Wind tunnel model study of diffusion from a steam electric generating plant at Stock Island, Key West, Florida

Abstract

Tests were conducted in a meteorological wind tunnel to determine the distribution of gas concentrations resulting from gaseous plumes released from stacks associated with the steam electric generating plant to be constructed at Key West, Florida, on Stock Island. The tests were conducted over a model of the generating station including all proposed future expansions. Data obtained included photographs of model smoke plume trajectories and contaminant concentrations along the plume centerline at elevated and ground level sampling positions. Effects of wind orientation and thermal stratification were also analyzed. Evaluation of test results revealed the plant buildings did not appear to aggravate the pollution condition. However, a simple analysis suggests that SO2 scrubbing equipment may seriously aggravate the already marginal situation.