AERMOD modelling
Audit & Validation

Technical audit of AERMOD input files, preprocessing, and results - with issue identification, correction notes, and reproducibility checklist.

Starting from $ 625
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Scope of Audit & Validation

Initial Intake

High-level review to confirm objectives and gather materials required for the audit.

  • Review submitted project brief and stated modelling objectives.
  • Confirm receipt and completeness of input files (AERMOD control file, sources, receptors).
  • Examine emissions data and metadata (units, temporal resolution, sources).
  • Assess meteorological files for completeness and suitability for the modelling period.
Deliverable: Intake checklist and list of any missing items.

Input File Review

Line-by-line audit of primary AERMOD inputs to ensure correctness and internal consistency.

  • Source characterisation: verify types, coordinates, stack parameters and release heights.
  • Emission rates: check units, conversion factors, temporal aggregation and plausibility.
  • Receptor network: verify locations, spacing, elevations and sensitive receptor coverage.
  • Meteorological dataset selection and formatting: confirm compatibility with AERMOD expectations.
  • Model configuration: inspect control options, run modes, averaging periods and any non-default keywords.
Deliverable: Detailed findings table with file lines referenced and severity tags.

Pre-processor Verification

Verify that derived inputs from pre-processors are correct and compatible with AERMOD runs.

  • AERMET — check raw meteorological inputs, profiles, stability classification and output file integrity.
  • AERMAP — verify terrain processing, receptor elevations and site-specific terrain inputs.
  • BPIPPRM — review building dimensions, locations and downwash parameters where applicable.
  • Confirm that outputs from each pre-processor match the AERMOD control and input expectations.
Deliverable: Pre-processor verification log and mismatch report.

Spot-check Runs

Targeted, short-duration model runs to reproduce flagged issues and test corrections.

  • Execute short AERMOD runs focused on problem areas (e.g. specific stacks or receptors).
  • Compare outputs against expected behaviour and project objectives.
  • Record discrepancies, runtime warnings/errors and anomalous results.
Deliverable: Run summary with example outputs (CSV) and annotated screenshots of logs where relevant.

Remediation Plan

Practical, stepwise plan to correct identified issues and re-validate the model.

  • Concise summary memo listing issues, root-cause analysis and impact assessment.
  • Recommended corrective actions with priority and estimated effort for each item.
  • Stepwise validation procedure to confirm fixes (including specific spot-check runs to repeat).
  • Optional follow-up support: implementation assistance, re-runs and final sign-off.
Deliverable: Remediation memo and validated input/output package ready for client review.
Notes:

This scope is deliberately audit-focused. It does not include extensive model edits or full project rebuilds — book Project Support for run-ready delivery.

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AERMOD Audit & Validation — Deliverables

Annotated File Review

Commented input file(s) or separate change list highlighting issues, assumptions, and suggested edits.

Corrective Action Memo

Prioritised list of fixes, with notes on expected impact and implementation approach.

Reproducibility Checklist

Step-by-step guide to reproduce issues, with optional test cases for independent verification.

Wrap-Up Call

60-minute live session to review findings, clarify actions, and agree next steps (included).

All deliverables are included in the Audit & Validation service. Extended implementation or modelling support is available under a separate service tier.

Timeline & Turnaround

Typical turnaround: 3–7 working days from receipt of required files and access credentials. Expedited reviews are available for an additional fee; availability subject to workload.

Pricing

Base audit includes control file checks and limited smoke tests.

From $ 625

Note: Price excludes third-party meteorological data and major rework. Final quote issued after intake and scoping.

FAQ

Will you edit my files?

We deliver a prioritised change list and annotated files. We will apply minor, low-risk edits only by explicit agreement. Major rebuilds, re-modelling or scope creep are out of scope and quoted separately.

Do you approve models for regulators?

No. We provide independent technical findings, corrections and validation guidance. Regulatory approval is the regulator's prerogative — we can prepare the package to support submissions but cannot guarantee acceptance.

What deliverable formats do you provide?

Deliverables include annotated control files (plain text), a corrective action memo (PDF/Word), a reproducibility checklist (PDF/CSV) and example AERMOD output snippets (CSV). Custom formats on request.

How long does the audit take?

Turnaround depends on project size and complexity. Typical small audits are 3–5 business days; medium projects 1–2 weeks. We’ll confirm a firm schedule during intake and prioritise critical items first.

What do you need from us to start?

Provide the project brief, AERMOD control and input files, AERMET/AERMAP/BPIPPRM outputs (if available), emissions data with units and metadata, and a short list of modelling objectives and critical receptors.

Do you keep our data confidential?

Yes. All client files and findings are treated as confidential. We can sign an NDA on request and follow client data handling procedures for sensitive datasets.

Will you re-run models after fixes?

Spot-check re-runs to verify fixes are included in the audit. Full re-runs or extended modelling support are available under a separate service tier and quoted based on scope.

How do you handle disagreements on assumptions?

We document assumptions clearly, flag ones with high impact, and recommend alternatives. The wrap-up call is used to resolve disagreements and agree a final action plan.

Need something different?

We can tailor the scope to match your specific project needs — just let us know.

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