Air Quality Assessment

Executive Summary:
Air Quality Assessments for the Alabo Street Wharf Facility

Prepared for: Sunrise Foods International

Prepared by:

Statement of Purpose: This report presents the results of air quality assessments conducted to evaluate the potential environmental impact of Sunrise Foods’ operations at Alabo Street Wharf. It outlines the methodologies used, key takeaways, and how the findings compare to established public health standards.

Introduction & Purpose

As a tenant of the Alabo Street Wharf and a neighbor to the Lower Ninth Ward, Sunrise Foods International is committed to addressing community concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of its operations.

To ensure transparency and environmental responsibility, Sunrise Foods engaged Ramboll, a leading environmental consulting firm, to conduct air dispersion modeling for particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).

These assessments were designed to evaluate potential emissions and present results in relation to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Objectives of the Assessment:

• Evaluate potential emissions from facility operations.
• Present findings in relation to EPA public health thresholds.
• Provide scientifically backed data to inform the community.

Air Quality Assessment Methodology

To evaluate potential air quality impacts, two key assessments were conducted:

Particulate Matter (PM) Analysis

• This analysis estimates PM10 (coarse particles) and PM2.5 (fine particles) that may be released during facility operations.
• It accounts for emissions from material handling, transport, and grain transfer processes.
• The results were assessed in relation to the EPA’s NAAQS to determine compliance with public health standards.

Air Dispersion Modeling

• This model simulates how PM10 and PM2.5 emissions move and disperse in the surrounding environment.
• The assessment considers wind direction, weather conditions, and facility design to estimate dispersion patterns.
• EPA-approved methodologies were followed to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Assessment Findings & Results

Emission Sources Evaluated:

Ramboll’s analysis focused on localized sources of particulate emissions, including:

• Warehouse Operations: Dust from grain handling inside the facility.
• Rail Loadout: Dust emissions from loading grain into covered rail cars.
• Truck Dump Area: Emissions from grain transfer.
• Wharf Hoppers: Dust released from grain handling at the wharf.
• Ship Holds: Emissions from scooping grain from ships.
• On-Water Barges: Dust release during grain transfer.

Modeled Results & Comparison to Public Health Standards

The results from Ramboll’s modeling were considered in relation to the EPA’s public health limits:

Key Takeaways

Minimal Impact on Surrounding Neighborhoods

• The facility’s PM10 and PM2.5 contributions are minimal compared to regional air quality levels.
• Results indicate that the modeled facility emissions are well below EPA public health thresholds.

Scientific & Regulatory Compliance

• The assessments were conducted following EPA-approved methodologies for air quality modeling.

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

• Sunrise Foods remains committed to monitoring and minimizing environmental impact.
• Advanced dust mitigation measures are incorporated into the facility design.

Air Dispersion Models

Conclusion

The air quality assessments conducted by Ramboll indicate that Sunrise Foods’ operations at Alabo Street Wharf will pose minimal impact on regional air quality. The facility’s PM2.5 and PM10 contributions are within acceptable limits, and dust mitigation measures will further reduce emissions.

Moving forward, Sunrise Foods remains committed to:

• Maintaining environmentally responsible operations.
• Engaging with the community and elected officials.
• Providing ongoing transparency about environmental practices.