Odour may be invisible, but its effects are real. It affects communities, planning outcomes, and your site’s reputation. Odour dispersion modelling provides a scientific, data-driven way to predict how odours move from a site, helping you manage risks before they become problems.

For a practical guide on using odour dispersion modelling in planning applications, see our blog: Odour Modelling for Planning Applications

Why Odour Dispersion Modelling Matters

Odour dispersion modelling is a mathematical tool. It predicts the extent of the impact of odour emissions over time. Usually, three to five years.

It’s particularly useful when you are:

• Planning a new facility

• Modifying an existing site

• Assessing a development near existing odour sources

By modelling odour early, you can identify potential issues, incorporate mitigation into your site design, and reduce the risk of complaints. Addressing these challenges in the planning stage is more efficient and cost-effective than trying to resolve them after operations begin.

How Odour Dispersion Modelling Works

At Silsoe Odours, our modellers use industry-leading odour modelling software such as ADMS or AERMOD to provide accurate, site-specific predictions. Our modelling takes into account a significant number of factors specific to your site. This includes both meteorological and non-meteorological elements.

Key Technical Inputs in Odour Modelling

Meteorological Factors

• Wind speed and direction

• Air temperature

• Atmospheric stability and mixing height

Non-Meteorological Factors

• Receptor locations and characteristics (e.g., housing, schools, hospitals)

• Emission sources and rates

• Time-variable emissions (e.g., daily or seasonal changes)

• Topography and surface roughness

Our models integrate all of these elements to simulate how odours disperse under real-world conditions.

Iterative Modelling: Testing Scenarios Before Implementation

One of the most powerful aspects of odour modelling is iterative scenario testing. We can test various scenarios before you put them into practice, by tweaking and comparing specific variables. In doing so, we can help you identify the best approach to minimise odour impacts, before construction begins.

For example, a site may test multiple stack heights or emission-control options to identify the most effective solution.

A piggery might model stack heights of 20, 30, and 40 metres. They can then select the most effective stack height based on data provided by odour dispersion modelling.

Iterative odour modelling can save time, reduce costs, and prevent potential complaints.

Supporting Planning & Environmental Permits

While this blog focuses on the technical side of modelling, it’s important to remember its practical purpose. Primarily, to support planning applications and environmental permits. By providing robust, science-backed evidence to predict odour impact, you can give regulators confidence that your site is designed responsibly.

For guidance on integrating odour modelling into your planning process, see: Odour Modelling for Planning Applications.

Speak to our Odour Specialists

If you are planning, modifying or developing near existing odour sources, we are ready to help. We can provide detailed modelling, iterative scenario analysis and expert interpretation tailored to your project.

To reach the Silsoe Odours team, call 01525 860222, email info@silsoeodours.co.uk, or follow us on LinkedIn.

References: Environment Agency Review of Dispersion Modelling for Odour Predictions

_{Article originally published 15th March 2022. Updated 18th February 2026.}