Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-1996

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Environmental Engineering

Major Professor

Terry Miller

Committee Members

Wayne Davis, T.J. Blasing

Abstract

A modeling protocol for estimating atmospheric concentrations and deposition of acidic species resulting from new emission sources or major modifications to existing sources located in East Tennessee has been developed and demonstrated. The protocol is based on the MESOPUFF II air dispersion model and was developed primarily for evaluating acidic deposition in areas that have special protection from the adverse impacts caused by air pollution (i.e., the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area, and Cohutta Wilderness Area). Wind fields were created over the modeling domain using 1990 meteorological data from multiple stations. Adjustments were made to the model's meteorological preprocessor to simulate the up- and down-valley wind flow in the mixed layer over East Tennessee. The preprocessor was also modified to smooth an otherwise discontinuous wind field. Model runs simulating emissions from a 28.8 g/s (1000 tpy) source were made. The hypothetical source was sited at four locations; (1) Knoxville/McGhee Tyson Airport, (2) Bristol/Tri Cities Airport, (3) Chattanooga/Lovell Field, and (4) Crossville. The Knoxville source resulted in the highest concentration and deposition values in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area. The Chattanooga source resulted in the highest concentration and deposition values in Cohutta Wilderness Area. Sensitivity runs made for August 1990 show that estimated concentration and deposition values are linearly proportional to emission rate. These runs also show that changes in stack height result in relatively minor differences in maximum deposition estimates. Based on these results, maps of deposition potential were constructed. These maps may be used as screening tools to provide a first approximation of maximum deposition on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joyce Kilmer Wilderness Area, and Cohutta Wilderness area from any location in East Tennessee.

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