Technologies and techniques to measure, monitor and evaluate the impact of odours emitted from new processes and assist with compliance with odour related permits include but are not limited to predictive computer modelling, odour emission modelling and point source controls.  These techniques are constantly evolving and this one-day conference will seek to examine the most recent developments in the field.

Why attend

• Learn about advances in odour measuring techniques
• An insight into odour regulation, monitoring and modelling
• Understanding of the improvements in odour suppression/control

Anticipated audience

• Site and/or compliance managers
• Permitting officers
• Regulators
• Odour professionals

Nuisance emissions can have a substantial impact upon the quality of peoples’ life especially when it is associated with waste handling and treatment plants, wastewater and sludge treatment plants and the application of materials to land.  In particular, odour is the main source of complaints to Environmental Regulator as well as being the key cause of dispute between site owners/operators and their neighbours.  In the UK, nuisance odours from industrial, trade and business premises are regulated by local councils under the Environment Act 1990 and controlled under H4 guidance.

Operational and planning permits have changed over time with the level of regulation increasing over time.  They are currently regulated by H4 guidance, however dependent upon the age of the permit it may require; the use of due diligence, prevention of odour impact at the site boundary or in the case of permits issued under IPPC, the use of Best Available Technologies (BAT).  Failure to comply with the terms of a permit can result in abatement notices being applied, essentially preventing the importation of sludge or other materials into site, or in extreme cases the suspension of all activities on site.

Odour complaints are steadily increasing, for example over 50% of the category 1 or 2 pollution events associated with anaerobic digestion facilities are as a result of odour.  One key reason for this increase is the fact that new housing estates are ever encroaching upon areas that have historically been used for waste and wastewater treatment to such an extent that many sites are now overlooked by houses.  With the diminishment of ‘cordon sanitaire’ the control of odour emission from sites becomes increasingly important. Odour is measured in two forms, strength through olfactometry and hedonic tone which is a more subjective measure used to describe what the odour is equivalent to.  The hedonic tone essentially drives the limit at which particular odours become a nuisance.