Air Quality ModellingCALPUFF, CALINE, COPERT and AERMOD models
Local-scale modelling is an essential tool for assessing the impact of emissions on air quality within Environmental Impact Studies, Single Environmental Authorizations and Integrated Environmental and Health Impact Assessment. When an emission source – such as an industrial plant or a high-traffic road – affects the territory within a few kilometres, modelling simulations make it possible to estimate pollutant dispersion and predict possible effects on the environment and the population.
For these analyses TerrAria uses several internationally recognised dispersion models, including CALPUFF, AERMOD and CALINE.
AERMOD is officially adopted by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as the preferred steady-state dispersion model; it is based on a Gaussian plume approach and allows estimation of pollutant concentrations in simple or complex terrain conditions.
CALPUFF, also referenced by the EPA, is a non-steady-state Lagrangian model, particularly suitable for complex meteorological conditions.
CALINE, on the other hand, is a model for dispersion from linear sources (such as roads) used for the assessment of vehicular traffic impacts.
COPERT (COmputer Programme to calculate Emissions from Road Transport) is the European reference model for CORINAIR road traffic emission simulations. The model uses the vehicle fleet, mileage, speed and other data such as ambient temperature and makes it possible to calculate emissions and energy consumption for the area considered.
Atmospheric dispersion models require hourly meteorological information over the entire calculation domain. Local-scale modelling simulations are generally carried out over one or more meteorological years, in order to include all atmospheric conditions and correctly estimate annual averages, percentiles and regulatory exceedances. The final processing of ground-level pollutant concentrations makes it possible to generate high-resolution dispersion maps, which are essential for assessing the impact of sources and identifying any critical issues.
Thanks to this integrated approach, local-scale modelling becomes an essential support in the preparation of environmental impact studies, in emission assessment and in the definition of effective mitigation measures.
TerrAria’s experience includes a wide range of emission contexts, ranging from construction sites and offshore platforms to road traffic, up to complex sources such as industrial flares, livestock farms and numerous types of production plants, including refineries, chemical plants, thermoelectric power stations, compression plants, incinerators, biogas and biomass cogeneration systems, coating lines and food industries.
