THE NUISANCE OF ODOUR

The problem with odour is that it can become a nuisance pretty quickly. So, if you are causing nuisance odours, your site will become rather unpopular with the people and businesses nearby. Never fear, though. There are steps you can take to understand and mitigate your odour emissions. And, of course, Silsoe Odours’ team of specialist odour consultants are here to take you through them.

WHAT CAUSES ODOUR?

Allicin is a chemical compound associated with the smell of garlic

Odour is caused by a mixture of chemical compounds in the air (caused by either organic or inorganic elements) that we can smell. Each odour has a particular level – called the odour detection threshold – where it becomes detectable by the human nose. Once it exceeds this threshold, it can become a nuisance that can affect the enjoyment of outside. Usually, the impact of the nuisance will increase with the odour’s frequency and intensity.

Some odours are pleasant, and some are not (which we can quantify using hedonic tone). For obvious reasons, the latter creates more problems and higher odour complaints.

There are many odour sources, including rendering plants, landfills, wastewater treatment plants and restaurants. Odour complaints are the second highest cause of environmental complaints (after noise).

HOW MUCH ODOUR NUISANCE IS ACCEPTABLE?

Odour represents a statutory nuisance if it:

• unreasonably and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises
• injures health or is likely to injure health

Most sites will be issued with environmental permits by the regulator. Typically, this will include an odour requirement.

If the local authority decides an odour is a statutory nuisance, or the regulator determines that you contravene a permit requirement, they will take action. The site in question must take steps to mitigate the odour. If they do not, they could face repercussions. For example, environmental operating permit restrictions, fines or legal consequences.

WHY IS PERMIT COMPLIANCE IMPORTANT?

The odour restriction in your environmental operating permit is there for a reason. Namely, to limit odour pollution. Most of the time, odour does not pose a health risk. However, some people experience headaches, nausea and dizziness, particularly if exposed to odours for a long time or at a high concentration. Odour nuisance can also impact mental health and well-being. So it is vital to make sure this happens as little as possible.

In addition, you might face specific repercussions if you fail to comply with your permit. The regulator will specify actions you must take to rectify the problem. They may also retract your permit or bring legal action. Not only this, but the more odour nuisance you cause, the higher the damage to your company’s reputation.

HOW CAN I MANAGE ODOUR NUISANCE?

In order to manage odour effectively, you need to understand the scope of the potential problem. Conduct a thorough odour risk assessment and ensure you meet your permit conditions. Develop an odour management plan and a code of best practices. If you build good management techniques into your daily activities, you will limit unexpected odour emissions. You should also choose accredited odour consultants and reputable abatement equipment suppliers.

FIND AN ODOUR EXPERT

At Silsoe Odours, we can help with all your odour requirements. We hold UKAS accreditation for odour testing and sampling. Plus, we have many years of experience working across many different sectors. So, if you are looking for an expert, you are headed in the right direction. To find out more, call us on 01525 860222 or click on the button below. You can also stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Updated 12th April 2023.