Geraldton Port Air Quality Modelling
The Geraldton Port is situated in the Mid-West region of Western Australia, approximately 430 km north of Perth. Geraldton is the major hub for the region and services the mining, agricultural and fishing industries. The Geraldton Port consists of a commercial harbour comprised of seven bulk loading berths, as well as a fishing boat harbour.
Geraldton Port holds a significant economic and social role in the West Australian community and is committed to maintaining air quality and minimising emissions so that environmental and public amenity values are protected.
Ramboll has been assisting the Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) at the Geraldton port, in support of its proposed expansion plans. This includes using cutting edge technology developed by Ramboll to undertake a detailed assessment of wind conditions and dust emissions from activities at the port to give greater insight on emission sources, dust concentration and their contribution to the surroundings.
This is helping MWPA to develop and implement mitigation measures, including infrastructure upgrades and management procedures, at the port to ensure that any dust contribution from the port to the surroundings can be controlled and maintained at an acceptable level.
MWPA manages an air quality monitoring program to monitor and manage dust emissions associated with the operation of Geraldton Port. To reduce the impact on surrounding areas, MWPA has developed a Dust Management Plan to manage activities that could impact air quality. This Plan outlines management objectives and targets on which to assess performance for managing air quality, and supports compliance with environmental legislation.
Ramboll has reviewed material handling information and operating schedules to generate emissions estimates for potential dust generating activities at the port facilities. This includes taking into consideration the material characteristics of the handled products of interest, including particle size distribution (PSD), specific gravity (SG) data and dust extinction moisture level (DEM) data.
Local meteorology and dust dispersion in and around the port was analysed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to present an estimate of concentrations of particulates in the region based on current and proposed future operations at the port. CFD is a 3D-simulation technology that allows the testing, evaluation and optimisation of designs in a digital, risk-free environment. The CFD model has been refined based on ongoing data capture and is now being used to predict ambient ground level concentrations and to evaluate any potential impacts at specific areas outside of the port.
Ramboll’s air quality advice at the port uses digital tools to not only help MWPA meet its environmental obligations, but to ensure any impacts on the surrounding area are minimised.