Regulatory Dispersion Research Articles

A Python toolkit for integrating geographic information system into regulatory dispersion models for refined pollution modeling

AERMOD is designated as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s preferred air dispersion model for refined transportation project hot-spot analyses beginning in 2020. One of the key challenges in its modeling process is spatially encoding roadway geometry, especially when simulating highways with complex geometric designs. This research proposed an open-source Python package, GTA, which enables conversion of publicly available roadway Geographic Information System (GIS) layers into defined sources, and source-based emission rates from MOtor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) output for AERMOD modeling. The research selected a suburban area in Atlanta, and conducted a comprehensive analysis in terms of annual PM2.5 concentration results and the speed of preparing AERMOD input files for highway network modeling both manually and using software developed based on the proposed methodology. The results prove that the proposed methodology significantly expedites the AERMOD input preparation process, and facilitates convenient testing of multiple modeling configurations for multi-scenario or sensitivity analysis.

Integration of Sustainable Criteria in the Development of a Proposal for an Online Postgraduate Program in the Projects Area

Regulatory dispersion and a utilitarian use of sustainability deepen the gap within the teaching–learning process and limit the introduction of sustainable criteria in organizations through projects. The objective of this research consisted in developing a sustainable and holistic educational proposal for an online postgraduate program belonging to the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (UNEATLANTICO) within the field of projects. The proposal was based on the instrumentalization of a model comprised of national and international bibliographic references, resulting in a sustainability guide with significant improvements in relation to the reference standard par excellence: ISO 26000:2010. This guide formed the basis of a sustainability management plan, which was key in the project methodology and during the development of sustainable objectives and descriptors for each of the subjects. Lastly, the entities, attributes, and cardinal relationships were established for the development of a physical model used to facilitate the management of all this information within a SQL database. The rigor when determining the educational program, as well as the subsequent analysis of results as supported by the literature review, presupposes the application of this methodology toward other multidisciplinary programs contributing to the adoption of good sustainability practices within the educational field.

Assessment of emission-source contribution to spatial dispersion for coal crusher agglomeration using prognostic model

The emission of inhalable particulates (PM 10 ) from coal comminution processing is detrimental to the air quality. However, limited works have been carried out for the estimation of emission and dispersion of PM 10 from coal crushers and its ancillary operations. In this study, field-based measurements and regulatory dispersion model coupled with Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) were applied to investigate the assimilative capacity (AC) of a region with operational coal crushers. The model run was found ‘acceptable’ when compared with measured values according to set performance criteria. Furthermore, the validated model parameterization was used to forecast the dispersion effects by various emission control alternatives recommended by regulators viz. covering of conveyor belts, paving of the unpaved road, reducing feed rate, etc. Results suggested that the major contribution of PM 10 was from transportation and loading of coal after crushing, while PM 10 levels from crushing dissipated in a smaller area. Paving of transport roads and bunker/silo-based loading were effective control measures as emissions reduced by 30.67%–52.51%. The relationship between distance and emission load revealed that PM 10 concentrations below 100 μg/m 3 were achieved at approximately 750 m away from emission sources in the present study. Crusher's operations with existing emissions of 23.43 g/day/m 2 were detrimental for the region's AC and needed to be stepped down to 11.71 g/day/m 2 . In particular, using modeled meteorological data provided reasonable forecasts for allowable emissions and planning to site crusher operations. Correction to the low-wind conditions resulted in a better simulation of mean annual estimates than daily estimates of PM 10 . Such visualization of spatially explicit frameworks will guide policymakers in strengthening regulations. • Emissions from coal crushers and linked transport roads evaluated for spatial dispersion. • Transport bottlenecks are formed at feed point of crushers resulting in lower dispersion. • Emission reduction vis-à-vis dispersion by adopting controls recommended by regulators forecasted. • Paved roads and bunker/silo based loading enhanced available assimilative capacity. • Wind speed was key variable with low wind correction resulted in better mean annual estimates.

The Government Agenda and the Effects of Regulatory Dispersion

The agenda of the U.S. government extends across a myriad of agencies, topics, and regulatory stages. The first objective of this paper is to quantify this entire agenda, through an analysis of documents in the Federal Register. We present novel facts on time trends in the government’s agenda and on major turnaround points. Our second objective is to evaluate how companies respond to regulatory dispersion, which is a function of the set of topics relevant to their business and the number of agencies that regulate each topic. We find that higher regulatory dispersion relates to higher subsequent SG&A costs and to lower productivity, profitability, and growth. Overall, the results highlight the potential impact of the government’s broad agenda on regulated companies.

