An application of a multiple point source atmospheric dispersion model

Abstract A multiple point-source Gaussian dispersion model designed to calculate the dispersion of industrial emissions, utilizing readily available meteorological data and suitable for use by control authorities, is described. The model has been applied to sulphur dioxide emission data from the Milford Haven area and its performance has been evaluated by comparison with National Survey monitoring data collected over a 49day period. The mean predicted concentrations for this period were found to be in reasonable agreement with those measured, the median error in prediction being of the same order as the limiting error of the measuring apparatus, namely about 7μg m −3 . It was concluded that the model could be usefully employed to study the effect of proposed developments, both in isolation and in relation to other emission sources, on long period mean ground level concentrations. It could not be used for day to day control.