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Air pollution modelling

Air pollution calculation, assessment and modelling

We carry out air quality assessments for planned or existing economic activities. We assess potential emission sources, raw materials, fuel types, technological processes and traffic flows. Calculations use models that meet legal and methodological requirements, with well-founded input data. For each facility we choose an individual assessment approach, taking into account the type of activity, the surroundings and the requirements of the authorities. We prepare clear conclusions, justifications and documentation for EIA, public health impact assessment, IPPC, pollution permits or the approval of design solutions.

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What is air pollution modelling?

Air pollution modelling (pollutant dispersion modelling) is a calculation that shows how pollutants released from an emission source (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and others) are distributed in the ambient air. The modelling is performed with specialised software, taking into account meteorological conditions, emission source parameters and local topography. The results are compared with the limit values set by legislation for ambient air in residential areas.

When is air pollution modelling needed?

We carry out air pollutant dispersion assessments when preparing:

  • EIA screening and EIA documents;
  • public health impact assessments;
  • sanitary protection zone (SPZ) documents;
  • pollution permit documents;
  • design proposals and technical designs;
  • environmental impact assessments of existing or planned activities.

What do we assess?

We model the impact of point (stack) and fugitive emission sources on ambient air. Typical sources:

  • stacks and ducts;
  • combustion plants;
  • manufacturing and technological processes;
  • waste handling, sorting and recycling facilities;
  • storage yards;
  • loading and storage of bulk materials;
  • vehicle movements on site;
  • mobile machinery and other technological equipment.

We assess the pollutants relevant to the specific activity.

Emission calculations

If emissions from the sources have not been measured or are not known in advance, we calculate them based on:

  • technological process data;
  • production capacity;
  • consumption of fuel, raw materials and other materials;
  • equipment technical data;
  • pollutant emission factors;
  • calculation methods applicable to the specific process.

Air pollutant dispersion modelling

Pollutant dispersion in ambient air is modelled with the AERMOD model. Depending on the facility and the scope of the assessment, the calculations take into account:

  • location and parameters of emission sources;
  • pollutant emissions;
  • meteorological conditions;
  • terrain;
  • the effect of buildings on dispersion (building downwash);
  • background air pollution;
  • the nearest residential and other sensitive receptors.
  • industrial and manufacturing companies;
  • heating plants and energy facilities;
  • transport infrastructure projects;
  • facilities that need an IPPC permit or a pollution permit.

What does the client receive?

We prepare an air quality assessment report containing:

  • pollutant emission calculations;
  • modelling input data and assumptions;
  • maximum calculated pollutant concentrations;
  • comparison of results with the applicable ambient air limit values;
  • pollutant dispersion maps;
  • analysis of results and conclusions.

If needed, we also assess possible emission reduction measures.

FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

Air pollution modelling assesses concentrations of specific pollutants (e.g. particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide) in the environment, while odour dispersion modelling assesses the distribution of odour intensity, expressed in odour concentration units. Both types of modelling are often carried out together when preparing EIA or public health impact assessment documents.

Air pollution modelling is usually mandatory when preparing EIA screening or EIA documents, public health impact assessment reports, sanitary protection zone documents, IPPC applications, or when obtaining or renewing a pollution permit, if the planned or existing activity emits pollutants into the ambient air.

We model pollutant dispersion in ambient air with the AERMOD model, taking into account emission source parameters, emissions, meteorological conditions, terrain, the effect of buildings on dispersion and background air pollution.

It depends on the number of emission sources, the available input data and the complexity of the facility. Contact us and we will estimate the timeline for your case individually.

The price depends on the type of facility, the number of emission sources and the scope of analysis required. Contact us for an individual quote.

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