EPA guideline emission and air dispersion models will be reviewed and modified for application to time-varying chemical emissions and extreme meteorological conditions, such as calm and inversion conditions that are common in the border region. By specifying the quantity of the spilled chemical and the meteorological condition, users can evaluate the consequence of any hypothetical chemical spill accident as displayed on GIS, and the reduction in the impacts if the spill is mitigated in a short period of time. This research will provide small communities with a rapid assessment tool for evaluating the impacts of potential transportation accidents involving hazardous materials on their communities. The expert systems approach provides users with a GIS-based platform that will allow users to access a large database of environmental factors available on the internet. The environmental factors include air quality, emission source, meteorology, population, soil property, water quality, depth to ground water, sensitive receptor, and other information disseminated by governmental agencies and non-profit organizations.
Project is in progress.