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Dispersion modelling of accidental released toxic gases

Start Date: 01 July 2009

Project duration: 7 months

Summary:

In the case of accidental release of hazardous gases in the atmosphere, the emergency responders need a reliable and fast tool to assess the possible consequences and apply the optimal countermeasures. Worldwide are available more than 200 models for the prediction and simulation of hazard areas affected by accidental releases of toxic gases. The most model packages (commercial or free of charge) include a chemical database, an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and automated graphical output for effective presentation of the results. The models are designed especially for analyzing different accidental toxic release scenarios (“worst-case scenarios”), for preparing emergency response plans and optimal countermeasures as well as for real-time risk assessment and management (e.g. in the frame of the SEVESO directive). Since the input requirements differ from model to model, and the outputs are based on unequal criteria for toxic area and exposure, a high degree of caution in the interpretation of the model results is required. Depending on the demand and the particular purposes, the choice of the appropriate model is up to the authorities. One of the main purposes of the project is to provide the Kosovo partners with basic knowledge in handling with accidental release of toxic gases. This knowledge can be used as scientific response to society driven current or upcoming problems in Kosovo. The proposed activities involved know-how transfer on European standards and practice among the project partners, as well as joint efforts to adapt and disseminate the scientific methods and results in Kosovo (based on the already successful ended project RetoMod- REference scenarios calculations for TOxic gas releases – MODel systems and their utility for the fire brigade). Within the project, the partners from Kosovo and Bulgaria are introduced to the atmospheric dispersion model (ALOHA (Areal Location of Hazardous atmosphere) and will proceed several model runs based on reference scenarios for chemicals of concern in Kosovo. ALOHA is one of the tools developed by EPA’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Response and Restoration (NOAA), to assist front-line chemical emergency planners and responders. In the frame of the project the partners in Kosovo will also undertake first steps in establishing cooperation connections with decision makers for emergency response planning, fire brigades and chemical plants.

Coordinator:

Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG), Austria http://www.zamg.ac.at,  Section Environmental Meteorology/ Division Customer Service

Project Coordinator: Mag. Sirma Stenzel

Project Partners:

University of Prishtina (Kosovo),  Department of Chemistry,Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Team leader: Dr. Bashkim Thaçi

National Institute of meteorology and Hydrology (Bulgaria), Department of the composition of the atmosphere and hydrosphere, Team leader: Dr. Ekaterina Batchvarova