AEROMETRIC AND EMISSIONS REPORTING SYSTEM
INFORMATION
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS
RESEARCH TRIANGLE, NORTH CAROLINA
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FOREWORD
On the eve of the Clean Air Act's deadline for attain-
ment of primary ambient air quality standards, Russell
Train remarked: "The nation has made significant
progress on cleaning up the air, but there is still a long
way to go." Twenty years of federal participation in the
solution to the air pollution problem have been produc-
tive in many ways. The magnitude of the problem con-
tinues to be assessed and further defined. The major key
to this assessment, and thus further progress, lies in the
information available to make reasonable and intelligent
decisions.
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AIR POLLUTION
DEFINING THE PROBLEM
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In the United States today, air pollution is an ex-
tremely important problem; but before realistic solutions
can be attained, the precise causes and extent of the
problem must be found. To achieve the goal of clean air,
the Congress passed the Clean Air Act of 1970, which
contains a mandate that requires the collection of signifi-
cant quantities of air pollution data. To facilitate collec-
tion and efficient utilization of these data, the Office of Air
and Waste Management formed the National Air Data
Branch (NADB) in 1972. NADB was given the respon-
sibility to amass source, emission, air quality and related
data from the 55 states and territories and to organize
these data into one centralized data bank.
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COLLECTION OF DATA
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In order to gather and store the legally required data,
NADB originally established two basic computerized
data storage systems known as National Emissions Data
System (NEDS) and Storage and Retrieval of Aerometric
Data (SAROAD). In 1973 and 1974, however, it became
apparent that these systems would have to be expanded.
A decision was therefore made to merge the two systems
into a larger unified system having analysis capabilities,
uniform procedures and expanded storage capability.
Thus, the Aerometric and Emissions Reporting System
(AEROS) was born. AEROS includes both NEDS and
SAROAD and numerous other subsystems, as well as the
routine data management procedures required. Some of
these systems are in final development and will provide
information to users in the immediate future.
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AEROS
FUNCTION
The Aerometric and Emissions Reporting System
(AEROS) is a comprehensive computer-based system es-
tablished by the National Air Data Branch to collect, store
and analyze air pollution data. The data are collected by
the various state and local agencies and reported to EPA.
These data are then stored and analyzed in AEROS. The
most noteable feature of AEROS is that it is a reporting
system. The primary function of AEROS is to provide con-
cise and standardized reports on various aspects of air
pollution.
AEROS is composed of several subsystems, some of
which are capable of functioning as independent data
systems. The intent of this pamphlet is to show the rela-
tionships between the various AEROS subsystems and
the information available from each.
ORGANIZATION
The complete AEROS complex can best be under-
stood by considering its two basic segments: (1) the
AEROS Data System collects, stores and reports air
pollution data to be put into the system; (2) the AEROS
Analysis System draws data from the Data System and
uses them to answer questions regarding the nature and
causes of air pollution, predictions of future problems,
legal action which should be taken and related problems.
By coordinating these two systems, the Environmental
Protection Agency is able to obtain answers to many
questions regarding air pollution problems and needs
from one comprehensive system. The make-up and coor-
dination of these two portions of AEROS as well as the in-
teraction between the various agencies and their respec-
tive responsibilities in maintaining AEROS are described
by the chart on the following pages.
