Services

Atmospheric Dispersion and Meteorological Modelling

Atmospheric dispersion modelling is often an important tool used to assess the potential effects of air discharges. Modelling involves incorporating various inputs associated with air discharges, such as the height of the stack (discharge point), gas velocity and pollutant concentration, and information on the local meteorology to predict how air pollutants disperse in the ambient atmosphere. The model then predicts pollutant concentrations beyond the site boundary, which are then compared with appropriate health-effects based assessment criteria to determine whether the discharge is likely to cause an effect on the local environment. Often these types of assessments are complex with many different discharge points and air pollutants, varying release conditions, and sources are often wake affected due to nearby structures such as buildings or structures.

Air Quality Consulting NZ has comprehensive experience undertaking atmospheric dispersion modelling assessments for a broad range of clients; some of the models used include CALPUFF/CALMET, TAPM, AERMOD, GRAL and CALROADS.

Air Quality Consulting NZ has experience assessing the accidental release of hazardous pollutants due to the loss of containment of chemicals from leaks or process upsets. This type of assessment is commonly required to support a safety case for Major hazard facilities, as required by Worksafe, to demonstrate that hazardous can be controlled effectively and not cause adverse effects.

Development of dust and odour management plans

Most resource consents for activities that discharge dust and odour require a comprehensive management plan that describes the nature of the discharges, outlines responsibilities and provides detailed information on the management methods used to control discharges. Air Quality Consulting NZ has extensive experience preparing these documents for various activities, including wastewater treatment plants, landfills, resource recovery parks, quarries and cleanfills.

Air Quality Consulting NZ can design and implement ambient air quality monitoring programmes for a range of projects. Some of the projects we have been involved with relate to: power generation, roading/rail construction mining, oil and gas exploration, and roading construction.

Pollutants that we can measure include TSP, PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen (NO and NO2) VOC’s and odour. In addition, we can install and operate a weather station at your site to better understand key meteorological parameters that influence air quality, such as wind, temperature and rainfall.

Air Quality Consulting NZ has presented expert evidence at various Council and Environmental Court hearings supporting and opposing resource consent applications.