Validation of the Industrial Source Complex Dispersion Model in a Rural Setting

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Abstract
The Industrial Source Complex (ISC) dispersion model was used to estimate air quality impacts from U. S. Steel’s Minnesota Taconite Operations (Minntac) located in Mt. Iron, Minnesota. Particulate emissions from traditional and nontraditional sources, along with particle size distributions and densities, determined with the aid of computer controlled scanning electron microscopy, were used in this dispersion modeling study. Six particulate monitoring stations located near plant boundaries were used to calibrate ISC model predictions. Statistical analyses of computed and measured particulate concentrations resulted in a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.97, which is significant at the 1 % level. This degree of correlation can be attributed to the model algorithms, accuracy of the emissions inventory and particle size distributions, and representativeness of the meteorological data. The calibrated model was instrumental in having areas surrounding Minntac designated as attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), and it can be used to determine air quality impacts from new sources or modifications to existing sources.

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