The Challenge
The developer of a bulk commodity marine terminal filed a legal complaint against a large California port city, alleging a breach of contract by the city. To prove their claim, the developer needed to demonstrate that the city did not have sufficient evidence of potential air quality impacts from the planned terminal when it applied a new regulation that would limit its operations.
Our Solution
Spheros Environmental provided a comprehensive scientific analysis for the developer in this matter, evaluating the scientific accuracy of existing reports in the pertinent public record and estimating potential particulate matter (PM) fugitive coal dust emissions and air quality impacts from the proposed bulk terminal. The team used current methods and best practices to develop an inventory of emissions from the planned facility, with and without committed mitigation measures, and applied the AERMOD regulatory model to assess potential air quality impacts.
Results +What makes this unique
We demonstrated that coal dust emissions and associated incremental PM concentrations from the planned bulk terminal would be below applicable regulatory thresholds and air quality standards. Our expert report and testimony were cited numerous times in the court’s decision in favor of the developer. Our work on this project exemplifies the scientific expertise and reliable methods Spheros applies to deliver clear, comprehensive, and impactful results.
Project Experts
