Odour Sampling, Analysis & Surveys

• AS 4323.3 – Stationary source emissions – Determination of odour concentration by dynamic olfactometry
• NSW EPA OM-7 – Odour sampling from point sources or odour analysis using dynamic olfactometry

• AS 4323.4 – Stationary source emissions – Area source sampling – Flux
  chamber technique
• NSW EPA OM-8 – Odour sampling from diffuse sources

• VIC EPA Publication 1880: Biofilter Design & Maintenance
• VIC EPA Publication 1881: Guidance for field odour surveillance
• NSW EPA: Guide to conducting field odour surveys
• DWER Guideline: Odour Emissions
• VDI 3940-3: Measurement of odour impact by field inspection – Determination of odour intensity and hedonic odour tone

• VIC EPA Publication 1883: Guidance for assessing odour
• NSW DEC Technical framework: Assessment and management of odour from stationary sources in NSW
• DWER Guideline: Odour Emissions

An industrial facility may need odour monitoring when odour is a potential environmental impact, when community complaints occur, when assessing a proposed development or when regulatory or environmental licence requirements call for investigation. Monitoring can help identify sources, characterise odour impacts and provide evidence for environmental assessment or management.

Industrial odour can be assessed using different methods depending on the investigation objectives. These may include source sampling, dynamic olfactometry, field odour surveys, instrumental measurements, and other appropriate techniques. The selected method should reflect the source, the odour characteristics being investigated, and applicable Australian technical or regulatory requirements.

Yes. Odour monitoring and assessment can provide evidence to support environmental management, investigations, and applicable environmental licence or regulatory requirements. The appropriate methodology depends on the relevant Australian jurisdiction, licence conditions, investigation objectives, and applicable standards or regulatory guidance.

Odour complaints should be documented with information such as the time, location, weather conditions, odour characteristics, and frequency of the reported event. A structured investigation can then assess potential sources and operating conditions. Field surveys, source measurements, or other monitoring may be used to investigate the cause and support appropriate management actions.

Yes. Ektimo provides odour assessment services that can include source measurements, field odour surveys, odour analysis, and assessment of potential impacts. The appropriate investigation is determined by the nature of the complaint or environmental issue, suspected sources, and applicable Australian regulatory or project requirements.

Odour sampling generally involves collecting samples from a defined source for subsequent analysis, such as laboratory olfactometry. Odour monitoring is broader and can involve repeated measurements, field observations, surveys, or instrumental monitoring over time. The appropriate approach depends on whether the objective is to characterise a source, investigate impacts or assess ongoing conditions.

Odour monitoring and assessment can help facilities and their stakeholders address a range of practical and regulatory challenges, including:

• Identifying odour sources and investigating or substantiating community complaint
• Demonstrating compliance with environmental licence conditions, EPA notices, or planning approval requirements
• Establishing baseline odour conditions ahead of a new development, upgrade, or operational change
• Providing technical evidence to support regulatory disputes, appeals, or licence reviews
• Evaluating odour control infrastructure (e.g. biofilters, scrubbers) and informing operational improvements

The appropriate approach depends on the facility, the issue, and the applicable regulatory framework.