Environmental quality information processor (EQUIP)

A post-processor of model output, EQUIP (Environmental QUality Information Processor), has been created and applied to effluent discharges to the Tees estuary in the north east of England. EQUIP is not a modelling system, but a statistical postprocessor, which uses results from a compressed database of pre-run model scenarios. The system requires the results of a small number of model runs, which are selected using a statistical experimental design. A statistical response surface is used to summarise the model results for the PC database and to reconstruct plume predictions within EQUIP for user selected values of the tidal range and river inflow, or for annual average conditions. The method provides interpolation between model results assuming a smooth variation of the results with variations in the input parameters. The method is implemented on a PC and is much faster than running the full water quality model, producing spatial, temporal and vertical section plots for different states of the tide within a few minutes. In addition, maximum plume movement and tidal average concentrations are computed. Plumes from different outfalls are rapidly combined to give overall concentration fields within the estuary. The system is adaptable for outputs from different types of model, such as atmospheric dispersion models, groundwater models and other non-environmental applications. The methodology is also adaptable to simulate plume uncertainty, if input parameter variability is known.