Join us for the last Lunch and Learn of the year! 

Title: Evaluating High-Resolution Prognostic Meteorological Data for Regulatory Dispersion Modeling in Colorado's Complex Terrain

Speakers: I-Ting Ku and Gustavo Cuchiara, Colorado Air Pollution Control Division

Presentation Summary: Regulatory air dispersion models like EPA’s AERMOD rely on precise meteorological data to estimate pollutant concentrations, yet complex terrain and observation gaps, such as the loss of Denver upper-air soundings, posing significant challenges in Colorado. Come learn about a recent sensitivity study evaluating high-resolution (1-km) WRF prognostic meteorological data as an alternative to traditional National Weather Service observations. The presentation will explore how prognostic data impacts regulatory compliance modeling across diverse Colorado regions, highlighting key strengths, limitations, and practical implications for air permitting in complex terrain.

Presenter Bios: Gustavo Cuchiara and I-Ting Ku serve as Air Quality Modelers in the Dispersion Modeling Unit at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Air Pollution Control Division. Gustavo holds a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from the University of Houston and previously conducted research work with CU/NCAR and CIRA/CSU. I-Ting earned her Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University, where she also completed her postdoctoral work. Together, they review industrial air dispersion modeling to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and contribute to special projects such as evaluating prognostic data.

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