Odour Assessments
Unwanted odours can create issues for businesses, neighbouring communities, and the wider environment. They’re also one of the most common triggers for complaints and compliance checks, especially around waste, wastewater, and industrial sites.
At Air Matters, we carry out odour assessments across New Zealand as part of our wider air quality assessment. Many are linked to resource consent requirements or council expectations, while others begin when odours become more persistent than usual. Whatever the trigger, our role is to help you understand what’s causing the issue and how far it reaches, so you can make informed decisions before anything escalates. That could be something as simple as a process change or added ventilation measure, or it could be a bit more involved.
Think you may have a problem? Let us help.
Odour impact assessments
We regularly work with:
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Waste management facilities
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Wastewater treatment plants
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Food production and processing
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Manufacturing and industrial operations
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Agricultural and composting sites
Each comes with its own challenges, so we make sure our assessment suits the processes and conditions on the ground.
How we assess and monitor odour
Odour issues aren’t always constant. They can be sporadic and difficult to pinpoint, and are often impacted by the weather or time of day. For that reason, we employ a mix of measuring tools to get as accurate a picture as possible.
A typical odour assessment might include on-site odour surveys to observe when and where odours occur; specialist sampling to determine the source; and, if needed, dispersion modelling to show how odours are carried outside your boundaries.
Using the right combination of tools on every project gives us a clear sense of the issue, without assuming the source or jumping to conclusions.
Frequently asked questions
What triggers the need for an odour assessment?
Most assessments begin as part of a consent application process, or when a business (or the wider community) notices odours becoming more persistent than usual.
Which industries in New Zealand commonly need odour monitoring?
While waste management, wastewater treatment, food production and manufacturing industries all require regular odour assessments, any site with strong or intermittent odours may benefit from one.
How does dispersion modelling help?
Modelling shows how odours move beyond your boundary and how factors like wind, humidity, or temperature influence them. It gives you helpful insight for resource consents and long-term planning.
Can you help with odour-related consent requirements?
Yes. We regularly support clients through consent applications and can provide the assessments and reporting councils require specific to odour emissions.
Do you operate nationwide?
Yes. We regularly support clients through consent applications and can provide the assessments and reporting councils require specific to odour emissions.
What happens after the assessment?
You’ll receive clear, practical recommendations based on our findings. Whether that means changing the way you work on-site, adjusting your ventilation, or adopting a wider odour management plan. We’ll talk you through the findings so you have a clear idea of what to prioritise.
Need Support?
If you’re dealing with odour complaints, preparing for a consent application, or simply want to make sure you’re following best practice, we have an assessment level suitable for you. Tell us a little about your operation and we’ll recommend the most sensible next step.