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Utility Company Saves by Not Constructing Taller Stacks
JCA assisted this company in preparing an initial covered source permit application for an existing power plant. Part of the application was a modeling study evaluating the plant’s impact on air quality. The client initially hired another consulting firm to perform this study. That firm could not demonstrate compliance with the applicable ambient air quality standards with the existing stacks and recommended that the client increase the stack heights.
Now the client was faced with the daunting and expensive prospect of constructing taller stacks at the existing plant. At this point, the client’s only option was to construct entirely new stacks because the existing stacks could not be extended to the height recommended by the other consulting firm.
The client requested that JCA review the modeling study to determine if spending a large amount of money on new stacks was their only option. After working closely with and negotiating with the state agency and by careful review of the EPA modeling guidance, JCA developed a method to perform a modeling study that resulted in showing that the existing facility was in compliance with state regulations.
The client was thrilled with the results and they potentially saved $1 million or more they would have spent on constructing the new stacks.
Impact of Large Train Derailment Determined
A client needed to determine the air quality impact of a large train derailment. Of the derailed cars, 15 contained hazardous materials and 2 contained hazardous materials residue. The derailment resulted in a release of hazardous materials with explosions and fire. About 3,500 people were evacuated from the surrounding area.
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This was a challenging project because details of the crash were not readily available. This was not an ordinary modeling study where JCA had access to detailed records. In order to complete the project, JCA had to think creatively and figure out a way to recreate the details of the crash. One way JCA was able to uncover details about the crash was working closely with combustion and explosion experts.
Through creative means, JCA eventually determined the necessary model inputs. Armed with these inputs, JCA utilized multiple dispersion models and successfully determined the air quality impact of this massive derailment.
Plant’s Past Impact Determined with Limited Data
In 2003, a client needed to determine what the air quality impact of a manufacturing plant was in the 1970’s and 1980’s. This task was especially challenging because the manufacturing plant did not retain records reaching this far back. JCA now faced the difficult (some would say impossible) task of performing a modeling study with incomplete information. However, JCA assured the client that they could complete the project.
JCA’s first task was to gather all available information. JCA implemented creative tactics to gather the data including interviewing former plant employees. Through innovative processes, JCA eventually pieced enough information together to perform the study.
JCA successfully reconstructed the emission inventory and performed a modeling study from this time period. JCA never gave up on this difficult project and delivered on our promise to the client.
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