Odour Control on Site

Construction activities can generate significant odours from excavation of contaminated land, sewage work, and chemical use.
Odour complaints from neighbours and the public can result in statutory nuisance action by local authorities.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 gives local authorities power to serve abatement notices for odour nuisance.
Common odour sources include exposed sewage, peat and organic soils, asphalt, bitumen, and painting operations.
Odour intensity increases in warm, still weather when air movement is limited.
Wind direction determines which receptors are affected — monitoring wind conditions helps manage complaints.
Covering exposed contaminated soil, sewage tanks, and stockpiles reduces odour release significantly.
Misting systems and odour neutralising sprays can suppress odours at the source or site boundary.
A community liaison plan should include procedures for responding to odour complaints promptly.
Some odorous substances such as hydrogen sulphide are also toxic, requiring health monitoring as well.

Legal compliance	Odour nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 can lead to abatement notices and prosecution.
Community relations	Persistent odour complaints damage relationships with neighbours and can result in project delays and restrictions.
Worker health	Some odorous substances are toxic at high concentrations, posing health risks to site workers as well.

Do

Don't

Identify potential odour sources in the site environmental management plan
Cover exposed contaminated soil, open sewage tanks, and organic stockpiles
Monitor wind direction and plan odour-generating activities for favourable conditions
Use misting systems or odour neutralising sprays where odour complaints are likely
Respond to community odour complaints promptly and record all actions taken
Brief site workers on the odour management plan and their responsibilities
Schedule the most odorous activities during periods of higher wind dispersal
Monitor H2S and other toxic odorous gases where concentrations may be harmful
Maintain records of odour management activities for regulatory compliance
Communicate planned odorous activities to neighbours in advance where possible

DON'T leave contaminated or organic soil exposed for longer than necessary
DON'T ignore odour complaints — investigate the source and act on them promptly
DON'T carry out highly odorous activities in still, warm weather without controls
DON'T assume odours are only a nuisance — some are toxic and require monitoring
DON'T discharge sewage or contaminated water without proper containment and treatment
DON'T rely on distance alone to prevent odour reaching nearby properties
DON'T store odorous chemicals or materials upwind of residential areas
DON'T allow waste skips containing organic materials to remain uncovered on site
DON'T dismiss community liaison complaints as unreasonable — address them seriously
DON'T continue odorous activities after an abatement notice without legal advice

See also: Noise Management (Community Impact) | Pollution Incident Reporting

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Toolbox Talk Record