H1 Stack Height Determination
What It Is
H1 Stack Height Determination is a calculation method used to identify the optimum chimney or stack height for releasing emissions to the atmosphere. By ensuring emissions are dispersed effectively, this assessment helps minimise ground-level impacts on air quality and sensitive receptors. It is often required to support Environmental Permit applications and compliance with Environment Agency guidance.
Why It Matters — Risks Without It
- ❌ Refusal of Environmental Permits if stack design does not meet H1 requirements
- ⚠️ Increased ground-level pollution, breaching air quality standards
- 📣 Objections from regulators, local authorities, or nearby communities
- 🧾 Costly redesigns or retrofits of incorrectly sized stacks
What’s Measured
- Stack height, diameter, exit velocity, and temperature
- Emission characteristics (pollutant types and rates)
- Local meteorological conditions (wind speed, direction, stability)
- Surrounding topography and building effects on dispersion
How It Works
- Data Gathering: Collect emission rates, stack design parameters, and site information.
- H1 Calculation: Apply the Environment Agency’s H1 guidance to test different stack heights.
- Dispersion Assessment: Model how emissions behave under various weather conditions.
- Optimisation: Identify the stack height that ensures safe ground-level pollutant concentrations.
- Reporting: Provide a regulator-ready justification of the proposed stack height.
Who It’s For
- 🏭 Industrial operators applying for or varying Environmental Permits
- 🏗️ Developers planning new combustion plants or emission sources
- 🏢 Consultants preparing air quality or permitting submissions
- 🌍 Regulators assessing environmental and health impacts
What You Get
- 📄 A compliant H1 stack height determination report
- 📊 Evidence-based justification of proposed stack design
- 🧠 Expert recommendations for achieving regulatory approval
- ✅ Confidence that emissions will be safely dispersed and compliant
Design it right the first time: H1 Stack Height Determination en
