A summary and evaluation of odor regulations around the world

When it comes to air pollution complaints, odors are often the most significant contributor. Sources of odor emissions range from natural to anthropogenic. Mitigation of odor can be challenging, multifaceted, site-specific and is often confounded by its complexity-defined by existing (or non-existing) environmental laws, public ordinances and socio-economic considerations. A large publication has been prepared with the objective to review and summarize odor legislation in selected European countries (France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands, Italy, Belgium), North America (USA and Canada), South America (Chile and Colombia), as well as Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) and Asia (Japan, China). Many countries have incorporated odor controls into their legislation. However, odor-related assessment criteria tend to be highly variable between countries, individual states, provinces and even counties and towns. Legislation ranges from (1) no specific mention in environmental legislation that regulates pollutants which are known to have an odor impact, to (2) extensive details about odor source testing, odor dispersion modelling, ambient odor monitoring, (3) setback distances, (4) process operations, and (5) odor control technologies and procedures. Agricultural operations are one specific source of odor emissions in rural and suburban areas and a model example of such complexities. Management of agricultural odor emissions is important because of the dense consolidation of animal feeding operations and the advance of housing development into rural areas. Overall, there is a need for continued survey, review, development and adjustment of odor legislation that considers sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic realities, all of which are amenable to a just, site-specific, and sector-specific application. Eighteen authors from all over the world cooperated over 2 years to prepare the publication which will be released in late 2020. This paper and presentation at the WEF Odors conference will summarize information gathered for this significant work and provide a framework for audience participation in discussion of current methods of odor policy and regulation and how it may evolve in the future.