A model for predicting the dispersion of dust from a haul truck

Abstract

The Industrial Source Complex 3 (ISC3) model, created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), is the best available model for estimating the dispersion of particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM₁₀) from surface mining operations; its use is required in applications for surface mining permits. However, it has been proven to over-predict actual PM₁₀ dispersion concentrations by a factor of 2 – 5. A newly developed model focuses on estimating PM₁₀ dispersion from haul trucks, since past research has shown that the majority (80 – 96%) of PM₁₀ emissions from surface mining operations are from mobile sources. This model is a promising improvement over the ISC3 model. Modeling exercises using the new model on actual surface mine hauling operations demonstrated a 77% improvement over the ISC3 model.

Keywords:

• Dust
• Particulate matter
• Dispersion
• Model
• Haul trucks
• Surface mining

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control, US National Institute of Health.