BOARD MEETING DATE: February 4, 2005
AGENDA NO. 8

Approve Transfer of Funds for Modeling Computer Workstations

SYNOPSIS:

AQMD staff uses computer-based air quality models for MATES, AQMP development, SIP development, rule and control measure effectiveness analyses and other strategic planning efforts. In order to run the state-of-the-science air quality models additional hardware, software and operating systems are needed. The cost will not exceed $25,000. This action is to transfer $25,000 from the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account to the Fixed Asset Major Object for the purchase of two modeling computer workstations.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, January 14, 2005. Less than a quorum was present for the discussion of this item; those Committee members present communicated their concurrence.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Transfer $25,000 from the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account, to the Fixed Asset Major Object for the purchase of two modeling computer workstations.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Staff in the AQMD Air Quality Modeling and Meteorology Section is currently conducting the air toxic modeling for MATES-III and is preparing air quality modeling for the 2007 AQMP. As more sophisticated state-of-the-science air quality models are employed and annual modeling analyses are conducted, more computing power, faster processing and higher data storage capabilities have become essential to accomplish the necessary tasks. The most cost effective way to accomplish these tasks is the use of multi-processor Linux-based personal computer (PC) work stations. The Comprehensive Air Quality Models with Extensions (CAMx) and Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) are specifically designed to use multi-processor Linux based PCs or multiple PC clusters. The effort to install the software and run these models on the Linux based PC platform should be minimal. The Linux based PC system will allow staff to perform concurrent modeling at a faster rate and provide greater disk storage capacity.

Recommendation

Transfer $25,000 from the Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account to the Fixed Asset Major Object and approve the purchase of two modeling computer systems, consisting of software, computers, and disk drives compatible with model requirements, system integration, installation and maintenance support.

Resource Impacts

The total costs of the two modeling computer systems and software will not exceed $25,000. Sufficient funds are included in the Planning, Rule Development and Area Sources FY 2004-05 Budget, Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services Account for transfer to the Fixed Asset Major Object.

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