To investigate the possibilities to improve the Dutch nuclear emergency management system, a pilot study was carried out on a data assimilation method for our atmospheric dispersion model. By means of the data assimilation method, the prediction of potentially contaminated areas in the early and late phases of a nuclear accident can significantly be improved. In the early phase, results of the radiological monitoring network are still sparse and the method focuses on a generic improvement of the model forecast by optimisation of a limited number of input parameters. Prior to the study on data assimilation, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis were performed to identify the most important parameters. For this pilot study, only two parameters were fitted to demonstrate the working of our data assimilation technique. The technique was successfully applied to an inconsistent part of a famous data set giving a reasonable agreement between the observed and modelled results.
Keywords: data assimilation, emergency management, atmospheric dispersion, decision support systems, DSS, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis, The Netherlands, nuclear emergency, radiological emergency, emergency preparedness, nuclear accidents, radiological monitoring
The April 1986 accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant remains a defining moment in the history of nuclear energy. The enduring lessons of this tragedy are interwoven with a recurrent theme — the essential nature of international cooperation. In its recently released document, entitled ‘Chernobyl’s Legacy’, the Chernobyl Forum has solidly reinforced this theme. For the next few minutes, I would, therefore, like to use the topic of international cooperation as a lens through which to view the major impacts...
The Radioactivity Environmental Monitoring (REM) group of the Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES*) of DG Joint Research Centre (JRC*) provides institutional support in its REM programme to DG TREN H.4.
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ABSTRACT Coal mines are the major sources of suspended particulate matter. To implement any control techniques or to install any control equipment around the coal mines, ambient concentration of suspended particulate matter should be known. In this paper a model is developed to find the concentration of suspended particulate matter at various locations away from the source. The model is developed with the help of artificial neural networks. Multilayer Perception Network is used and learning is done by back-propagat...
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Abstract
This paper discusses the UK IPPC Permit Management Process and how ensuring compliance and managing the reporting process can be supported using an Environmental Management System and implemented in the Entropy System.
Introduction
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Introduction
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Introduction
Pollution Prevention Guidelines to provide technical advice and guidance to staff and consultants involved in pollution-related projects. The guidelines represent state-of-the-art thinking on how to reduce pollution emissions from the production process. In many cases, the guidelines provide numerical targets for reducing pollution, as well as maximum emissions levels that are normally achievable through a combination of cleaner production and end-of-pipe treatment. The guidelines are designed to...
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` Analytical tools have been developed by the World Bank Group to estimate rapidly the extent and impacts of pollution in a given situation and to support decisions on pollution management. These tools help decision makers to overcome the frequent lack of data on emissions from different sources, their impact on ambient quality, and mitigation alternatives.`
Decision Support System for Integrated Pollution Control (DSS)
What is it?
The Decision Support System for Integrated Pollution Control (DSS) has been...
Introduction
The energy level of some types of radiation is high enough so that when they interact with matter they cause the formation of electrically charged particles or ion-pairs and break molecular bonds. These so-called ionising radiations are by their nature potentially harmful to life; at high doses they can be lethal and at lower doses can cause genetic damage. Ionising radiation occurs naturally, and life on Earth has always been exposed to it. Human activities can, however, enhance exposure, and new...
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