Development of a methodological framework and supporting data base for air pollution impact scoping in South African industrial planning
Date
2014-03-20
Authors
Scorgie, Yvonne
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Abstract
The principles of Integrated Environmental Management have been adopted by South
Africa, and mandatory environmental scoping and impact assessments recently introduced.
Air pollution scoping studies have, however, been hindered by the absence of objective
scoping criteria and a readily accessible atmospheric dispersion climatology data base. The
purpose of this research was to develop a conceptual methodological framework within
which industrial planners may assess whether proposed developments will impact
significantly on the air quality of the receiving environment. The primary function of the
conceptual framework is the identification of pertinent data, and the integration of such
data into the decision making process.
The study comprises the development of several data and model bases including: an
industrial data and model base to facilitate the inventory of emissions from proposed iron
and steel industries; an ambient air quality data and model base able to characterise the
existing air quality at the proposed site; an atmospheric dispersion, climatology data and
model base to parameterise and reconcile the macro- and meso-scale ventilation potentials
of the site; and an environmental risk identification data and model base to assess the
sensitivity of the receiving environment. The methodological framework includes a
procedure for the integration of the findings of the industrial, ambient air quality,
atmospheric dispersion potential and risk identification model bases into the final decision
making process.
The decision-making framework proposed is designed to ensure that informed, transparent
and reproducible decisions are made with regard to the acceptability of the proposed
development, or the need for further assessment. Such a framework could enhance
communication, promote the review of project options early on in the planning phase, and
assist in the resolution of disputes regarding the proposed process. In instances where no
compromises are possible, or where the impact of the proposed development requires
fuiiiici study, the methodological framework can provide useful baseline information and
establish the precedent for transparency and consistency in the subsequent air pollution
impact assessments.
The practical applicability of the methodological framework has been evaluated, based on a
review of the various assumptions made and of the potential model-output inaccuracies
related to the unavailability of data. The utility of the framework could most effectively be
enhanced through the expansion of the industrial data base to include further types of
industries, and the extension of the dispersion climatology data and model base to allow for
the parameterisation of meso-ventilation potentials at coastal sites.