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Dispersion Modeling Systems Relevant to Homeland Security Preparedness and Response
Citation:
Pirhalla, M. Dispersion Modeling Systems Relevant to Homeland Security Preparedness and Response. U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-20/338, 2020.
Impact/Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive database of dispersion models that are currently available while also briefly explaining the fundamental concepts of atmospheric transport and dispersion. This document can act as a comprehensive guide to relay risk, sampling, and model choices to decision makers. The dispersion model background information and model summaries are intended to provide a quick reference for those new to air dispersion modeling or for those seeking to expand their knowledge base. Currently available dispersion models, situations where they are most applicable, model availability and runtime, and notable studies and publications from academic articles are also detailed. The goal is to provide EPA researchers, emergency response planners, and policymakers an additional resource to make informed decisions regarding dispersion model use. The report is also intended to facilitate discussion between public, private, academic, and/or government sectors to aid in the selection of a useful dispersion model during the preparation, planning, response, or recovery phases.
Description:
Atmospheric dispersion modeling is one tool that can be used for effective emergency preparation or response from hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) releases, especially in urban areas where population densities are high and wind flow becomes altered between buildings and street canyons. The goal of this report is to explain the fundamental concepts of atmospheric transport and dispersion and provide a comprehensive database of dispersion models that can be used for emergency preparation and response to facilitate discussion between public, private, academic, and/or government sectors. The abundance of available modeling options creates confusion and results in challenging decisions on the type of model to be used during different scenarios. A comprehensive dispersion model review of this magnitude has also not recently occurred. This report provides a literature review of previous model review efforts to lay the foundation for this updated database, provides introductory concepts on boundary layer meteorology and the types of dispersion models available (e.g. Gaussian Plume or Puff, Lagrangian, or CFD models), and outlines a comprehensive list of 96 dispersion models that could be considered for wide-area release risks. Sixteen of those models were then selected for a more detailed review due to their potential applicability and usefulness for emergency response.