

PM2.5 Southwestern PA Designation Areas
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A2 

Liberty-Clairton Area – Aerial Close-Up 

(with Municipalities) 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A3 

Liberty-Clairton Area – Topographic Close-Up 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A4 

APPENDIX B – Monitored Sites and Data 

Two sites have monitored PM2.5 (FRM monitors) within in the Liberty-Clairton Area: 

Liberty: Located on a plateau near the center of the Liberty-Clairton Area at an elevation 

of 1069 ft. (MSL). It has monitored nonattainment for both the annual and the 

24-hour standard. It also contains continuous (TEOM) and speciation (STN) 

monitors. [AQS# 42-003-0064-88101] 

Clairton: Located within the Monongahela River valley in the western portion of the area at 

an elevation of 953 ft. (MSL). It has monitored nonattainment for the annual 

standard only. [AQS# 42-003-3007-88101] 

Two additional sites have monitored PM2.5 (FRM monitors) within the vicinity of the LibertyClairton Area: 

Forward: Located on a plateau to the south of the Liberty-Clairton Area at an elevation of 

1170 ft. (MSL). It has monitored attainment of both standards. It was relocated 

from the South Park site in Feb. 2003 and was discontinued in Dec. 2005. AQS# 

42-003-0133-88101 

South Park: Located on a plateau to the west of the area at an elevation of 1221 ft. (MSL). It 

monitored attainment for both standards. It was discontinued and moved to the 

Forward site in Feb. 2003. AQS# 42-003-0131-88101

Southeastern Allegheny 

County
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A5 

APPENDIX C – Meteorological Sites with Wind Roses 

Liberty 

Clairton 

Allegheny County Airport 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A6 

APPENDIX D – Surface Characteristics and Heat Flux Areas 

Adjusted Anthropogenic Heat Flux Areas 

Bowen Soil Heat Anthropogenic Leaf

Ratio Flux Heat Flux Area 

11 RESIDENTIAL 0.19 1.20 0.19 5.00 1.68

13 INDUSTRIAL 0.18 1.50 0.25 30.00 0.00

15 INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES 0.18 1.50 0.25 5572.73 0.00

21 CROPLAND AND PASTURE 0.15 1.00 0.15 0.00 3.00

41 DECIDUOUS FOREST LAND 0.10 1.00 0.15 0.00 7.00

42 EVERGREEN FOREST 0.10 1.00 0.15 0.00 7.00

43 MIXED FORESTLAND 0.10 1.00 0.15 0.00 7.00

52 LAKES (RIVERS) 0.10 0.00 1.00 0.00 0.00

75 STRIP MINES, QUARRIES, AND GRAVEL PITS 0.30 1.00 0.15 0.00 0.05

76 TRANSITIONAL AREAS 0.22 1.25 0.20 0.00 0.35

Land Use 

Type

Description Albedo

Near-field grid cells in red contain high anthropogenic heat 

flux based on combustion sources (shown in yellow) 

Annual Average CALMET Default Surface Characteristics 

with Adjusted Anthropogenic Heat Flux
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A7 

APPENDIX E – MANE-VU Grid Cells and Configuration 

MM5 Grid Center Points and MM5 Coverage 

Grid points at 12 km spacing 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A8 

CMAQ Grid Cells with SW PA Counties 

Grid cell containing Liberty-Clairton shown in blue 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A9 

MANE-VU Regional Modeling System Grid Configurations 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A10 

APPENDIX F – Facilities Potentially Affecting Liberty-Clairton 

Below are facilities potentially affecting the Liberty-Clairton PM2.5 Nonattainment Area, lying 

within the nonattainment area or adjacent municipalities, according to the ACHD permit tracking 

list. Emissions data are based on NEI 2002 emissions inventory (actuals). 

Major/Minor/Synthetic Minor Sources w/PM2.5 > 1 TPY

Clairton Slag, W. Elizabeth..............................................10.46 tpy 

CP Industries, McKeesport................................................1.05 tpy 

Eastman Chemical, W. Elizabeth ....................................13.04 tpy 

Guardian, W. Elizabeth....................................................21.89 tpy 

Marsh Asphalt, Dravosburg...............................................4.66 tpy 

Mid-Continent Coal, Clairton .............................................4.10 tpy 

Koppers, Clairton...............................................................6.71 tpy 

US Steel Clairton, Clairton.............................................319.04 tpy 

US Steel Irvin, W. Mifflin..................................................26.41 tpy 

