the Design and Operation of Supercooled Fog Dispersal Projects

ANSI/ASCE/EWRI 44-13: Standard Practice for the Design and Operation of Supercooled Fog Dispersal Projects

In critical operational environments where visibility is paramount, managing the impact of supercooled fog is an essential engineering challenge. The ANSI/ASCE/EWRI 44-13 standard provides the authoritative guidance necessary for professionals to confidently design and implement effective supercooled fog dispersal projects, ensuring safety and operational continuity.

What is ANSI/ASCE/EWRI 44-13?

Developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI), ANSI/ASCE/EWRI 44-13 is an industry-leading standard practice offering comprehensive guidelines for the design and operational procedures of projects aimed at dispersing supercooled fog. Its primary purpose is to establish a framework for technically sound and safe methods to mitigate the adverse effects of this meteorological phenomenon.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the planning, design, construction, and operational phases of supercooled fog dispersal systems. It addresses the scientific principles, engineering methodologies, and safety protocols required for such projects, including the selection of dispersal agents and methods. The scope specifically focuses on projects designed to improve visibility or prevent frost damage caused by supercooled fog, while not extending to general weather modification or precipitation enhancement.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Civil Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Meteorologists, Project Managers, and Operations Specialists involved in weather modification and infrastructure management.
• • Industries affected: Aviation (airports), Transportation (roadways, maritime), Agriculture (frost protection), Environmental Management, and Public Safety sectors.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but highly recommended for best practices and risk mitigation.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically driven by project requirements, insurance mandates, and professional due diligence rather than direct regulatory enforcement.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires thorough meteorological assessments to understand fog formation characteristics and dispersal feasibility.
• • Professionals must ensure that the selection of dispersal agents and technologies is based on scientific efficacy and environmental impact evaluations.
• • Key provisions include detailed design considerations for dispersal equipment, operational protocols, and contingency planning for system failures.
• • It emphasizes the importance of rigorous safety factors in all design and operational aspects to protect personnel and the public.
• • The standard mandates comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of dispersal project performance to inform future improvements and operational adjustments.

Related Standards & References

ANSI/ASCE/EWRI 44-13 complements other ASCE standards related to atmospheric water management. Notably, it works in conjunction with ASCE/EWRI 39-03 Standard Practice for the Design and Operation of Hail Suppression Projects and ASCE/EWRI 42-04 Standard Practice for the Design and Operation of Precipitation Enhancement Projects, providing a holistic approach to weather modification engineering. Additionally, general engineering design and safety standards from ASCE offer foundational support for the infrastructure aspects of these projects.