Optimal evaluation of expansion alternatives for existing air quality monitoring network by grey compromise programing

This paper presents a new approach-grey compromise programing-for siting ne w air quality monitoring stations in a metropolitan region. In particular; cost, effectiveness and efficiency characteristics for expanding the existi ng air quality monitoring network are postulated in the multi-criteria deci sion-making process. In order to test the impacts of the growth of populati on and emission sources, a series of technical settings in the grey comprom ise programing model were examined and the uncertainties possibly embedded in the planning procedure were recognized for assessing the optimal expansi on alternatives in the air quality monitoring network. The practical implem entation was established by a case study for the city of Kaohsiung in Taiwa n. It appears that such an approach is useful for screening the expansion a lternatives in the air quality monitoring network under uncertain environme nts, that may further help planners and decision makers find more flexible solutions based on those multiobjective design principles. (C) 1999 Academi c Press.