Meteorology and Climate
An accurate and realistic characterisation of the local and regional meteorology is vital to delivering a robust and defensible air quality impact assessment. The team of meteorologists and atmospheric scientists at Katestone has extensive experience in all aspects of meteorology with particular emphasis on the requirement for air dispersion models. We can ensure your weather station data are used to the full extent possible plus we can link your local site data with various numerical models (CALMET, TAPM, WRF). The dedicated Katestone team can assist you with all your meteorological related needs.
Meteorological assessments may be required as part of the impact assessment or design process or to determine the validity of complaints. Representative projects undertaken recently for which such work has been required include power station siting and design, assessment of cooling tower visibility, aircraft safety, feed lots, piggeries, poultry farms, sewage treatment plant and rendering works odour studies, and odour complaint investigations.
Aviation Safety
The Civil Aviation Safety Association (CASA) specifies regions in the vicinity of airports that have a limitation on the height of obstacles to ensure no interference with aviation safety. High vertical plume velocities interfere with the safe operation of aircraft, particularly light aircraft. CASA has developed guidelines for conducting plume rise assessments (AC 139-05(0)).
Katestone Environmental uses various models in conjunction with site meteorological observations or meteorological data generated by a numerical model to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of the critical in-plume vertical velocities at different heights, and thus allow an assessment of the likelihood of an industrial plume interfering with aircraft operations. This assessment can be combined with dispersion modelling and data analysis capabilities to provide complete air quality and safety assessments for industrial sources.
More information can be found on the Russel City Energy Center key project page.
As part of a decision support system, the analysis and interpretation of meteorological data in real-time can be used to manage air quality impacts from industrial processes. For example, emissions from a smelter may have to be reduced when winds are from a particular sector or when a mathematical model predicts that a sensitive area is likely to be affected. Another application for real-time interpretation of meteorological data is in relation to human or animal comfort. An example of where Katestone has used its expertise in this area is heat load forecasting for the Australian Feedlot industry. Katestone Environmental has developed a forecasting system to provide up to date alerts of days when heat stress could occur. More details can be found on the MLA key project page.
Forecasting
The range of activities that are sensitive to the weather is diverse. If your industry or activity would benefit from knowledge of weather conditions in advance, it’s time to look into the benefits of site specific forecasting. The forecasts given by the Bureau of Meteorology are typically regional forecasts. Katestone Environmental can bring this information to a local scale. The site specific forecast can be tailored to your particular needs to provide critical information to take precautionary action.
Climate change
Increasingly the terms of reference for new industrial developments request the proponent to address the potential impact of climate change on the project. Although the impacts of climate change are still being debated in the scientific arena recent studies have confirmed the probability of increasing temperatures, increased frequency of storms and drought conditions and sea level rise.
The team at Katestone can use the most recent and scientifically robust publications to identify the potential impacts climate change may have on your existing or proposed development.