Plume Dispersion Modelling.
We offer this dispersion modelling service using the EPA's latest "AUSPLUME" package as required under the Victorian State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP).
Given the number, disposition and emission inventories from each of the exhaust stacks on your site and a meteorological file from your locality which contains 12 months of weather data taken at 1-hourly intervals we are able to produce a model showing probable ground level concentrations of solvents, odours, particulate matter etc. to be expected from a site.
The emission inventory can be prepared from direct measurements - see our On Site Monitoring page - or in some cases they can be calculated from raw material purchases.
As part of our plume dispersion model we produce contour maps of ground level concentrations (GLC's) using dedicated software, with these contours overlaid on the local street map. This gives an easily read guide to site compliance and a visual assessment of local impact. In addition, a series of maps can be produced showing the effect of changing such features as emission rates, exhaust stack height and discharge velocity. These changes frequently solve problems of compliance and in some cases can spell the difference between acceptance and rejection of an application.
To see if the calculated ground level concentrations are below the statutory
limits, check with your local authority. In Victoria, these limits are set
in the State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP). These may be viewed directly
in PDF form using the following link SEPP
(PDF). These limits are presently applied by EPA (Victoria) and have no
legal value elsewhere. However, they give a good indication of the environmental
impact of the project.
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