Title: Evaluation of new generation atmospheric dispersion models

Authors: D.J. Hall, A.M. Spanton, M. Bennett, F. Dunkerley, R.F. Griffiths, B.E.A. Fisher, R.J. Timmis

Addresses: Envirobods Ltd., 13 Badminton Close, Stevenage, Herts SG2 8SR, UK. Envirobods Ltd., 13 Badminton Close, Stevenage, Herts SG2 8SR, UK. Environmental Technology Centre, Chemical Engineering Department, UMIST, Manchester M60 1QD, UK. Environmental Technology Centre, Chemical Engineering Department, UMIST, Manchester M60 1QD, UK. Environmental Technology Centre, Chemical Engineering Department, UMIST, Manchester M60 1QD, UK. School of Environmental Sciences, University of Greenwich, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TB, UK. UK Environment Agency, 11 Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NF, UK

Abstract: The paper considers the regulatory view of evaluating dispersion models. There is no proscription for regulatory studies in the UK, so differences between dispersion calculations from different models and versions of models are then as important as their absolute veracity. An example shows variations in calculated concentration due to variations between two different versions of a model and two different sources of meteorological data. A simple standard test protocol that will reveal such differences is being developed as part of a model inter-comparison exercise between the US-EPA ISC model, the US-EPA AERMOD model and the UK ADMS model, these being the models most likely to be used for regulatory applications in the UK.

Keywords: ADMS; AERMOD; dispersion model; ISC; model intercomparison; regulatory application; test protocol.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2002.000692

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2002 Vol.18 No.1, pp.22-32

Published online: 14 Jul 2003 *

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