Major/Minor/Synthetic Minor Sources w/PM2.5 < 1 but Other Criteria > 1 TPY

GE International, W. Mifflin

GM, W. Mifflin

Kinder Morgan, Dravosburg

Liberty Pultrusions, W. Mifflin

Marathon Ashland, W. Elizabeth

Nash, Elizabeth

Precoat, McKeesport 

Sanyo Chemical, W. Elizabeth

Major/Minor/Synthetic Minor Sources w/All Criteria < 1 TPY

PA Electric Coil, Glassport

Minor Sources w/No Emissions Inventory

AKJ Industries, Clairton

Elizabeth Carbide, McKeesport

Harbison Walker, W. Mifflin

MonValley Transportation Center, Glassport

Penn Rilton, W. Elizabeth

Ryan Metal, McKeesport 

Tech Met, Glassport

TYK Refractories, Clairton

PA DEP Sources

Reliant Energy – Elrama, Union Twp. 

Allegheny Energy – Mitchell, Union Twp. 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A11 

APPENDIX G - Sample CMAQ Output 

Data below is shown for year 2002 (base year), by hourly major species in μg/m3. The 

species A25 is primary un-speciated PM2.5. 

2002 

DATE/HOUR PM2.5 SO4 NO3 NH4 EC OM A25 

2002010100 14.8025 1.3307 4.7542 1.8792 0.9320 3.1156 2.7910 

2002010101 15.3689 1.3787 5.2984 2.0551 0.8850 2.9497 2.8019 

2002010102 16.6705 1.4380 5.7607 2.2116 1.0383 3.2216 3.0002 

2002010103 17.4495 1.4135 6.0682 2.2917 1.1672 3.3952 3.1137 

2002010104 18.2931 1.3158 6.2770 2.3157 1.4417 3.7457 3.1972 

2002010105 19.1490 1.2872 6.5669 2.3892 1.5920 4.0079 3.3058 

2002010106 20.2648 1.3094 6.8786 2.4880 1.7428 4.3646 3.4815 

2002010107 21.6470 1.3800 7.1915 2.6053 1.9126 4.8193 3.7383 

2002010108 23.0140 1.4724 7.4489 2.7147 2.0777 5.2884 4.0118 

2002010109 23.9955 1.5170 7.5192 2.7518 2.2311 5.7673 4.2090 

2002010110 22.7164 1.4829 7.3748 2.6971 1.9189 5.1758 4.0669 

2002010111 19.0075 1.5060 6.7729 2.5310 1.2314 3.7132 3.2531 

2002010112 16.8398 1.5920 6.0480 2.3528 1.0356 3.1239 2.6875 

2002010113 14.7394 1.4883 5.1577 2.0554 0.9184 2.8217 2.2979 

2002010114 14.7165 1.7929 4.5507 1.9933 0.9118 2.9348 2.5330 

2002010115 18.3694 2.4379 4.7795 2.3016 1.4067 4.0730 3.3708 

2002010116 25.1637 3.0168 5.2343 2.6509 2.6888 6.7227 4.8501 

2002010117 26.7666 3.0794 5.4420 2.7346 2.9395 7.3119 5.2592 

2002010118 27.4995 2.8928 5.7316 2.7487 3.0251 7.5641 5.5372 

2002010119 27.5892 2.5784 6.2197 2.7725 2.9400 7.4624 5.6162 

2002010120 27.6079 2.4022 6.9326 2.9134 2.6696 7.0359 5.6543 

2002010121 28.0412 2.4297 7.7505 3.1610 2.3317 6.5527 5.8156 

2002010122 28.5227 2.4908 8.4058 3.3742 2.1049 6.2427 5.9043 

2002010123 28.4715 2.4801 9.0439 3.5554 1.8190 5.8264 5.7467 

2002010200 28.5442 2.4498 9.6462 3.7187 1.6405 5.5451 5.5440 

2002010201 28.5095 2.3856 10.1459 3.8397 1.5482 5.2945 5.2956 

2002010202 27.9996 2.2779 10.5305 3.9106 1.4436 4.9544 4.8827 

2002010203 27.1029 2.0935 10.8094 3.9222 1.3915 4.5832 4.3030 

2002010204 26.5643 1.8992 11.0418 3.9170 1.4700 4.4141 3.8223 

2002010205 26.6821 1.7940 11.2865 3.9487 1.5957 4.4630 3.5942 

2002010206 27.7236 1.7927 11.5551 4.0265 1.7779 4.7855 3.7858 

2002010207 29.2867 1.8215 11.8191 4.1141 1.9983 5.2701 4.2636 

2002010208 31.0866 1.8323 11.9975 4.1701 2.3076 5.9724 4.8067 

2002010209 32.1544 1.8350 11.9859 4.1678 2.5024 6.4990 5.1644 

2002010210 32.4919 1.8761 11.7850 4.1249 2.5866 6.7837 5.3357 

2002010211 30.5268 1.9863 11.4494 4.0688 1.9995 6.0451 4.9777 
 PM2.5 Protocol 

Appendices Page A12 

Data below is shown for year 2009 (projected controlled year), by hourly major species 

