Assessing the Impact of Emissions of Severodonetsk Cogeneration Plant on the Health of the Urban Population

Abstract

Purpose. To determine the contribution of emissions of the state enterprise ‘Severodonetsk Cogeneration Plant’ to the air basin pollution level in Severodonetsk and the risks to public health. Methods. Modelling of the pollutants spread from a single point source and assessment of chronic carcinogenic and toxic risks by using EOL-2000 [h] automated system with the ‘Risk Indicator’ utility for calculating the dispersion of emissions in the atmosphere. Risk Calculator (EPA US) helped to assess the risk levels for workers of different occupations, namely, outdoor workers, indoor workers, and builders. The seasonal wind rose was determined based on the Copernicus Climate Change Service (European Commission). Results. According to the adopted modelling scenario (stable operation of the plant, a seasonal wind rose), the contribution of emissions from SE ‘Severodonetsk СP’ to the level of air pollution in Severodonetsk is extremely small, since the contents of all components are less than normal. However, the plant emits toxic compounds of manganese, vanadium, mercury as well as xylene and hydrogen fluoride, which are combined with background substances in the summation group. According to the modelling results, the sanitary protection zone of Severodonetsk СP does not require modification or adjustment. Among all the emissions, chromium (VI) and nickel demonstrate oncogenic properties with a unidirectional effect on the lungs and nasal cavity. The individual carcinogenic risk of 6.01´10-6 generated by gas emissions of the plant is acceptable. Manifestation of chronic toxic effects from emissions of Severodonetsk СP is unlikely as indicated by the minimum (target) levels of non-carcinogenic risks. Conclusions. Emissions from the planned activities of the СP during the cold period do not exceed MPC, and the risks to the health of the population living nearby residential areas and employees of enterprises are minimal. At the same time, the air quality in Severodonetsk is not satisfactory and requires measures to reduce risks. To perform this task, it is necessary to identify all sources of air pollution with the maximum contribution to the risks to the urban population health.