Atmospheric diffusion modelling
A second-generation Gaussian atmospheric diffusion
model (Atmospheric Dispersion Model System version 3
– ADMS 3) was used to compute immission estimates
(immission is the amount of pollutant reaching a particu-lar location as a result of – and in contrast to – the emis-sion coming out the chimney) for each category of
pollutants (dioxins, metals, dusts) in the surroundings of
MSWIs (from 5 to 20 km, depending on the incinerator)
[19]. The dispersion modelling methodology used a
receptor grid spacing of 200 m. Parameters considered
were the quantitative estimates obtained above from the
experts, chimney height and diameter, plume emission
temperature, particle size and density, topographic indica-tors (roughness, relief), local weather data, etc. The latter
came from the national meteorological agency (Météo
France). Immission estimates served as proxies for annual
ambient air concentrations of chemicals attributable to
the MSWI at a given location