Air Quality Modeling
Air pollution dispersion modelling is the term used to describe using mathematical theory to understand, or predict the way pollutants behave in the atmosphere.
Modelling can be used to understand environmental impact under different emission rates and weather conditions. It assesses the impact of air pollutants over a given area using an existing set of data (source characteristics, meteorological conditions and site and surrounding conditions).
Air Studies Division (ASD) uses air quality-forecasting software model for fixed sources (Gaussian Plume Air Dispersion Model; “AERMOD”) which complies with USEPA requirements. The AMS/EPA Regulatory Model (AERMOD) was specially designed to support the EPA’s regulatory modelling programs. AERMOD is a regulatory steady-state plume modelling system with three separate components: AERMOD (AERMIC Dispersion Model), AERMAP (AERMOD Terrain Pre-processor), and AERMET (AERMOD Meteorological Pre-processor).
In addition to use the air pollution dispersion modeling as a tool to assess the impacts of the new proposed projects on the air quality in the ESIA studies, it has been used to assist the existing companies to assess the impacts of their emissions on the ambient air quality in order to control these emissions.