in μg/m3. The species A25 is primary un-speciated PM2.5. 

2009 

DATE/HOUR PM2.5 SO4 NO3 NH4 EC OM A25 

2009010100 14.8876 1.3012 4.5373 1.8052 0.8266 2.9902 3.4270 

2009010101 15.5982 1.3455 5.1189 1.9906 0.7798 2.9132 3.4501 

2009010102 16.9447 1.4077 5.6291 2.1620 0.9286 3.1959 3.6215 

2009010103 17.9199 1.3966 6.0175 2.2707 1.0499 3.4234 3.7618 

2009010104 19.1311 1.3606 6.3414 2.3512 1.3040 3.8370 3.9368 

2009010105 20.1977 1.3785 6.7085 2.4645 1.4501 4.1066 4.0895 

2009010106 21.4533 1.4089 7.1108 2.5927 1.6039 4.4602 4.2768 

2009010107 22.9384 1.4749 7.4603 2.7189 1.7765 4.9358 4.5720 

2009010108 24.1541 1.5480 7.6171 2.7919 1.9399 5.4106 4.8466 

2009010109 24.7023 1.5710 7.4795 2.7605 2.0888 5.8086 4.9940 

2009010110 23.1497 1.5152 7.1775 2.6520 1.7875 5.2040 4.8135 

2009010111 19.8690 1.5492 6.5987 2.4967 1.1423 3.8143 4.2679 

2009010112 17.7946 1.5684 5.9031 2.3019 0.9705 3.3074 3.7432 

2009010113 15.1120 1.3903 5.0817 1.9967 0.8669 2.8797 2.8967 

2009010114 14.8956 1.5468 4.7077 1.9468 0.8624 2.9512 2.8806 

2009010115 18.6337 2.2076 4.8671 2.2408 1.3461 4.1493 3.8228 

2009010116 25.2866 2.8490 5.1714 2.5697 2.5839 6.7801 5.3325 

2009010117 26.5864 2.9371 5.3500 2.6546 2.8013 7.3009 5.5427 

2009010118 26.8451 2.7775 5.5809 2.6618 2.8683 7.4350 5.5216 

2009010119 26.6377 2.5079 6.0007 2.6825 2.7749 7.2544 5.4172 

2009010120 26.4796 2.3599 6.6394 2.8124 2.4986 6.8063 5.3630 

2009010121 26.8580 2.4039 7.5016 3.0792 2.1531 6.3244 5.3959 

2009010122 27.4114 2.4839 8.2222 3.3184 1.9236 6.0151 5.4483 

2009010123 27.4115 2.4911 8.8209 3.4949 1.6514 5.6011 5.3521 

2009010200 27.5247 2.4746 9.3355 3.6381 1.4889 5.3409 5.2467 

2009010201 27.6184 2.4298 9.7513 3.7419 1.4061 5.1489 5.1404 

2009010202 27.4627 2.3327 10.1203 3.8126 1.3089 4.8818 5.0064 

2009010203 27.1154 2.1354 10.4421 3.8320 1.2688 4.6171 4.8201 

2009010204 26.9430 1.8966 10.7264 3.8250 1.3460 4.5387 4.6102 

2009010205 27.2242 1.7482 10.9961 3.8477 1.4665 4.6382 4.5274 

2009010206 28.1514 1.7195 11.1761 3.8893 1.6420 4.9743 4.7503 

2009010207 29.5240 1.7458 11.2989 3.9348 1.8551 5.4591 5.2302 

2009010208 31.1821 1.7829 11.3681 3.9689 2.1481 6.1377 5.7762 

2009010209 32.1814 1.8262 11.2908 3.9628 2.3377 6.6178 6.1461 

2009010210 32.4737 1.8990 11.1115 3.9380 2.4279 6.8134 6.2838 

2009010211 30.4246 2.0083 10.8156 3.8931 1.8801 5.8411 5.9864