Application of AERMOD for the identification of a point-source release in the FFT-07 experiment

This study explores the feasibility of using the AERMOD dispersion model as a source-receptor relationship for a point-source identification. For this purpose, an inversion technique based on the least squares approach is adopted. An evaluation of this methodology for the estimation of source location and its intensity is carried out utilizing concentration measurements obtained from the Fusion Field Trial 07 diffusion experiment for continuous trials. The source location is estimated with an average error of 25.5 m from the true values while the corresponding maximum and minimum errors are found to be 57.6 m and 10.8 m, respectively. The source intensity is retrieved within a factor of 1.6 in all the trials. Further, a comparative analysis with the studies reported in the literature suggests that the point source is estimated with reasonable accuracy if the AERMOD dispersion model is utilized along with the least squares inversion technique for source identification. AERMOD along with a source identification algorithm enhances the potential applicability of a widely used regulatory dispersion model.

El acogimiento familiar y residencial en Andalucía (2020)

This study aims to examine the national and the autonomic government regulation of the family foster and residential care system, characterized by the regulatory dispersion of legislation and the reform carried out by the LO 8/2015 and the Law 26/2015. When the Public Entity, in compliance with its work to protect minors, assumes the custody or guardianship of a minor, it must constitute foster and residential care for him/her, which may be of various types - temporary or stable, family or residential. Such decisions must be evaluated considering the minor’s best interests, based on his or her characteristics and the criteria and preferences established by law. The minor who remains in foster care has the right to maintain contact with his or her family of origin and to return to it, whenever it is possible and convenient, but, on occasions, this right has been violated, causing both him/her and his/her family, irreparable harm. Such issues will be the object of analysis in this study.

Polityka makroostrożnościowa w Unii Europejskiej wobec instytucji ważnych systemowo

Polityka makroostrożnościowa wprowadzona regulacjami bazylejskimi po globalnym kryzysie finansowym ma charakter prewencyjny, chociaż obejmuje swym zakresem szereg rozwiązań instytucjonalnych i instrumentalnych, służących zapobieganiu materializacji ryzyka systemowego. Analiza tych rozwiązań została powiązana w opracowaniu z ich ukierunkowaniem na finansowe instytucje ważne systemowo (SIFIs), działające w Unii Europejskiej. Wskazuje się w nim, że wprowadzone do polityki makroostrożnościowej rozwiązania instytucjonalne i instrumentalne zwiększają znacznie dyscyplinę regulacyjną w systemie finansowym współczesnej gospodarki, nie zawsze natomiast są przejrzyste, a ich skuteczność ograniczona, z uwagi na właściwości ryzyka systemowego. Rozproszenie regulacyjne obserwuje sie również w Unii Europejskiej w odniesieniu do finansowych instytucji ważnych systemowo. Wzmacnia ono argumenty na rzecz tezy o niskiej skuteczności polityki makroostrożnościowej w dyscyplinowaniu stabilizującej roli SIFIs w systemie finansowym gospodarki globalnej.

Estimations of the Mexicali Valley (Mexico) Mixing Height

We report estimations of the Mexicali Valley (Mexico) mixing height for three seasons. Surface and upper air meteorological measurements were carried out nearby Cerro Prieto geothermal power plant during July 2010 (summer), January 2012 (winter), and October 2016 (autumn). Four different methods were applied to estimate the convective boundary layer (CBL) height from radiosonde (RS) profiles: the parcel method, the gradients method, the least-squares variational approach based on the slab model of the CBL structure, and a covariance method. For nocturnal conditions, we used diagnostic models based on friction velocity and Monin–Obukhov length. Under unstable conditions, we obtained (on average) mixing heights of 497 m at 06:00 LST, 1242 m at 12:00 LST, 1404 m at 15:00 LST, and 482 at 18:00 LST during summer; 754 m at 12:00 LST during winter; and 1195 m at 12:00 LST and 13:00 m between the 14:00 and 15:00 LST during the autumn. The results allowed adjusting a semiempirical model to evaluate mixing height from turbulent sensible heat flux and friction velocity data. Our results provide practical tools that could facilitate the application of regulatory dispersion models to assess air quality in the region.

