Which is better, AERMOD or CALPUFF?

Neither is universally better. AERMOD is the standard steady-state model for flat-to-moderate terrain within 50 km; CALPUFF is required for coastal fumigation, calm winds, stagnation, and long-range transport. The site's meteorology and terrain choose the model, not preference.

When is CALPUFF mandatory in Indonesia?

For coastal facilities with land-sea breeze fumigation risk, sites with calm or recirculating winds exceeding 10% of hours, complex terrain with channeling, or regional deposition studies beyond 50 km. Reviewers increasingly require it for shoreline industrial estates.

What meteorological data does AERMOD require in Indonesia?

One year of hourly surface data (wind, temperature, cloud, ceiling height, pressure) from a representative BMKG station, plus an upper-air sounding, processed through AERMET. Data gaps need documented preprocessing decisions.

Why do dispersion models fail permit review?

Three recurring causes: wrong background concentrations (no baseline monitoring), meteorological data that does not represent the site, and uncalibrated models applied with default parameters. All three are preventable before submission.

AERMOD vs CALPUFF: Choosing the Right Air Dispersion Model for Indonesian Industrial Permits

AERMOD vs CALPUFF: Choosing the Right Air Dispersion Model for Indonesian Industrial Permits

AERMOD vs CALPUFF: The Engineer's Decision Matrix

The Regulatory Context

AERMOD: The Steady-State Workhorse

CALPUFF: The Non-Steady-State Alternative

The Decision Matrix

Meteorology: The Real Bottleneck

Validation: The Step Everyone Skips

Where I Use Both

Frequently Asked Questions