EPA Transportation Conformity Guidance for Quantitative Hot-spot Analyses in PM2.5 and PM10 Non-attainment and Maintenance Areas
Abstract
This guidance describes how to complete quantitative hot-spot analyses for certain highway and transit projects in PM2.5 and PM10 (PM) non-attainment and maintenance areas. This guidance describes transportation conformity requirements for hot-spot analyses and provides technical guidance on estimating project emissions with the EPA’s Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model, California’s EMission FACtors (EMFAC) model, and other methods. The guidance also outlines how to apply air quality models for PM hot-spot analyses and includes additional references and examples. However, the guidance does not change the specific transportation conformity rule requirements for quantitative PM hot-spot analyses, such as what projects require these analyses. EPA has coordinated with the U.S. Department of Transportation during the development of this guidance.