Odour & Dust case study

Odour Case Study

Background

Our client oversees a waste transfer station (WTS) in an industrial area. The WTS houses recycling, green, food, and glass waste. Given the waste types on site, the WTS is a source of odour. The WTS had been the subject of some odour complaints from nearby commercial units. The WTS was required to produce an Odour Management Plan (OMP) by the Environment Agency (EA) to tackle odour emissions. To satisfy the EA and help address the complaints, SRL prepared an OMP and has begun sniff tests around the site to understand the odour.

Challenge

Given the volume of waste going through the WTS and the proximity of sensitive receptors, odour must be mitigated properly. Routine mitigation measures must be in place for typical WTS operations, and additional measures must be considered for when complaints are received or specific events make them necessary. Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances, abnormal events, or incidents can cause an odour event. Therefore, triggers must be put in place to identify when contingency mitigation measures must be put into effect to tackle an odour event.

A new ventilation approach is being taken at the WTS to help reduce the odour impact at nearby receptors. The effectiveness of this change needs to be assessed to understand its effectiveness.

Solution

SRL produce an OMP, working alongside the WTS operator and the relevant parties. The OMP began with context on the site and an Odour Risk Assessment to qualitatively assess the likely odour impact of the WTS on the surrounding area. The OMP captured the existing routine odour mitigation measures and identified additional measures the WTS may wish to use to further mitigate odours. SRL recommended several triggers and accompanying contingency mitigation measures for each to reduce the likelihood of odour events. The EA appear satisfied with the OMP.

To begin assessing the effectiveness of the new ventilation approach, SRL has completed sniff test surveys at receptors around the WTS to understand the odour intensity at these receptors ahead of the new ventilation approach. The ventilation update is due to be completed soon, after which SRL will complete further sniff test surveys to assess the effectiveness of the new ventilation approach.