Capabilities

Air Quality and Climate

AWN Consulting offers specialist services in relation to the air quality and climate assessment of a range of proposed infrastructural and industrial projects.

In relation to road schemes, the assessment is conducted using the NRA guideline document "Guidelines for the Treatment of Air Quality During the Planning and Construction of National Road Schemes" (EPA, 2011). The air team has been involved in over 50 road scheme EISs over the last ten years including significant sections of the M1, M3, N5, M7, M8, M9 and M10 motorway schemes.

In relation to industrial developments, air quality assessments are undertaken using the EPA guidance document "Air Dispersion Modelling from Industrial Installations - AG4" (EPA, 2010) which was authored by AWN Consulting. The impact of new facilities is assessed using complex mathematical simulations of atmospheric dispersion. The models use site specific information on terrain, land use, meteorological conditions and building layout to track the movement of plume / puff (depending on the model) and to determine the ambient ground level concentration of emitted substances. 

Indoor Air Quality

AWN provides expertise in air quality monitoring and assessment of exposure to a wide range of airborne chemical agents (e.g. carbon monoxide, total inhalable & respirable dust, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)). We can determine if exposure to these species in the workplace is of concern by comparing measured levels with the occupational exposure limit values (OELs) set by the Health & Safety Authority.

We assess the acceptability of an indoor air quality environment by measuring temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, and by subsequent comparison with current best practice guidelines published by CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers) or ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers).

We also assess indoor fungal air pollution by conducting sampling for yeast and mould spores using Rose-Bengal Chloramphenicol agar medium for subsequent incubation. Bacterial pollution can also be tested in a similar fashion using a variety of agar settle plates. Advice on remedial measures is provided where necessary.

In addition to air monitoring and testing, our team can advise as to the most appropriate solution to any indoor environmental issues which air testing and air quality monitoring may highlight. We have previously advised clients on issues such as ventilation system upgrades, odour control systems and remedial strategies for indoor mould and fungal infestation.
  

 

Odour Modelling Assessment

'Odour Modelling Assessment' image AWN Consulting has experience in the modelling of odour from MBT, Landfills, WWTP, Anaerobic Digestion and Composting facilities. » read more

 

Ambient Air Monitoring

'Ambient Air Monitoring' image AWN Consulting has extensive capabilities in monitoring ambient levels of pollutants in the atmosphere. The air team can undertake extensive monitoring programmes for range of pollutants including NOX, SO2, PM10 / PM2.5, VOCs, Acid Gases (HCl / HF), Heavy Metals, PAHS and PCDD /PCDFs » read more

 

Air Quality Impact Of Road Schemes

'Air Quality Impact Of Road Schemes' image Constraints Study For the Constraints Study, the prevailing air quality within the study area is characterised using representative EPA and local authority monitoring data. » read more