Air pollution control

Clean air starts with accurate forecasting

The Air Pollution Control Division focuses on protecting against harmful environmental impacts caused by air pollutants. This includes the preparation of emission forecasts and expert reports for regulatory approval procedures. We support the entire permitting process and provide air pollution forecasts for facilities and traffic to assess air quality and ensure compliance with legal requirements. In addition, our experts assist in preparing solvent balances and complying with the 31st BImSchV (Solvent Ordinance) to limit emissions of volatile organic compounds.

Our Consulting

For permit-compliant solutions in air pollution control

The assessment of airborne pollutants within the scope of approval or planning procedures requires precise forecasting models and in-depth expertise. Müller-BBM supports you with quality-assured dispersion calculations and legally compliant expert reports – even under complex boundary conditions such as cold air dynamics or challenging topography.

  • Model Selection & Application
    Use of suitable dispersion models (e.g. AUSTAL, LASAT, KLAM_21) depending on emission source, substance properties, terrain, and meteorological conditions.VKP-Ang_Immiprogn_Schornstein1117+1
  • Consulting for Complex Conditions
    Consideration of building influences, terrain relief, cold air drainage, temporally variable emissions, and reactive substances.20-04CL
  • Cold Air Modeling with KLAM_21
    Simulation of nocturnal cold air drainage to assess pollutant transport into sensitive areas (e.g. residential zones, FFH sites).20-01PA
  • Integration with Dispersion Calculations
    Incorporation of cold air flows into LASAT for realistic forecasting of additional and total pollutant loads.20-01PA
  • Evaluation According to Applicable Guidelines
    Assessment in accordance with TA Luft, 39th BImSchV, LAI guidelines, and VDI standards.VDI_3783_13_2010_01

Application Areas

  • Approval procedures under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG)
  • Air quality plans, urban and traffic planning
  • Environmental impact assessments (EIA)

Your Benefits

  • Reliable Approvals: Legally sound and technically robust reports support smooth approval processes.
  • Robust Environmental Assessments: Scientifically validated forecasts ensure accurate evaluations of environmental impacts.
  • Sustainable Planning: Integration of environmental dynamics into project design promotes long-term viability and public acceptance.

 

Our testing services

Taking stock – your key to clean air

The 31st BImSchV (Solvent Ordinance) requires operators of certain facilities to comply with strict emission limits and to document solvent consumption. Müller-BBM supports you with qualified testing services for the evaluation and optimization of your solvent balances – independent, technically sound, and legally compliant

Services include:

  • Determination and evaluation of solvent consumption
    Recording all relevant partial consumptions in accordance with Annex I of the 31st BImSchV – even for complex facility structures.
  • Verification of emission limits
    Conducting emission measurements and comparing results with the requirements for captured and diffuse emissions.
  • Preparation and validation of solvent balances
    Demonstrating compliance with total emissions and supporting balance preparation according to Annex III.
  • Assessment of substances used
    Checking for substitution obligations and classification as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • Technical evaluation
    Assessing facility operations with regard to the state of the art.
  • Reduction plans according to § 5 (7) of the 31st BImSchV
    Developing measures in case of limit exceedances, including target definition, description of measures, and documentation.

Secure legally compliant solvent balancing and reliable testing reports – with the expertise of Müller-BBM. Contact us for individual consulting or a tailored offer.

Our Expertise in Air pollution control

Air emission forecast

An air emission forecast is a prediction of future emissions of air pollutants based on current data and models. In the context of permitting procedures under air pollution control regulations, the Lagrangian particle dispersion models AUSTAL or LASAT are typically used. The computational methods and application limits of these models are described in Appendix 3 of the TA Luft (Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control).

However, the selection of a suitable forecasting model depends on a variety of factors, which are generally determined by the specific task at hand. Müller-BBM offers comprehensive expert services in the field of air emission forecasting, based on sound analyses and evaluations.

Your benefits:

  • Cost reduction: Precise forecasting models help avoid unnecessary costs by providing accurate predictions of emissions and their impacts.
  • Planning reliability: Forecasting models ensure that all relevant legal requirements and environmental regulations are taken into account. This minimizes legal risks and supports smooth project approvals.
  • Faster project implementation: Using accurate forecasting models can accelerate approval processes, leading to faster project execution, cost savings, and increased efficiency.
  • Environmental policy advantages: Forecasting models help assess the environmental impact of projects and plan appropriate measures to reduce emissions. This contributes to environmental protection and supports compliance with environmental policy goals.

Expert report

An expert report in the field of air pollution control is a detailed assessment of the impact of air pollutants and odors on the environment, playing a central role in approval procedures. Our interdisciplinary teams of engineers, chemists, geologists, meteorologists, physicists, and environmental scientists work closely together to provide you with tailored solutions.

Your benefits:

  • Legal certainty: Müller-BBM ensures that all approval-relevant criteria are met, minimizing legal risks and supporting smooth approval and operation of your facilities.
  • Ongoing support: Müller-BBM offers cross-disciplinary, modular service packages tailored precisely to your requirements. This ensures you receive the necessary support at every stage of the approval process, construction, and operation of your facilities.
  • Cost control: Through targeted advice on technical modifications and the provision of customized solutions, costs remain predictable at all times.

