Project Number:

540

South Station Multi-Modal Transportation Center

SERVICE:

Air Modeling to Demonstrate Compliance

DESCRIPTION:

Tech Environmental helped the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) speed up the federal EIS and state EIR reviews for redevelopment of Boston's historic South Station into a multi-modal transportation center for Amtrak trains, MBTA commuter rail, and commuter/interurban bus lines. The placement of the South Station Transportation Center (SSTC) over existing rail lines and platforms required large air collection and exhaust systems. A second system ventilates the indoor bus terminal. All of these air pollutant emissions are released in a high density section of Boston's financial district near numerous tall buildings.

To prove the SSTC design was feasible and would protect air quality on all private and public property, Tech Environmental developed an innovative air dispersion modeling strategy that enabled quick analysis of the source complex, including building downwash effects. Tech demonstrated compliance with federal and state nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide air quality standards, and the regulatory agencies quickly approved the project for construction. Tech Environmental also assisted the MBTA in assessing the cumulative air quality impact of the SSTC with the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel Vent Building No. 1.

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Key Points

  • The redevelopment of Boston's South Station needed to address a significant quantity of air pollutant emissions in a high density downtown area.
  • Tech developed an innovative air dispersion modeling strategy that demonstrated compliance with all applicable standards.