Developing an odour emission factor for an oil refinery plant using reverse dispersion modeling

Odour emission factors (OEFs) for oil refineries are useful data for estimating odour emission rates (OERs) of different odour emission sources at oil refineries and developing odour emission inventories with lower cost and time than direct sampling and measurement method. The conventional direct source measurement followed by olfactometry sometimes faces challenges due to access issues and the presence of fugitive emissions for which determining emission rates is difficult. To address these issues, applying reverse odour dispersion modeling could be an appropriate alternative method in estimating OERs of oil refineries and developing OEFs; however, very limited research has been conducted and the level of their accuracy and reliability has not been well investigated. This study obtained OEFs for different sources of a conventional oil refinery plant in Canada using odour reverse dispersion modeling technique with AERMOD, a US EPA regulatory dispersion model. The results showed that the main odour sources at the oil refinery are tall stacks with the share of 99% of odour emissions while passive and fugitive emissions contribute to 1% of the odour emissions of the refinery. Results also demonstrated that the reverse odour dispersion modeling by AERMOD is an appropriate method of estimating OERs as the results of this study are within the ranges reported by previous similar research. Using reverse modeling, a total OER of 1,527,471ou/s was found for the entire oil refinery leading to an OEF of 910,162 ou/barrel which can be used by conventional oil refineries to estimate their odour emission inventories according to their capacity.

Plea for Uniform Regulation and Challenges of Implementing the New Insurance Distribution Directive

This study takes up and evaluates new developments in EU insurance regulation, in particular the new EU Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD-Directive 2016/97/EU). The Directive sets a new European legal framework for insurance distribution with an implementation deadline of 23 February 2018, now postponed 7 months to 1 October 2018. The new IDD attempts to reduce cross-sectoral and cross-border inconsistencies by establishing a more uniform regulatory framework in the European insurance market. For this purpose, minimum quality standards and disclosure requirements are introduced to insurance distribution systems. In contrast, U.S. insurance regulation mostly continues to be the purview of state government, leading to cumbersome and conflicting provisions as well as higher compliance costs. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the new EU IDD rules, to discuss potential challenges of the transposition of the IDD into national law, and to answer whether the new EU regulatory uniformity could set an example for U.S. regulatory dispersion.

Radon-based technique for the analysis of atmospheric stability – a case study from Central Poland

Abstract An economical and easy-to-implement technique is outlined by which the mean nocturnal atmospheric mixing state (“stability”) can be assessed over a broad (city-scale) heterogeneous region solely based on near-surface (2 m above ground level [a.g.l.]) observations of the passive tracer radon-222. The results presented here are mainly based on summer data of hourly meteorological and radon observations near Łodź, Central Poland, from 4 years (2008–2011). Behaviour of the near-surface wind speed and vertical temperature gradient (the primary controls of the nocturnal atmospheric mixing state), as well as the urban heat island intensity, are investigated within each of the four radon-based nocturnal stability categories derived for this study (least stable, weakly stable, moderately stable, and stable). On average, the most (least) stable nights were characterized by vertical temperature gradient of 1.1 (0.5)°C·m−1, wind speed of ~0.4 (~1.0) m·s−1, and urban heat island intensity of 4.5 (0.5)°C. For sites more than 20 km inland from the coast, where soils are not completely saturated or frozen, radon-based nocturnal stability classification can significantly enhance and simplify a range of environmental research applications (e.g. urban climate studies, urban pollution studies, regulatory dispersion modelling, and evaluating the performance of regional climate and pollution models).

ENVIRONMENTAL TAXES TO PROMOTE THE EU CIRCULAR ECONOMY'S STRATEGY: SPAIN vs. ITALY

As it is widely known, according with European directives, the correct approach for waste management is based on a strict hierarchy of prevention, reuse and recycling, energy recovery and final disposal. In that way, all the countries have to strongly move in urban waste reduction and recycling promotion. The principles of the Circular Economy have become part of the European and other extra Europe Countries regulations. The European pack on Circular Economy suggests ambitious objectives by 2030 in terms of urban waste reduction and recycling. Among the different tools, taxation of waste production or dumping, or of other environmental issues can be considered as a stimulus and an interesting support to achieve these goals contributing to implement the environmental knowledge and attention. In this issue, a research on urban waste management and taxation was carried on to analyse the situation in Europe and specially to compare two similar southern Europe Countries as Italy and Spain. Waste management environmental taxes can be adopted and applied at regional and even local level, with different approaches and a high level of regulatory dispersion. This heterogeneous situation can lead to market fragmentation and economic inefficiencies. In order to have a full picture on waste management strategies, the main questions to which we would response with this research can be related with what the fees for waste disposal or incineration at landfills were and which effects can they produce on the market.

