Optimization of Field Inspection Method for Odour Impact Assessment

Odour emissions are causing serious nuisance for the population, especially in the surrounding of sanitary environmental engineering plants. Extended exposure to odours generate undesirable reactions ranging from emotional stresses such as unease, discomfort, headaches, or depression to physical symptoms. Odour assessment can be performed using two different approaches: measurement of sources emissions and/or evaluation of impact area. German Guidelines VD13940 proposes the standardization of the field inspection method to predict the level of exposure of odours in the surrounding community. However, the main dranback of this method is high cost due to the excesive needs of assessors and long time of analysis. This study investigates the role of the measurement elements provided with the field inspection method according to VD13940, with a discussion of a case study, with the aim to reduce the human resources, time and costs related with the analysis. Results highlight the possibility of reducing the sampling frequency and the panel number in specific conditions