Calibration of the dispersion code SAFE_AIR against measurements in a complex coastal area

The SAFE_AIR code simulates the transport and diffusion of airborne pollutants. This dispersion code is based on the advection of Gaussian segments and puffs driven by a 3D diagnostic wind model, able to deal with both non-stationary and non-homogeneous conditions. SAFE_AIR is an evolution of the AVACTA II code, a code 'recommended' by the U.S. EPA. In this work, we applied SAFE_AIR to the region of Ilo, Peru, where large SO2 emissions from a copper smelter plant affect the local air quality. The smelter is located in a complex coastal area. The field project is based on a large set of meteorological and tracer (SF6) field data collected in the area of interest. Among the eighteen tracer experiments performed, under a variety of meteorological conditions and at different times of the day, we selected the most representative one and simulated it. The preliminary results presented here are encouraging.