EXPERT INTERFACE FOR MODELING AIR-QUALITY IMPACTS FROM SUPERFUND SITES

The Expert Interface software program aids the novice user in choosing the correct release scenario and specifying the inputs required by th e EPA Industrial Source Complex (ISC) air dispersion model. This innov ative system provides a framework so that users follow consistent meth odologies for modeling various release scenarios. This is achieved thr ough the use of a graphical interface that includes a query methodolog y enabling the program to identify the release scenario and ask approp riate questions for more details. In this paper we describe the design , implementation, capabilities and use of the Expert Interface for Sup erfund applications. The Expert Interface program is written in Micros oft Visual C++ for the Windows environment. For illustration purposes, this phase of the development considers two source categories. The ge neric source category consists of a point source, while the Superfund category includes a lagoon source. For each source type the program qu eries the relevant variables from the user. In addition, the Expert In terface asks questions regarding control options, receptors, meteorolo gy and output formats. The Expert Interface then creates the input fil e required by the ISC dispersion model. Finally, the Expert Interface enables the user to run the ISC model and browse the results file.