AERMOD for near-road pollutant dispersion: Evaluation of model performance with different emission source representations and low wind options

The performance of the regulatory dispersion model AERMOD in simulating vehicle-emitted pollutant concentrations near-roadway using area or volume source representation of emissions and with different low wind options was assessed using the SF6 tracer data from the General Motors (GM) Sulfur Dispersion Experiment. At downwind receptor locations, AERMOD, using either area or volume source emissions, can reasonably predict the tracer concentrations near the surface (0.5 m) but the model performance decreases at higher elevations (3.5m and 9.5m above the surface). For upwind receptors, using an area source representation leads to significant under-predictions due to AERMOD’s lack of treatment of lateral plume meander, but using volume source representation leads to over-predictions of upwind concentrations regardless of the low wind options for plume meander. Among the three low wind options currently available in AERMOD, best model performance is obtained with low wind option 3, which treats plume meander with a higher minimal standard deviation of the horizontal crosswind component (σv,min=0.3 m s−1), eliminates upwind component of dispersion and uses an effective lateral dispersion parameter (σy) to replicate centerline concentration. The optional adjustment of the surface friction velocity in the meteorological preprocessor AERMET does not lead to obvious improvements in predicted near-road concentrations for this application.

La responsabilidad contractual por los riesgos previsibles, entre la autonomía de la voluntad privada y la rigurosidad de las normas de contratación pública

Los riesgos contractuales previsibles carecen de reglas específicas en el régimen de “derecho común”. Con todo, la autonomía de la voluntad privada usualmente resuelve este vacío por medio de disposiciones contractuales accesorias. Con todo, en el derecho público de la contratación estatal, la rigidez del proceso precontractual impone deberes de tipificación, estimación y asignación de riesgos que no parecerían estar definidos por el régimen jurídico pertinente. En este artículo se argumenta que, debido a la dispersión normativa de la contratación administrativa, el régimen jurídico de los riesgos previsibles se encuentra indeterminado, muy a pesar de la inflexibilidad normativa de la etapa de diseño contractual.

English

This study presents a comparative investigation of atmospheric ventilation corridors and coefficients for gaseous pollution plume released from an isolated industrial facility into the ambient air of the host community in Ile-Ife suburb, southwest Nigeria. For the months of September to December in the year 2012 and 2013, measurement of surface layer atmospheric parameters made from an instrumented mast located near the industrial facility were used to parameterize for mixing layer height (MLH). Estimates of ventilation coefficients were obtained as well as in-depth analysis of the ventilation corridors performed. With an estimated carbon monoxide (CO) emission rate of 3.37 gs-1 from the industrial facility, AERMOD regulatory dispersion model was executed within a domain covering 8 km × 6 km around the host community. Effect of monthly changes in local ventilation corridors on pollutants dispersal at the study location was analyzed. Observed speed wind at the study location was weak (monthly mean value is ~ 1.5 m-s-1). The wind direction was predominantly southwesterly, indicating ventilation corridors were towards the north-east of the region. Characteristic values of the atmospheric ventilation coefficients varied from month to month and from daytime (08:00 to 19:00, GMT+1) to nighttime (20:00 to 07:00, GMT+1) with daily maximum values occurring in the late afternoon between (13:00 to 17: 00, GMT+1). The maximum values obtained were 1216 m2s-1and 1156 m2s-1, 1760 m2s-1 and 1038 m2s-1, 1225 m2s-1 and 691m2s-1, and 1334 and 436 m2s-1 for September to December, 2012 and 2013 respectively. Nighttime values were generally low, mostly less than 200 m2s-1. The study reveals that locations SE and NE of the scrap-iron recycling factory are prevalently exposed to high concentration of gaseous pollutants and the populace in those corridors is potentially susceptible to long-term adverse effects. Key words: Air pollution, ventilation coefficient, ventilation corridors, dispersion, AERMOD.

