The concern over regional air quality, and in particular smog and smog forming compounds, has grown worldwide.  Smog and its chemical constituents are known to have detrimental impacts on human health and the environment.  Although historically smog was perceived to be associated only with heavy industry and power generation, recent studies have shown that all sources of emissions, including residential fuel use, motor vehicles, natural sources, etc. all contribute to this ever-growing problem.  Smog is a 'soup' made up of complex chemicals that react and transform in the presence of high temperatures and sunlight.  Traditional, regulatory models (e.g., ISC3, AERMOD, CALPUFF) are incapable of replicating the complex metrological and photochemical reactions that take place in the atmosphere.  More advanced, computationally intensive models are required to replicate the formation of smog over large (i.e., continental) scales.  Regional atmospheric and chemistry models are used to quantify air quality issues that cover large geographic regions such as ground-level ozone, smog, toxics, and regional haze.  Atmospheric modeling can be broken down into three main components: meteorology; emission inventory; and atmospheric chemistry, transport and dispersion.  To learn more about what each one involves and the services that RWDI offers related to these, follow the appropriate links below. Meteorology  Local and regional scale meteorological processes (e.g., wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, etc.) that affect the transport, dispersion, deposition and chemistry of airborne pollutants must be accurately replicated in both space (i.e., 3-D) and time. Emission Inventory  The release of natural and human-induced (anthropogenic) emissions of primary and precursor pollutants must be simulated.  Not only the quantity, but also the location, chemical make-up, and rate (e.g., duration) of pollutant emissions is required to gain an accurate understanding of the impacts attributed to different emission sources. Atmospheric Chemistry, Transport and Dispersion  The transport, dispersion, deposition, and photochemical reactions that take place among pollutants that can reside in gaseous, liquid or particulate phases in the atmosphere must be replicated. RWDI's Regional Atmospheric Modeling (RAM) group offers a wide range of services to all levels of government, industry associations, non-governmental organizations and large industries. These services are timely due to growing interest in urban and regional smog throughout the world. Services Offered by RWDI's Regional Atmospheric Modeling Group Policy development and urban planning Trans-border pollution negotiations Air pollution cost-benefit analyzes Assessment of the effects of emission trading Assessment of industrial and transportation contributions to regional air quality Planning of new facilities or major changes to operations Prioritizing control strategies and evaluating pollution control equipment Negotiations between industry, government and non-governmental organizations RWDI is the first Canadian private sector firm, among only a handful of firms in North America, which currently offers such an advanced and comprehensive suite of atmospheric modeling services. Benefits of Regional Atmospheric Modeling and Related Services Expedite the permitting and approvals process Advise on the effectiveness of costly mitigation / emission control strategies and technologies prior to installation / implementation Promote technology transfer within the National service industry Provide third-party support for international treaty negotiations Provide input to health and environmental impact assessments Cost savings associated with a "one-stop-shop" for comprehensive environmental services Expert testimony