Air Quality Handbook

Air Quality Handbook

Air quality assessments for proposed Federal actions are required for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act and other environment-related regulations and directives. This handbook is a comprehensive guide intended to assist the air quality analyst/environmental specialist in assessing the air quality impact of Federal Aviation Administration and the United States Air Force actions at airports and air bases. Furthermore, it provides guidance, procedures and methodologies for use in carrying out such assessments.

This section presents a glossary of terms and definitions. Section One provides general background information, including a brief discussion of Federal and State regulations. Section Two describes the assessment process including information on the various agencies involved in airport and air base studies. Emissions and dispersion assessments are presented in Sections Three and Four. Section Five covers both general and transportation conformity. Section Six addresses mitigation/control measures. The appendices provide additional supporting information including a summary of environmental documents, a project reviewer’s checklist, analyses, and calculations.

The procedures in this handbook are consistent with all current Federal air quality laws and regulations affecting aviation including the National Environmental Policy Act, Council on Environmental Quality regulations, Clean Air Act , as amended, and other related statutes, regulations, directives and orders. Most of the procedures and analyses discussed in this handbook apply to both airports and air bases. This handbook only addresses airport and air base
actions within the U.S., its territories and possessions. Although this handbook does not cover actions abroad, many of the calculation methodologies and resources are still applicable. In addition, many of the references identified do address actions abroad and can be consulted for further information.