Odour Impact Study | Environmental Consultancy

What an odour study is

The odour study is the technical document that assesses the olfactory impact of an installation or activity on its surroundings, determining whether the odorous emissions generated may cause significant nuisance at sensitive receptors (population centres, dwellings, recreational areas) and proposing measures to reduce or eliminate it. It is an increasingly requested study within the environmental assessment procedure and in the processing of activities with odour-emission potential.

Which activities generate olfactory impact

The activities with the greatest odour-emission potential that usually require this study are:

Intensive livestock farms (pig, poultry, dairy cattle).
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
Composting and organic-waste management plants.
Biogas and biomethane installations.
Agri-food industries (abattoirs, feed mills, dairy industry).
Chemical and industrial installations emitting volatile organic compounds.

Methodology

The odour study combines characterisation of emission sources with atmospheric dispersion modelling:

Identification and quantification of odour sources, through olfactometric sampling (EN 13725 standard) and/or estimation from bibliographic emission factors.
Atmospheric dispersion modelling using site meteorological data, to calculate odour concentrations (expressed in European odour units, ou_E/m³) at sensitive receptors.
Impact assessment comparing the calculated concentrations with the nuisance thresholds set in the applicable regulation or in international criteria (Germany's GIRL, regional Spanish regulation where it exists).
Proposal of measures where thresholds are exceeded: biofilters, covering of pits, process optimisation, separation distances.

Why choose Ideas Medioambientales

We carry out odour studies integrated into the EIA or as a standalone document for the processing of activities with olfactory potential, with methodology in line with the EN 13725 standard and validated dispersion modelling. We know the requirements of the Spanish regional environmental authorities and the sector regulation applicable to each type of activity. Our in-house multidisciplinary team, with more than 25 years of experience and ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certification, works across the whole of Spain from our offices in Albacete and Madrid.

Tell us the type of installation and its setting and we will tell you whether you need an odour study and what scope it should have.

Book a 30-minute meeting and tell us about your projects.

You can also contact us today to talk about your project.

What can we cover in 30 minutes?

It's more than enough time to have an overview of your needs and recommend the best route forward. Here there is a summary of the steps we will follow.

1. Let's get to know your project

We want you to walk us through your project's main goals and concerns; and based on that, we’ll set an approach to make the most of the meeting.

2. Quick assessment: identifying challenges and opportunities

We will analyze the key aspects of your project, such as its location, applicable regulations, deadlines and potential environmental impacts, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities.

3. Tailored solutions: how can we help you

We will suggest you the services that best suit your needs, explaining how we work to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainability, while answering any questions that you may have.

4. Action Plan: let's keep moving forward together

We will wrap up with a summary of the key points, suggesting clear next steps such as a quote or a follow-up meeting. We will remain at your disposal to accompany you as your project moves forward.