Approval Reports

Expert reports play a central role in approval procedures, as they form the basis for official decisions. Below are some specific types of expert reports commonly required in such processes:

  • Air pollution forecasts: Assessment of the impact of air pollutants, odors, noise, and vibrations on the environment
  • Chimney height assessments: Determination of the optimal chimney height to minimize pollutant dispersion
  • Bioaerosol reports: Examination of concentrations of germs and microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in the air
  • Incident and safety assessments: Analysis of potential incidents and evaluation of safety measures
  • Fire and explosion protection: Evaluation of fire protection measures and explosion risks
  • Acoustic remediation and detailed planning: Planning and implementation support for noise reduction measures
  • Electromagnetic environmental compatibility (EMC) assessments: Evaluation of the impact of electromagnetic fields on the environment
  • Light emission assessments: Analysis of the effects of artificial light on the surroundings
  • Nature conservation reports: Including species protection assessments and FFH compatibility checks
  • Environmental impact assessments (EIA): Evaluation of a project's environmental impact and preliminary checks for environmental compatibility, including strategic environmental assessments (SEA)

Your Benefits:

  • Consistency and Quality: Ensures that all reports are prepared according to the same high standards, enhancing the consistency and quality of results
  • Efficiency and Time Savings: Coordination between different experts is eliminated, speeding up the process and simplifying communication
  • Cost Savings: Bundling services is more efficient than commissioning reports from multiple providers
  • Coherent Reports: Better alignment and coordination across various reports
  • Single Point of Contact: Clients have one contact person for all questions and concerns, facilitating collaboration and reducing misunderstandings

Air Pollution Forecast for Industrial Facilities

Air Pollution Forecast for Industrial Facilities

An air pollution forecast for industrial facilities is an assessment of expected air pollutants and odors that may be emitted by a planned installation. These forecasts are particularly important when direct measurement of air quality is not feasible, such as in the planning stages of new facilities or during zoning and regional development procedures. We support you in communications with authorities and in public proceedings. Our experts analyze the additional environmental burden caused by emissions and evaluate it in the context of existing background pollution

Your Benefits:

  • Efficient Project Execution: With our support in dealing with authorities and public procedures, the approval process is accelerated and simplified, saving time and resources.
  • Early Identification of Issues: Forecasting allows potential environmental impacts to be identified early, enabling the planning of appropriate mitigation or avoidance measures.
  • Optimized Facility Design: The results of the air pollution forecast can be used to optimize the design and operation of the facility, minimizing emissions and reducing environmental impact.
  • Improved Public Acceptance: A well-founded air pollution forecast can help increase acceptance of the project among the affected population and authorities by creating transparency and demonstrating that environmental concerns are taken seriously.

Air Pollution Forecast in the Transport Sector

An air pollution forecast for the transport sector is an assessment of expected air pollutants that may result from traffic. These forecasts are particularly important for evaluating environmental impacts in planning processes, such as infrastructure projects in the transport sector.

Our experts calculate traffic-related emissions and the resulting immissions. We also support you in designing appropriate protective measures.

Your Benefits:

  • Optimized Traffic Planning: The results of the air pollution forecast can be used to optimize traffic planning, minimizing emissions and reducing environmental impact.
  • Targeted Measures: Forecasting enables the precise planning and implementation of specific protective measures. This leads to effective reduction of environmental burdens and improves the quality of life for affected residents.
  • Cost Optimization: The forecast allows protective measures to be accurately dimensioned and tailored to actual needs. This helps avoid unnecessary expenses and optimize implementation costs.

Chimney Height Calculation

Chimney height calculation is a key component in preventing harmful environmental impacts, particularly in industrial and commercial processes. It ensures that exhaust gases are properly dispersed and sufficiently diluted to protect the environment.

Our experts take into account all relevant emission parameters and environmental factors, offering customized solutions for each facility.

Your Benefits:

  • Legal Certainty: By complying with all legal requirements and guidelines, we minimize the risk of delays and legal issues.
  • Optimized Planning: Our well-founded calculations enable optimal chimney design, ensuring effective emission dispersion.
  • Tailored Consulting: With our many years of experience, we provide customized solutions and comprehensive advice to determine the ideal discharge height for your emission sources.

31st Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV)

The 31st Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV) regulates the handling of organic solvents and their emissions to protect air quality. We conduct measurements to determine the concentration of organic solvents in exhaust air from facilities and prepare solvent balances to quantify the use and emissions of organic solvents. In addition, we continuously monitor emissions and regularly review solvent emissions in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Your Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Documentation and Evaluation: You receive detailed descriptions of facilities and operations, along with an assessment of the substances or mixtures used regarding their classification as volatile organic compounds. This ensures that all relevant information is documented and potential substitution requirements are considered.
  • Future-Proofing: Compliance with strict environmental standards can give you a competitive edge and strengthen your market position. This is especially important if you plan to expand, as it enables you to enter new markets and grow your business sustainably.
  • Development of Reduction Plans: If certain requirements cannot be met, we support you in creating reduction plans. These plans include a description of the current state of the facility, calculation of the target emission level, and the type of measures intended to reduce emissions.

You got any questions? We look forward to hearing from you.