Risk Based Approach to Odour Assessment
Odour assessment has been driving regulators, consultants and industry to consider multiple approaches across the country. EPA Victoria is using an holistic approach to odour assessment, which links policy principles and science within a risk based framework.
Strict compliance with design criteria as set out in the State Environment protection Policy (Air Quality Management) is not the only measure that EPA Victoria applies in managing odour. Proponents can undertake a risk assessment to demonstrate whether the amenity of local communities is likely to be impacted by emissions for odorous industries. The risk-based approach to odour assessment allows for analysis of predicted impacts from odour on the basis of frequency of occurrence and timing of peak impacts. It can be then further utilised in assessing the configuration of a proposed industry. Through this approach an assessment can provide a clear basis of determining the risk of odour impact against the use of stead fast criterion application.
This allows odour policy in Victoria to have a clear direction in terms of policy principles: It protects the beneficial uses of the receiving environment; it utilises all of the science and assessment input parameters; and allows for precautionary principles to be applied.