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THE AEROS SYSTEM
DATA SYSTEMS
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ANALYSIS SYSTEMS
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COMPATIBLE SYSTEMS
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ANALYSIS
INFORMATION ON AIR POLLUTION SOURCES
INFORMATION ON AIR QUALITY
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PAST EMISSIONS
INFORMATION ON LEGAL REGULATIONS
POWER PLANT DATA
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EIS/P&R ^> FMISSION INVENTORY DATA
CDHS AQDHS > AIR OUAI ITY DATA
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COMPUTER
PROGRAMS
AEROS DATA SYSTEMS
NtLJo (National Emissions Data System)
Stores and reports source and emissions
related data for: particulates, SOX, NOX,
CO, and hydrocarbons
Describes 78,000 point sources
Reports data for 3,200 area sources
Reports information to AEROS via emis-
sion inventory questionnaires, State Im-
plementation Plan background data and
r^x-v Semi Annual Reports
Or\riLx/\LJ (Storage and Retrieval of Aerometric
Data)
Stores and reports information gathered
by ambient air monitoring networks
across the country
Provides information on pollutant levels,
weather information and sites
Collects information for AEROS from over
4,000 active air monitoring sites across
the nation
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SOTDAT
EHIS
SIPS
FPC-67
HATREMS
EDS
QAMIS
(Source Test Data System)
Stores data collected from extensive tests con-
ducted at pollution sources
Provides retention of data too specific to be stored
in NEDS data base
Provides source test data for development of
emission estimation factors
(Emission History Information System)
Determines and reports pollution emission esti-
mates for the U.S. for previous years
Provides data for development or evaluation of na-
tional air pollution control strategies
Provides basic prediction data for detecting future
problems
(State Implementation Plan System)
Stores text of state regulations which pertain to
limitation of air pollutant emissions
Stores federally promulgated regulations when
implemented
(Federal Power Commission Form No. 67)
Stores and selectively outputs descriptive and
operation data from power plants over 25
megawatt capacity as reported yearly to the
Federal Power Commission
Facilitates complete and comprehensive overview
of power generating facilities and associated air
pollution problems
(Hazardous and Trace Emissions System)
Stores data collected regarding emissions of air
pollutants that are not included in NEDS: emis-
sions other than particulates, sulfur oxides,
nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, or hydrocar-
bons
(Energy Data System)
Gathers and reports energy related data, such as
fuel usage, from the other data bases in the
AEROS system
(Quality Assurance Monitoring Information
System)
Stores data on the procedures, equipment, per-
sonnel, and other related information about data
acquiring agencies
Provides mechanism for monitoring and analysis
of data gathering techniques
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AEROS ANALYSIS
SYSTEMS
CAASE (Computer Assisted Area Source Emissions)
Proportions county, area-source data into smaller
areas based on population and similar factors to
show pollution levels within grids
Provides mechanism for usage of NEDS area
source data in mathematical air quality models
REPS (Regional Emissions Projection System)
Predicts emissions from geographical area or
source to the year 2000
Identifies probable future problems
Provides mechanism for manipulation to allow
prediction of the effect of changing conditions
(e.g., less strict regulations)
SIE FA (Source Inventory and Emission Factor Analysis)
Computes estimated errors in emissions data due
to inaccuracies in data collection and estimation
procedures
Provides mechanism for determination of areas
where data improvement is required
APEK (Air Pollutant Emissions Report)
Provides mechanism to organize and track com-
munications with air pollution sources and
thereby better coordinate the data handling and
acquisition
Serves as a data management tool
WoAP (Weighted Sensitivity Analysis Program)
Computes the tolerable error in emissions data
PREMOD (Pre-Modeling Data Output)
Makes air pollution data compatible with mathe-
matical modeling computer programs
Provides mechanism for data output for deter-
mination and prediction of ambient air quality for a
specific area from source data
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AEROS COMPATIBLE
SYSTEMS
(Comprehensive Data Handling System)
Provides software systems for state/local control agen-
cies to use on their computers in performing their daily
