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The impact of pollution on health and the environment has been one of the most difficult areas for industry and regulators to assess.
The influence of atmospheric emissions on local air quality is dependent upon a number of variables which dictate the ground-level concentrations found. These factors include: | Meteorological Factors: | Process/Environment Factors: | | Wind speed and direction | Height of emission point | | Atmospheric stability | Physical state of pollutant
(aerosol, mist, vapour, gas) | | Precipitation | Topography and local buildings |
In recent years increasing demands on model developers have produced modelling techniques which are relevant to real industrial applications, and of real utility for both industrial user and regulatory body policy-making. These modern applications are focusing on the larger number of smaller industrial sources, which may impact on ground-level air quality in the immediate proximity, which is more likely to include residential areas. The result is an increase in the number and sophistication of models available to the process operator, pollution regulator, or council planner. In tandem with this is the requirement to know what combination of models to use for a particular application, and how best to utilise them. Dispersion modelling is an important element - along with environmental risk assessment and environmental monitoring - of an effective Environmental Management System.
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