The operators of Newby Island landfill in Milpitas, California, have been ordered to take action to address odours emanating from the site. Residents have reported unpleasant smells for decades, with engineer Chia-Ling Kong stating that she has experienced 'two or three hours of bad smells a day.' Local authorities have mandated the use of drones and monitors to track and measure the chemicals responsible for the odours and to automate the collection of landfill gases. Kong expressed optimism that continuous monitoring will help identify problems promptly.
The landfill operators have stated their commitment to safe operations and air quality protection. Similar complaints about odours are being raised in communities worldwide, often linked to landfills, sewage treatment plants, or factories. Many countries lack regulations for managing odours, leaving it to local governments to address the issue. Urban sprawl has brought communities closer to these facilities, increasing the demand for technologies to monitor and prevent odours.
Odour consultant Micheal Bull noted that developments are being built nearer to odorous processes as land becomes more valuable. Technologies to tackle industrial odours generally absorb, convert, or burn them away. Experts claim that effective technologies can remove over 90% of the compounds responsible for smells, although cheaper alternatives, such as deodorisers, may be less effective.
In Des Moines, Iowa, residents have complained about a persistent odour known as the Eastside Funk. A study revealed that several industrial meat companies were contributing to the problem. The city authorities have invested approximately $240,000 annually in technology to monitor odours, allowing them to identify the sources of complaints accurately. Smithfield Foods, one of the companies involved, has invested $2 million in odour control systems but maintains it is not the source of odour complaints.
Currently, cities often rely on human panels to assess odours, a method that may not be realistic. The Spanish company Kunak has developed electronic noses to assist in odour detection. However, the subjective nature of odour perception makes it challenging to satisfy all residents, as sensitivity to odours can vary significantly.