operations and to ease their job in meeting EPA reporting
requirements; updates and enhancements are provided
by NADB
Allows state and local agencies to better monitor and
manage their air pollution data management problems
The CDHS System consist of the following
AQDHS (Air Quality Data Handling Subsystem)
Creates and maintains an air quality data base
Extracts, retrieves, and prints data from the user data base
Prepares a data set for submission to EPA to automatically
satisfy agency quarterly reporting requirements
EIS/P&R (Emission Inventory Subsystem/Permit and Registration)
Creates and maintains a data base describing sources of
pollution, levels of pollution, and descriptive data related
to permits or registrations
Supports the agency functions of inspections, complaints,
legal compliance, and source surveillance
Prepares a data set for submission to EPA to automatically
satisfy agency semiannual reporting requirements
EMS (Enforcement Management Subsystem)
Provides a data base for use by state and local agencies to
control enforcement activities
Prepares reports, including standardized letters which
can be mailed directly to sources
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INTERAGENCY
RESPONSIBILITIES AND
COOPERATION
STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES
POINT SOURCE
INVENTORIES
AREA SOURCE
INVENTORIES
AIR QUALITY
DATA
COLLECT DATA
PERFORM
LABORATORY
VALIDATION
PERFORM
ENGINEERING
ANALYSIS
UPDATE/UPGRADE
CURRENT DATA
CONVERT TO 1
MACHINE
READABLE
MEDIA
SUBMIT DATA
TOREGIONAL
OFFICES
CHECK
DATA
RESOLVE
ERRORS
EPA REGIONAL OFFICES
COORDINATE DATA
RECEIPT WITH STATES
MAINTAIN LOGS AND
AUDIT TRAILS
DATA PROCESSING AND
SUBMISSION
TECHNICAL/
ENGINEERING
SUPPORT TO STATES
TECHNICAL/
ENGINEERING
VALIDATION
ERROR
RESOLUTION/
CORRECTION
DATA REVIEW
AND FORWARDING
TO STATES
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NATIONAL AIR DATA BRANCH
CONTROL AND MAINTAIN
NEDS SAROAD DATA
BASES
VALIDATE DATA QUALITY
PREPARE AND ENTER
AREA SOURCE DATA
TECHNICAL/ENGINEERING
SUPPORT TO REGIONAL
OFFICES
DEVELOP AND
DOCUMENT PROCEDURES.
GENERAL DATA LIST
AND REPORTS
DEVELOP EMISSION
FACTORS AND OTHER
ENGINEERING DATA
AND FILES
OUTPUT FOR USER
REPORTS
RETRIEVAL
ANALYSIS
PUBLICATIONS
MODELS
STUDIES
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USER SERVICES
The EPA air data systems are primarily used by
governmental agencies although the private sector is
becoming more aware of the advantages in utilizing a
common data base. It is expected that the EPA air data
systems will be used more by private groups in the future.
Information from these systems can be accessed
through standardized publications or by custom data
retrieval requests.
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Air Quality Data Statistics Annual/Quarterly
Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors
Directory of Active Air Quality Monitoring Sites Annual
Emission Factors for Trace Substances
National Emissions Report Annual
NEDS Fuel Use Report Annual
OAQPS Guideline AEROS Manual Series
AEROS Overview, Vol. I OAQPS No. 1.2-038
AEROS User's Manual,
Vol. II OAQPS No. 1.2-039
AEROS Summary & Retrieval Manual,
Vol III OAQPS No. 1.2-040
NADB Internal Operations Manual,
Vol. IV OAQPS No. 1.2-041
AEROS Manual of Codes,
Vol. V OAQPS No. 1.2-042
Copies of these publications are available from the Air Pollu-
tion Technical Information Center, Environmental Protection
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, or from
the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal
Road, Springfield, Virginia 22151.
FOR ALL OTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
THE AEROS REPRESENTATIVE AT YOUR
REGIONAL EPA OFFICE
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AEROS CONTACTS
REGIONAL
OFFICE
I John F. Kennedy Bldg.
Boston Mass. 02203
(617) 223^448
or
240 Highland Ave.
Needham Heights, Mass.
02194
(617) 223-7266
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
(212) 264-9578
Curtis Building
6th & Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, Pa. 19106
(215) 597-9860
IV 1421 Peachtree St. N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
(404) 526-2864
V 230 S. Dearborn
Federal Building
Chicago, III. 60604
(312) 353-1447
VI 1600 Patterson Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214)749-1176
VII 1735 Baltimore Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
(816) 374-3791
VIII 1860 Lincoln Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 837^261
IX 100 California St.
San Francisco, Calif. 94111
(415) 556-2270
X 1200 6th Avenue (M/S 413)
Seattle, Washington, 98101
(206) 442-1580
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