There are many different approaches to reduce odor complaints but the most commonly pursued methods are based on emission reduction. This is achieved as either process optimization or new odor control systems. However, there are alternative methods that may provide a much more cost-effective and efficient odour complaint management. This includes scheduling odour causing activities on favourable weather conditions. In this article, a new alternative strategy is presented for further enhancement of the plant’s odour complaint management.
New joint research between Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre (France) and Montreal Neurological Institute (Canada) has provided scientific evidence that perception of odour characteristic (pleasantness or offensiveness) has a strong connection to what the subject perceives the odour source to be. Research showed that when subjects had no familiarity with the odour source they would find the odour more offensive. This resulted in a lower hedonic rating. The study had considered a number of different odours but more were in the positive hedonic tone scale (pleasant odours).
Further Testing and the Results
How can a plant effectively utilize this psychological phenomenon? In short, through proper communication with the neighbouring residence. The detail of which is highly dependent on the type of facility and the nature of the odour source. For example, in an edible oil recycling facility in Canada, complaints after lavender misting systems were installed at the perimeter. The smell of a mixture of lavender and other perfumes was mistaken for hazardous chemicals creating odour complaints. Consultation with neighbouring residents and selection of a locally familiar odour would have produced much better results.
In another example, a food processing company was utilizing the vegetable anis in the production with a strong aroma. Neighbouring residents that were not familiar with this fruit had been complaining even due the actual odour impact was mild. Once the plant provided tours of the facility and explained that the ingredients were indeed organic and no hazardous chemicals were used, the rate of odour complaints significantly reduced.
Will the communication of odour sources and plant tours be the key to reducing odour complaints? It very well could be. Of course, this strategy may not work well for actually hazardous chemicals or a wastewater treatment plant where the actual odour source may be worse than what the neighbours
envision.
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Reference: “Individual Differences in Verbal and Non‐Verbal Affective Responses to Smells: Influence of Odor Label Across Cultures” Journal of Chemical Senses September 21, 2016.
