When establishing the framework for a potentially odour emitting activity with a prior history of complaints, it is necessary to objectively evaluate both the measures designed to reduce odour emissions and the limits that will be set for an Integrated Environmental Authorisation.

Díaz Jiménez C., Montalbán Núñez F., Estivill Baena G.

Olores.org. info@olores.org

Keywords: Integrated environmental authorisation, odour emissions limits, odour complaints, olfactometry.

Acronims: POEA, Potential Odour Emitting Activity; POACA, Potential Odour Annoyance Causing Activity; OACA, Odour Annoyance Causing Activity, EIA, environmental impact assessment.

Abstract

    When establishing the framework for a potentially odour emitting activity with a prior history of complaints, it is necessary to objectively evaluate both the measures designed to reduce odour emissions and the limits that will be set for an Integrated Environmental Authorisation. In the case of odour emissions, there are different limits set by different regulations. This article will discuss and analyse the need for limits on odour emissions, using several practical examples.

   In order to establish possible measures to ensure the absence of impact in a population exposed to significant odour episodes it is necessary to undertake odour studies which are sufficiently rigorous, comprehensive and tailored to each individual case as opposed to the mechanical application of routine methods that only provide information that has no practical use for the effective resolution of real cases.

M. Almarcha^1,2 *, I. Barrutiabengoa¹, M. Puigcercós¹, D. Almarcha¹, M. Latorre² y S. Nadal ²

¹ Ambiente y Tecnología Consultores S.L., C/Còrsega 112, local 1, 08029-Barcelona

² Sistemas y Tecnologías Ambientales S.A., C/Còrsega 112, local 1, 08029-Barcelona

* E-mail: malmarcha@sta-at.com

Keywords: odours, fertilizer manufacture, quantitative field olfactometry (Nasal Ranger^®), volatile organic compounds (VOC), supplementary atmospheric dispersion, EOLAGE^®.

Abstract

    In order to establish possible measures to ensure the absence of impact in a population exposed to significant odour episodes it is necessary to undertake odour studies which are sufficiently rigorous, comprehensive and tailored to each individual case as opposed to the mechanical application of routine methods that only provide information that has no practical use for the effective resolution of real cases.

    This paper presents the results of a detailed study of the odour impact of a NPK fertilizer manufacturing plant located in a major conurbation where numerous odor complaints systematically occur, and which may be attributed to different sources. Both olfactometric and chemical speciation techniques have been used in this work in order to characterize the emissions of the plant and also the surrounding ambient air. From the information obtained The actual odor impact of the plant, as well as the detailed composition of the emissions responsible for it, were stipulated from the information that was obtained. Subsequently, an expert evaluation of the actuation alternatives was conducted, and technologies that allowed to ensure reasonable conditions of absence of odour were selected before choosing the most appropriate one. Afterwards, the design, engineering and installation processes of the chosen solution were carried out, took out the project design, engineering and installation of the adopted solution (a supplemental pneumatic propulsion system) were carried out and, finally, its efficacy was experimentally checked. Therefore, the plant is currently already outside of the focus of odour complaints in the area.