Feasibility of fuel switching in Boston

Abstract

This report develops a simple physical model that predicts that the nighttime dispersion of S2 from the largest sources in Boston is different than the dispersion of S2 from small, low level sources. Diurnal variations in S02 levels measured in Boston over the last seven years are analyzed in the light of this theory. The comparison between theory and observation is favorable. A simple, unambiguous, criteria for defining a large source is developed. The results are used to predict the fraction of the time large sources could burn high sulfur fuels while still meeting the state standards for sulfur dioxide.