Dispersion Modelling Assessment

We provide air quality dispersion modelling assessment services in support of projects throughout the UK, as well as internationally. These have included representation of releases from a wide variety of source types with a range of plume characteristics, with associated variation in associated impact.

Our specialist advice is provided by our knowledgeable and personable Air Quality Consultants, providing understanding of your project to ensure site-specific solutions.

Dispersion Modelling Assessment Services

Our air quality experts specialise in all aspects of air quality consultancy. Those relating to air dispersion modelling include:

• Dispersion Modelling Assessments in support of Environmental Permit applications.
• Air Quality Modelling in support of planning applications.
• Ecological and Ammonia Dispersion Modelling.
• Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Odour Dispersion Modelling Assessments.
• Low Emissions Strategies.
• SCAIL Combustion Assessments.
• SCAIL Agriculture Assessments.
• H1 Assessments in support of Environmental Permit applications.

Redmore Environmental maintains a full range of dispersion modelling software packages. These include:

• ADMS-6.
• ADMS-Roads.
• AERMOD.
• Breeze-Roads.
• Screen-View.
• SCAIL Combustion.
• SCAIL Agriculture.
• H1.
• DMRB.

Proficiency in all of the above software packages allows us to select the most appropriate air dispersion model for your specific issue, whilst not limiting the scope of our offering.

Why undertake Air Dispersion Modelling Assessments?

Atmospheric emissions from all industrial facilities, as well as roads, farms or any other pollutant source, can cause adverse impacts at sensitive locations, meaning accurate air dispersion modelling assessment is vital in identifying issues at an early stage in the design process. Site specific considerations, such as building effects, local topography and prevailing meteorological conditions, can all be included within the model. This produces a detailed representation of the actual location for use in the assessment.

Air quality modelling is recognised as a critical tool in the determination of potential pollutant concentrations, meaning assessments are often requested in support of Environmental Permit and planning applications. It can also investigate and aid the design of mitigation to limit potential air quality impacts, as well as test various scenarios to identify associated benefits and constraints.

Dispersion modelling can also assess plume travel and behavior. Previous applications have included:

• Temperature implications of Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) plumes at nearby residential properties
• Generation of visible plumes over airports
• The effect of plume momentum and temperature on aircraft turbulence

Air Quality Dispersion Modelling Screening Tools

Dispersion modelling is an essential component of Air Quality Assessments, used to predict pollutant concentrations and evaluate potential impacts on human health and the environment. Two commonly used screening tools in the UK are H1 and SCAIL Combustion, each suited to different contexts. Both tools serve as valuable first steps in air quality assessments, offering guidance on whether further, more detailed modelling studies using ADMS-6 or AERMOD are warranted.

H1 (Environment Agency Tool)

The H1 tool is designed by the Environment Agency to assess the potential environmental impacts of industrial emissions, including air quality, noise, and water discharges. Its air quality screening module uses a tiered approach to identify whether emissions may lead to significant pollutant concentrations. At the initial screening level, users input source data such as emission rates, stack height, and meteorological conditions. H1 calculates predicted environmental concentrations and compares them against air quality objectives and environmental thresholds. The tool is straightforward, providing a conservative assessment to determine if further detailed modelling is necessary. While easy to use, it assumes simplified dispersion characteristics and is best suited for initial scoping rather than complex scenarios.

SCAIL Combustion (Screening Tool for Assessing Industrial Emissions)

SCAIL Combustion is specifically tailored for small-scale combustion sources, such as biomass boilers or combined heat and power (CHP) plants. It evaluates emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and particulate matter (PM). The tool requires users to input data on fuel type, emission parameters, and stack details. It estimates ground-level concentrations using generic dispersion models and compares results with applicable air quality standards. SCAIL Combustion provides a quick, cost-effective means to assess compliance for smaller installations, but lacks the precision of site-specific modelling using advanced methods such as ADMS or AERMOD.

Experts in Atmospheric Emissions

Our in-depth understanding of industry and atmospheric chemistry means we can carefully focus the scope of your dispersion modelling assessment. This includes utilising our full suite of software to ensure regulatory obligations are fulfilled.

Our extensive experience of working on a wide variety of projects has allowed us to develop our dispersion modelling techniques. This has included novel methods for complex source representation, advanced modelling options, treatment of challenging sites and results analysis. These skills now benefit all our dispersion modelling or air quality assessment projects.

Some examples of our successfully delivered dispersion modelling projects include:

• Pets Choice, Blackburn
• GP Plantscape Composting Facility, Blantyre
• Lower Dunton Short Term Operating Reserve, Basildon
• London Luton Airport
• Isle of Bute Biomass Boilers

Additional Services

We also have expertise in the following areas:

• Bioaerosol Risk Assessments.
• Ambient Air Quality Monitoring.
• BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Assessments.
• Indoor air quality testing.
• Kitchen Odour Assessments.
• Ecological and Ammonia Assessments.
• Local Air Quality Management reports.
• Air Quality Constraints and Screening Opinions.
• Dust and Odour Management Plans.
• Expert Witness.

Get in Touch

If you are concerned about air quality or require a Dispersion Modelling Assessment, then please get in touch today to discuss how we can help you ensure consent is granted.

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