Urban air pollution: comparative study

The air pollution status in one of the metropolitan city from India, Mumbai was compared with the predicted results using US-EPA regulatory dispersion model - AERMOD on the basis of emission loads given by CPCB and NEERI. The present air-pollution status at two monitoring locations 'Sion' from central Mumbai and 'Bandra' from western Mumbai were compared for concentrations of two air pollutants namely PM10 and NOx for the year 2012. The results obtained for the monitoring locations at 'Sion' and 'Bandra' shows that the present observed concentrations of PM10 are more than the predicted concentrations. However, in case of NOx, the observed concentrations were found to be less than the predicted concentrations at Sion and Bandra. Comparison of the results of the study indicate that the development activities, plans and policies to control air pollution in the city have controlled the rate of increase in NOx but failed to control the rate of increase in PM10. This paper will provide another direction to the researchers and decision makers/planners to focus on the effectiveness of the implemented plans and policies with the help of air pollution modelling.

Estudio crítico de la legislación especial regulatoria de las organizaciones solidarias fase II.

Este artículo es el resultado de la investigación propuesta en el Centro de Investigaciones Jurídicas, Políticas y Sociales (cifad). Este proyecto buscó responder a la dispersión normativa, compilando en una sola codificación las normas principales y complementarias, documento inédito entregado y que reposa en la biblioteca del centro de investigaciones. Se propuso también entregar a través del presente documento un análisis de la estructura general de este cuerpo normativo, de manera que sea posible reconstruir y descubrir los detalles derivados de los principios de la solidaridad en la legislación colombiana, sus impactos y sus principales transformaciones. Con este panorama de referencia, se concluyó que la dinámica del derecho y la economía solidaria parten desde el punto de vista de lo real y lo histórico concreto. Esto en conformidad con los postulados de Manuel Jacques Parraguez, quien afirma que al derecho le compete un sentido no sólo ordenador de lo existente, sino también de cambio activo y constante. Al final del documento se podrá observar cómo esta tarea la asume el derecho social y solidario, de acuerdo con sus objetivos estratégicos derivados de la cohesión social.

Boundary–layer parameterization for Finnish regulatory dispersion models

This paper presents the boundary–layer parameterisation model which is applied as a meteorological pre–processor by Finnish regulatory dispersion models. The parameterisation scheme is based on the energy–flux method, which evaluates the turbulent heat and momentum fluxes in the boundary layer. We have compared the model predictions with those of the corresponding scheme of Berkowicz and Prahm, using the same synoptic input data. The comparison shows the basic physical differences between these two models. Some numerical results from these two pre–processors differ substantially, while the results for net radiation are statistically nearly identical.

Regulatory dispersion modelling in Denmark

In Denmark, the basic model for environmental impact assessments is the so–called OML model. The OML model is a Gaussian model, but in contrast to conventional regulatory models its physical description is not based on the traditional discrete stability categories. Instead, the model uses basic scaling parameters such as friction velocity, the Monin–Obukhov length, and the convective velocity scale. When implementing a model into a regular regulatory framework, a number of problems are encountered. This paper describes how such problems have been dealt with in Denmark.

Racing all over the place: A dispersion model of international regulatory competition

There is a large body of literature, both within academic International Relations and in popular discourses, about globalization and regulatory convergence, either through regulatory races to the bottom or the upwards harmonization of regulatory standards. Neither pattern is well supported by empirical findings with respect to industries that can easily move offshore in search of lower regulatory standards. Rather, global patterns of regulation in these industries tend toward dispersion rather than conversion either upward or downward. There is as yet, however, little work in the International Relations literature on how to understand these patterns of global regulatory dispersion, in which states attract offshore business by establishing differentiated regulatory niches. One of the key models of regulatory dispersion in the economics literature was developed by Charles Tiebout in the context of the provision of municipal services, but several International Relations scholars have noted that the assumptions of the model are not appropriate to international regulatory competition. This article develops a model of international regulatory heterogeneity that draws on Tiebout’s, and that describes patterns of regulatory dispersion in industries that engage in international regulatory arbitrage. It explains both specific patterns of dispersion and mechanisms for increasing average regulatory levels over time.