THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF ODOUR POLLUTION
Odour pollution is an ongoing issue. It can affect people living and working near odour sources. In this article, we explore the economic and social impact of odour pollution. We also:
- take a look at the regulatory framework around odour pollution
- offer insights on how to mitigate odour issues
WHAT IS ODOUR?
Odour is caused by a mixture of chemical compounds in the air that we can smell. They can come from all sorts of natural and man-made sources. For example, plants, animals, manufacturing and industrial sites. Everybody has a different sense of smell and perceives odour in different ways. But, each odour has an odour detection threshold, which is the level at which the human nose can detect it. Once an odour emission exceeds this level, it can become an odour nuisance. In severe cases, odours can significantly impact people’s health and well-being.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ODOUR POLLUTION
Lost Revenue
Odour pollution can affect the success of a business. This is regardless of the industry and whether you are the receptor or the cause of the odour.
Malodours can discourage people from visiting certain places. This can lead to lost revenue for businesses in that community. For example, in retail, customers may avoid a shop with a bad smell. On the other hand, some businesses use pleasant scents to encourage customers to spend more. Supermarkets, for instance, may pump out the smell of baked bread in the bakery aisle. This may make you feel hungry and buy more as a result.
Odour pollution can also cause house prices to fall. This can make it more difficult to sell or rent houses in a particular community.
Odour pollution can impact property prices.
Odour Complaints
Odour pollution can cause HR challenges.
Personnel Issues
Finally, odour pollution can cause HR challenges. Malodours may discourage potential employees from working at the site. This can create challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers. It can also impact your existing staff if they experience health issues that they blame on malodours at work. They may be less productive and need more time off work.
THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF ODOUR
Odour in Culture and Tradition
THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AROUND ODOUR POLLUTION
- The Clean Air Act sets standards for air pollution, including odour.
- The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) provides a framework for local authorities to deal with noise, pollution and other environmental issues.
- The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local authorities to consider the potential impact of odour emissions when making planning decisions.
BEST PRACTICES FOR MANAGING ODOUR POLLUTION
There are three core components to managing odour emissions. First, design and put in place great odour control measures. Second, monitor and maintain your odour control equipment and procedures. Third, have a comprehensive complaints procedure to address any issues.
Complaints Management Procedure
DESIGN
To design good mitigation measures, think about the source and characteristics of your odour emissions. This may involve odour sampling and laboratory testing. You can then select appropriate odour control equipment, process design and treatment technology.
MONITOR & MAINTAIN
To minimise the odour impact of your processes, make sure they keep working well. Put in place regular monitoring, maintenance and training practices. You should also appoint specific staff members to manage this.
RESPOND
It is important to have a robust odour complaints management strategy in place. Odour pollution can lead to conflict with your surrounding community. If you have a clear way to deal with complaints and resolve issues, it creates trust and transparency. It can also help you to solve issues quickly and effectively. What’s more, you can use it to show permit compliance as well as a commitment to ongoing improvement.
EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO REDUCE ODOUR POLLUTION
In summary, odour pollution can have significant social and economic impacts on local communities, businesses and operators. These range from negative health effects to decreased revenue and permit contraventions. But, effective odour management strategies exist to help reduce these impacts. Our odour experts at Silsoe Odours can help you identify and address odour emissions. To find out how Silsoe Odours can help you reduce odour pollution, please contact us today. You can reach us on 01525 860222, info@silsoeodours.co.uk or click the button below to get started.
