Emergency Response Planning

Plume-RT uses local real-time meteorological conditions, regional weather forecast information and regulatory accepted CALMET/CALPUFF dispersion models to predict current and future ground-level SO₂ concentrations following an ignited well blowout. Plume-RT is an essential air quality management tool for critical sour wells where ground-level SO₂ concentrations above ambient levels can occur outside of an Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ).

During an actual emergency release, Plume-RT can be used to effectively manage emergency response activities such as notification of air quality advisories, direction of response personnel and the prioritization of evacuation and re-entry to affected areas. The Plume-RT system provides predicted and future SO₂ concentration visualizations to the release site, field and central command posts.

The Plume-RT system can be used to design and test emergency planning exercises with a number of potential release scenarios. This can lead to proactive development and enhancement of effective emergency response plans (EUB Directive 71, section 4.14).

Plume-RT can be used for emergency response activities to:

• Address the SO₂ hazard extent for incident management
• Provide a more realistic representation of the severity and extent of the potential impact zone
• Direct mobile SO₂ monitors to predicted plume locations
• Simulate ground-level SO₂ concentrations to test emergency planning exercises
• Depict the transient nature of SO₂ dispersion (varied locations, not persistent)
• Provide modelling quickly and remotely to assist emergency response personnel in managing an incident