Sac Metro Air District recommends these tools and guidance documents to assist in air quality impact analysis. Additionally, thresholds of significance resolutions and justification documents are included.
Tools: Models, Calculators & Data Files
CalEEMod
California Emissions Estimator Model including User Guide.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The CalEEMod Linear Construction Module has superseded the Road Construction Emissions Model.
Harborcraft, Dredge and Barge Emission Factor Calculator
Harborcraft, Dredge and Barge Emission Factor Calculator for obtaining emission factors from marine equipment for planning and construction analysis (June 2024)
Harborcraft, Dredge and Barge Emission Factor Memoradum (June 2024)
AERMOD Meteorological Data Files
Sac Metro Air District provides two sets of AERMOD meteorological data files (2014-2018) (These are .zip files. Please save the files and then open them to extract the PFL and SFC files):
Guidance: Protocols, Recommendations & Other Documents
Recommended Mitigation Measures
Link to Sac Metro Air District's recommended mitigation measures for construction and operational emissions, including the Recommended Guidance for Land Use Emission Reductions (AQMP guidance).
Cool pavement strategies to reduce Urban Heat Island impacts (December 2020).
Friant Guidance
The Guidance to Address the Friant Ranch Ruling for CEQA Projects in the Sac Metro Air District (October 2020) provides screening health information for projects at or below regional CEQA thresholds of significance emissions levels and selected strategic areas above thresholds of significance emissions levels. Modeling guidance for large projects located outside strategic areas is also included.
Mobile Sources Air Toxics Protocol
Mobile Sources Air Toxics Protocol for assessing potential cancer risk to receptors located near major roadways and railways (September 2020) including supporting document on landscape barriers:
Existing Sources of Odors and Toxic Air Contaminants
Recommendations for Siting New Projects Near Existing Sources that Emit Odors and Toxic Air Contaminants (July 2019) for addressing potential public health impacts for projects that may expose receptors to existing sources of odors and toxic emissions.
Other Helpful Resources
General Rules Statement for Development Projects (October 2020)
State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G (June 2019, courtesy of AEP)
Sacramento Area Council of Government (SACOG) Regional Plans
Folsom Landfill Clean Closure Work Plan (May 2008) - example air monitoring plan, Appendix E
Model Policies for Greenhouse Gases in General Plans: A Resource for Local Government to Incorporate General Plan Policies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (June 2009)
Recommendations to Reduce a Project's Contribution to the Urban Heat Island Effect for Proposed Development Projects
Air Quality Analysis in CEQA Roadway Review - Published by CAPCOA in 2018, this aims to address common questions and misconceptions—such as greenhouse gas analysis—for roadway projects reviewed under CEQA, intended to guide lead agencies and air districts. The document is not comprehensive and should be used alongside broader, region-specific air district guidance for full CEQA air quality analysis. Please consult any of the Sac Metro Air District staff listed below to determine the appropriate methodology for project specific CEQA analysis.
Adopted Thresholds of Significance Resolutions and Documentation
Notice of Thresholds Adoption March 2002
Resolution adopted October 2014 for Greenhouse Gases
Resolution adopted May 2015 for Particulate Matter
Resolution adopted April 2020 for Updated Operational Land Development Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse Gas Thresholds for Sacramento County, released March 4, 2020, adopted April 23, 2020, and report finalized June 1, 2020, with minor changes (removed DRAFT, updated needed website links, reported the City of Galt adopted a climate action plan on March 4, 2020, and corrected use of the term offset when referencing mitigate)
