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luftbelastungsgutachten

Environmental Studies

Exposure to air pollutants and odour

Assessment of odour immisions

In the case of new or extended buildings for livestock or composting plants, we assess the odourous emissions.

The dispersion conditions in the surroundings of these facilities are analysed. We determine whether critical weather conditions, particularly cold-air flows, exist near odour pollution, and how they will develop.

If necessary, we can carry out temporary measurements of wind conditions with our own weather stations, or simulate the odourous immissions with the specialised AUSTAL2000G expansion model.

Environmental Assessment: Air quality chapter in good hands

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) assesses whether a construction project complies with the environmental regulations. In an EIA we analyse the impacts on air quality and define measures to protect the environment.

With the dispersion models MISKAM and AUSTAL we calculate the future air pollution by nitrogen dioxide in constructions subject to the EIA such as roads, tunnel portals, parking garages, refuse incineration plants or other industrial facilities. For facilities such as waste incineration and power plants, we calculate the pollutant emissions and verify compliance with legal requirements.

AUSTAL for dispersion over complex terrain

For the modelling of pollutants in complex terrain, we use the software package AUSTAL2000, which is an implementation of the German guidelines specified in VDI 3945, Part 3. AUSTAL2000 is a mesoscale dispersion model combined with a Lagrangian particle model. This flexible calculation method provides realistic results even when uneven terrain and buildings affect the propagation of air pollutants.

For the simulation of odour emissions we use the model AUSTAL2000G. A draft implementation guide for the evaluation of odours by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) recommends the application of this model.

MISKAM for urban canyons and buildings

For the modeling of environments such as urban canyons or tunnel portals, we use MISKAM (Microscale Climate and Dispersion Model). MISKAM is a widely used three-dimensional non-hydrostatic flow and dispersion model.

This model is applicable to small-scale forecasts of wind distributions and pollutant concentrations in the vicinity of individual buildings, streets or entire districts. Buildings are accounted for in the form of block structures so that the air currents and turbulences in the surroundings of buildings can be modeled realistically.

Thomas Künzle

Ask our expert:

Thomas Künzle

Head of Air Quality

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