Air dispersion model-
ing is widely used to
estimate the concen-
tration of ground-
level pollutants from
emission sources.
Dispersion models
often are utilized dur-
ing preparation and
evaluation of air permit applications, and in other
instances where air pollution control strategies
must be evaluated or improved.
One commonly used model is SCREEN3,
which offers a simple, easy-to-use method of ob-
taining pollutant concentration estimates.
About This Article
This article is the second in a two-part series
on air dispersion modeling.
In the spring 2003 issue of this journal, two
authors of this article presented an introduction
to air dispersion modeling (Cora & Hung, 2003).
In a theoretical and practical discussion intended
to help environmental compliance personnel un-
derstand the basis of air pollution dispersion
modeling, we presented basic concepts and sum-
marized some findings from our review of the
professional literature available on the topic.
In this article,
we present practical
information on
using one particular
dispersion model-
ing tool: SCREEN3,
which is used dur-
ing permitting eval-
uation procedures.
We include a hypothetical case study demonstrat-
ing the use of SCREEN3 for determining the maxi-
mum allowable ground level concentration
(MAGLC) of air toxics released at an industrial
emission source. We also explain the basic con-
cepts associated with the use of SCREEN3.
Development of the SCREEN3 Model
The SCREEN3 model was developed to provide
a simple method for obtaining pollutant concen-
tration estimates based on screening procedures.
The current model was preceded by two earlier
versions (SCREEN and SCREEN 2.0). The program
originally was developed in a DOS version, which
Environmental Quality Management / Summer 2003 / 67
© 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com).
DOI: 10.1002/tqem.10087
Mario G. Cora, Yung-Tse Hung,
and Doritza Pagan-Rodriguez
Air Dispersion Modeling:
Using SCREEN3 to
Determine the MAGLC of
Air Toxics
Second of a two-part series