HOW DOES TEMPERATURE AFFECT ODOUR?

When the temperature warms up, odour complaints increase. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, because bacteria grows faster and odour travels further in higher temperatures, so odours become more intense. Secondly, when it is hot, we spend more time out and about enjoying ourselves. So, if you are keen to minimise complaint levels, you need to make sure your odour management practices are tip-top before the heat sets in.

THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Temperatures are increasing due to climate change. Most recently, UK high temperature records were broken in July 2022.

As we said, the impact of odours increases when temperatures rise. Climate change means we will see increasingly high temperatures, and this will happen more regularly. In fact, all of the UK’s ten warmest years on record have occurred since 2002, according to the Met Office.

UK winters are projected to become warmer and wetter on average, although cold or dry winters will still occur sometimes. Summers are projected to become hotter and are more likely to be drier, although wetter summers are also possible. By 2050, heatwavers are expected to happen every other year.
Met Office

The last few summers have certainly had days which have highlighted how this feels. Perhaps you are also familiar with what this could smell like, depending on the success of your neighbours’ odour management activities.

REDUCING EMISSIONS TO THE ATMOSPHERE

The increase in greenhouse gases is a significant contributor to climate change. One of the most notable gases is methane, which is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year timespan. Methane can be emitted in industrial gas leaks, livestock raising, and natural sources. In addition, methane contributes to air pollutants that can harm human health. Not only that, but methane emissions are also accompanied by many nuisance odorants that most people find unpleasant.

Many companies are now taking action to limit their emissions of methane, ammonia and other harmful gases. Moreover, legislation (EN17628) was published in 2022 to reduce atmospheric emissions. It stipulates that sites must conduct two Leak Detection & Repair (LDAR) surveys annually. Some sites also have this requirement within their environmental operating permits.

Typically, Biogas plants produce some of the highest methane emissions. The Silsoe Odours team is currently working alongside Biogas companies on thermal imaging projects for gas leak detection.

EMISSIONS & ODOUR MANAGEMENT

So reducing your odorous and gaseous emissions has two great benefits. Good odour management limits your contribution to climate change and reduces potential odour complaints. Both of which, we think, are worthy endeavours. Please speak to our odour consultants if you would like to take action. Whatever the nature of your emissions challenge, we can help find an effective solution. You can reach us on 01525 860222 or by clicking on the button below. Alternatively, you can email the team on info@silsoeodours.co.uk.

Article updated 5 September 2024.