Dispersion Modeling Systems Relevant to Homeland Security Preparedness and Response
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
EPA/600/R-20/338| October 2020 | www.epa.gov/research Dispersion Modeling Systems Relevant to Homeland Security Preparedness and Response photo Office of Research and Development CESER/HSMMD/DCB 1 EPA/600/R-20/338 October 2020 Dispersion Modeling Systems Relevant to Homeland Security Preparedness and Response by Michael Pirhalla Office of Research and Development (ORD) Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 HSRP RAP Product ID: HS19-01.01 – 4497 Project Officer Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) Homeland Security and Materials Management Division (HSMMD) Disaster Characterization Branch (DCB) Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 Disclaimer The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Office of Research and Development funded and managed this project through intramural research. It has been subjected to the Agency’s review and has been approved for publication. Note that approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views of the Agency. Any mention of trade names, products, or services does not imply an endorsement by the U.S. Government or EPA. The EPA does not endorse any commercial products, services, or enterprises. Questions concerning this document, or its application should be addressed to: Michael Pirhalla, M.S. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) Homeland Security and Materials Management Division (HSMMD) Disaster Characterization Branch (DCB) 109 T.W. Alexander Dr. (MD E343-06) Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 Phone: 919-541-0782 [email protected] ii Abstract As one of its core research focuses, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Homeland Security Research Program (HSRP) is interested in refining its tools and methodologies to better characterize the fate and transport of hazardous contaminants during all phases of an emergency response. 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 regarding the type of model to be used during different scenarios. A comprehensive dispersion model review of this magnitude has also not occurred recently. 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 selected for a more detailed two-page review due to their potential applicability and usefulness for emergency response. This model review is not meant to recommend or endorse a specific model, but to provide users with a resource of available modeling options. Even though no single model tends to have all the capabilities that are beneficial during the consequence management of a wide area release, this report is meant to identify the strengths and limitations so users can make informed decisions. This report covers a research period from September 2018 to June 2020 and work was completed as of July 2020 as part of the author’s Ph.D. dissertation. iii Foreword The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged by Congress with protecting the Nation's land, air, and water resources. Under a mandate of national environmental laws, the Agency strives to formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between human activities and the ability of natural systems to support and nurture life. To meet this mandate, EPA's research program is providing data and technical support for solving environmental problems today and building a science knowledge base necessary to manage our ecological resources wisely, understand how pollutants affect our health, and prevent or reduce environmental risks in the future. The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) within the Office of Research and Development (ORD) conducts applied, stakeholder-driven research and provides responsive technical support to help solve the Nation’s environmental challenges. The Center’s research focuses on innovative approaches to address environmental challenges associated with the built environment. We develop technologies and decision-support tools to help safeguard public water systems and groundwater, guide sustainable materials management, remediate sites from traditional contamination sources and emerging environmental stressors, and address potential threats from terrorism and natural disasters. CESER collaborates with both public and private sector partners to foster technologies that improve the effectiveness and reduce the cost of compliance, while anticipating emerging problems. We provide technical support to EPA regions and programs, states, tribal nations, and federal partners, and serve as the interagency liaison for EPA in homeland security research and technology. The Center is a leader in providing scientific solutions to protect human health and the environment. Gregory Sayles, Director Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response iv Table of Contents Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................... ii Abstract ...................................................................................................................................................... iii Foreword .................................................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................ v List of Figures .......................................................................................................................................... viii List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. ix Acronyms and Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................... x Acknowledgments.................................................................................................................................... xvi 1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 Project Background and Goals ......................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Project Motivation ........................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 Background and Previous Model Review Efforts ........................................................................ 4 2.3 Project Goals ................................................................................................................................ 5 2.4 Literature Quality Assurance ....................................................................................................... 6 3.0 Emergency Response and Dispersion Modeling ............................................................................. 7 3.1 Dispersion Modeling Definition................................................................................................... 7 3.2 CBRNe Terminology ................................................................................................................... 7 3.2.1 Chemical ............................................................................................................................... 7 3.2.2 Biological .............................................................................................................................. 8 3.2.3 Radiological .......................................................................................................................... 8 3.2.4 Nuclear .................................................................................................................................. 8 3.2.5 Explosive............................................................................................................................... 9 3.3 Stages of an Emergency Response ............................................................................................... 9 3.3.1 Prevention Framework .......................................................................................................... 9 3.3.2 Protection Framework ......................................................................................................... 10 3.3.3 Mitigation Framework