Modelling for Air Quality Estimation for a Planned Coal Washery to Control Air Pollution

Tasra coal washery has been planned in Tasra block which is located in Jharia coalfield of Jharkhand state in India. In order to predict air pollution impact because of the proposed washery, modelling has been done using fugitive dust model. Dust levels (PM(10)and PM2.5) have been assessed both for conditions of controlled and uncontrolled emissions from various sources of the washery. Baseline site specific air quality data (PM(10)and PM2.5) of winter season and maximum coal washing capacity of 700 t h(-1)have been considered for prediction of air quality in case of worst-case scenario. Based on modelling exercise, it has been predicted that PM(10)concentration may increase from 0.058-51.333 and 0.039-17.485 mu g m(-3)under the conditions of uncontrolled and controlled emissions respectively at the air quality monitoring sites and the selected receptor locations in the nearby vicinity of the proposed washery. Similarly, PM(2.5)concentrations may rise from 0.044-16.636 and 0.022-7.219 mu g m(-3)due to the uncontrolled and controlled emissions respectively. In order to minimize the fugitive dust levels from the washery site, installation of dry fog dust suppression system has been recommended at different dust generating sources in addition to implementation of other dust control measures in and around the coal washery.