Air Quality Impact Assessment of a Waste-to-Energy Plant: Modelling Results vs. Monitored Data

The impact of the emissions from a municipal Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant in Northern Italy on local air quality was assessed using CALMET-CALPUFF atmospheric dispersion modelling system. Model simulations were based hourly emission rates measured by continuous stack monitoring systems and considered both quality-regulated pollutants (nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, toxic elements, benzo(a)pyrene), other trace typical WtE plants (dioxins, furans, mercury). model results compared to long-term observations network with short-term measurements dedicated campaigns vicinity plant, warm cold season conditions. Modelling observational showed that estimated contributions are very limited. This suggests observed concentration levels result contribution all sources distributed over area they not solely driven activity plant. Estimated plant’s usually at least two orders magnitudes lower than ambient nearest site even farthest sites.