Odour Impact Criteria in South American Regulations

Abstract

Environmental odour exposure that results from anthropic activities may cause an adverse effect on human health. The exposure is frequently classified as airborne pollutant and therefore mainly regulated by federal or state jurisdictions. The goal of the regulations is the limitation of odour exposure to avoid nuisance. For this purpose, odour impact criteria (OIC) are formed by an odour concentration threshold and an accepted probability of exceedance of this concentration (i.e., percentile) to define compliance. Dispersion models generally calculate time series of hourly-mean concentration values at receptors surrounding odour sources. To mimic odour perception of the human nose, short-time peak concentrations derived from one-hour mean values may also be considered in OIC by using the peak-to-mean concept. In this paper, a review of OIC applied in jurisdictions throughout South America is provided according to the desired level of protection. The focus is on OIC which are used predominantly for the evaluation of the time series of ambient odour concentration, calculated by dispersion models. Particularly, the odour framework in countries such as Brazil, Chile and Colombia is presented. Sampling and analysis methods of odours and technical guidance associated with odour modelling will also be presented when mentioned in the regulations or technical guides. Furthermore, the importance of establishing exposure limits is discussed, to provide regulatory agencies and industry an effective and objective tool for the realization of odour impact assessment studies. Undeniably, olfactometric methodologies combined with criteria for impact assessment are essential instruments for managing conflicts arising from odour episodes and to achieve compliance for new, existing or expansion of facilities.