Air Quality Modelling

Air dispersion modelling is a method of predicting the ground level concentration and deposition of air pollutants from one or more sources. The method may include relationships between emissions and air quality that incorporates the transport, dispersion and transformation of compounds emitted into the air. Ground level ambient concentrations of pollutants are predicted by models using information such as:

• Meteorological (wind speed, temperature etc)
• Terrain characteristics
• Land use (urban or rural)
• Information on the source such as:
  
  • Mass emission rate (e.g. kg of SO2/hour)
    
  • Temperature of gases within the stack
    
  • Flow rate (e.g. cubic meters/second)

The results of a modelling analysis are used to determine if a new or existing source of air pollutants can comply with ambient air quality objectives.

Information on Recommended Dispersion Models and Screening Data files has been provided for modelling professionals from industry or consulting firms.

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