We have completed numerous air quality studies throughout Australia on gas-fired, coal-fired and diesel-powered stations for many key power companies. 

Typically, clients use our services when they are proposing to upgrade, modify or build new power stations and therefore require an air quality assessment of potential impact to gain development approval and operating licenses. The need for an assessment is to demonstrate that the new or modified plant will not adversely impact on air quality on surrounding areas and effect the health and amenity of offsite sensitive receptors. 

A typical air quality assessment involving a power station will include the following scope of work:  

• Estimate emissions from the proposed power station using guaranteed engine performance standards and emission estimation techniques sourced from Australian National Pollutant Inventory and United States Environmental Protection Agency AP42 workbooks
• Model the local meteorology to determine the behaviour of contaminant plumes released to the atmosphere
• Predict ground level concentrations of pollutants released from the plant. 
• Assess the predicted impacts against relevant regulatory guidelines such as National Environmental Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality ground level concentration (GLC) standards
• Report findings and provide recommendations.

Dispersion modelling is generally carried out using a modelling system comprising TAPM, CALMET and a 3-dimensional plume dispersion model such as CALPUFF. These models are endorsed by regulatory authorities such as the US EPA, and are acceptable to councils and EPAs throughout Australia. 

In addition to performing air quality assessments, PAE also help power generator clients quantify emissions of substances for the purposes of reporting to the NPI each year. 

Key clients in this vital sector include Infratil Australia, CS Energy, Stanwell Corporation, Tarong Energy, Ergon Energy and AGL. In addition, as Holmes Air Sciences, we have also completed projects in this sector in Kenya and the Ukraine, funded by the World Bank.