Abstract
Combustion of solid waste from waste-to-energy (WtE) plant emits a variety of air pollutants that may be hazardous to the environment and health. In order to control these hazardous air pollutants, regulation and emission limits has been established. The emission of these air pollutants can be control but not eliminated by implementing air pollution control (APC) devices. The emitted air pollutants will then be dispersed base on local weather. In Malaysia, the Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Guideline (MAAQG) is referred to ensure that the concentration of pollutants does not exceeds limit. For parameters that are not included in the MAAQS, other standard from other nation such as the Alberta’s Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines (AAQOG) is referred. Ground level concentrations (GLC) are commonly reported. In a developing city where new high-rise building may be constructed in the future, it is important that the concentration of pollutants at the higher height to be reported as well. In this study, Taman Beringin, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is taken as a case study for studying the air pollutants concentration at different height for a 1,200 t capacity WtE plant. This study is performed using an air dispersion software preferred by the United State (US) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) known as AERMOD atmospheric dispersion modelling system. Based on the local weather pattern of Taman Beringin and a chimney stack height of 60 m, the maximum height of a building at the location of N 3° 13’ 31.61” E 101° 39’ 36.59” is about 80 m.
