PAE has conducted numerous odour studies on industrial and agribusiness sites. These have ranged from chicken farms to rendering plants to boatbuilding facilities. In addition, we have also developed best practice guidance for industry bodies such as Meat & Livestock Australia.
Examples of the work we have completed include the following:
Chicken Processing Plant
PAE was engaged to perform the odour assessment for the EIS examining the expansion of a chicken processing facility in Queensland. This work involved modelling and assessment of the impact of existing odour emissions, dominated by wastewater ponds and of a new covered pond system. In response to the high level of interest from local residents, PAE also made presentations explaining odour issue at several public meetings held during the EIS process. The odour assessment was a critical component of the EIS because of the community’s past experiences with odour in the area and a desire to minimise their impact.
Oil Shale Project
PAE provided air quality modelling and assessment services relating to various aspects of the project since its inception. PAE provided detailed input to the project’s odour evaluation program following major community concerns resulting from plant upset conditions during commissioning trials. Our role also included performing advanced odour dispersion modelling using state-of-the-art three dimensional models (TAPM and CALPUFF); the results of which agreed with the observed community responses. PAE also provided advice to the project on odour measurement methods, evaluated technical solutions to emissions reduction problems, and developed acceptable criteria for odour impacts.
Alumina Refinery
PAE has conducted a number of odour studies on alumina refineries in Queensland. Assessments have typically been underpinned by modelling using the TAPM-CALMET-CALPUFF system. As part of the study, PAE also conducted the largest community odour survey to date in Australia.
Australian Pork Limited
PAE developed national guidance on how to select and use appropriate dispersion models and how to obtain suitable meteorological data to perform ‘best-practice’ odour assessments for piggeries. This work was performed in consultation with various state regulatory agencies.
Marino Moller Lawyers (acting on behalf of Mareeba Shire Council)
PAE provided expert witness in a case involving a proposed composting operation at Dimbulah, Mareeba Shire. We reviewed the case taking into account the proposed operation, proposed storage and mitigation techniques and odour response plan, and comparing with the Queensland Odour Guideline. We also performed modelling using AUSPLUME.
Hydrogenation Plant
PAE conducted an air quality assessment for a proposed development of a hydrogenation plant in NSW. We completed assessment in accordance with relevant NSW regulations and guidelines, assessing potential for air quality impacts at and beyond the property boundary based on dispersion modelling. The assessment focused on potential emissions during both the construction and operation of the plant.
New Zealand Pork Industry Board (NZPIB)
In response to odour complaints, the New Zealand Pork Industry Board (NZPIB) sought to adopt a new controlled rule that allow farmers of existing intensive piggery units to expand contingent upon a number of conditions being met. We reviewed and advised on methods in which existing piggeries are able to be expanded without the need for a detailed odour impact assessment by adopting better management practices and/or shed designs
Stockfeed Manufacturer
PAE carried out an environmental audit for our client in response to an infringement notice from Council. This involved odour emission measurements in conjunction with dispersion modelling to predict potential odour impacts. We performed dispersion modelling of estimated emissions from the plant and compared results with Queensland guideline criteria