Simmonds & Bristow has experience in pollution control and analysis for water, air and land quality protection.
Simmonds & Bristow has previously been commissioned to describe the implementation and outcomes of the Pollution Studies and Reduction Program for two cogeneration (bagasse) plants used by Sugar Mills in northern NSW. We were commissioned to assist with the establishment of weather and air pollutant monitoring stations to collect, validate and collate data over a full year to use in air dispersion modelling to demonstrate achievement of pollution reduction goals.
The project included evaluation of site-specific emissions of sulphur dioxide, sulphuric acid, mist/sulphur trioxide and carbon monoxide in terms of health impacts (sulphur compounds) and best practice (carbon monoxide).
The skills provided by Simmonds & Bristow were:
1. Describe the local meteorology based on monitoring data (1 weather station);
2. Describe the local ambient air quality based on monitoring data (air quality monitoring station);
3. Carry out air dispersion modelling (Ausplume V6) to demonstrate the emission concentration limits for SO3 and SO2 comply with design ground level concentrations (glcs);
4. Develop a site-specific emission limit for carbon monoxide; and
5. Prepare an air quality report detailing local meteorology, ambient air quality (SO3, SO2, CO and dust fallout) and boiler stack emission limits.
In an example combining both water and land quality protection, Simmonds & Bristow has also previously been commissioned by a Local Government Council to review effluent disposal options with particular focus on land irrigation. The review included irrigation system modelling (using MEDLI); irrigation method comparisons; an evaluation of alternative effluent disposal methods; and a cost benefit analysis of each proposed option. The project also included the identification of suitable land that would accept the quality and quantity of effluent, and a land management plan that addressed potential crop yield, income and expenditure.
In order to determine the optimum effluent application rate, sampling and analysis of the treated effluent and the proposed land irrigation areas was undertaken by Simmonds and Bristow. This was necessary to form an accurate assessment of the effluent's suitability and the capacity of the soil to receive it without having an impact on the environmental sustainability of the area. The development (design, capacity, positioning) of a Wet Weather Storage facility was also included in the project.