Flow chart outlining the process for selecting odour assessment tools for preparing or evaluating resource consents for a new industrial or trade activity

Text description of flow chart

1. Determine presence or absence of chronic effects. Use:

   Assessment Tool	Priority	Comments
   Community consultation	High	Meet with community to discuss proposal. Gauge community receptiveness and likely sensitivity to odour effects.
   Industry/council experience and records	High	Experiences of the industry or regional council with other similar discharges. Typical buffer distances and nature of emissions including variability and character. Also assess the applicability of assumed buffer distances based on comparison of the key wind conditions that have the potential to cause odour impacts.
   Meteorology and terrain assessment	High	Establish the prevalent seasonal wind patterns, topographical features and likely cold air drainage patterns at the site. Rank different areas in terms of 'relative' potential for odour impacts to occur i.e. highest, medium, and lowest.
   Olfactometry and modelling of odour sources	High	Use an odour-modelling guideline from a similar installation if applicable, or standard guidelines for new activities. Consider offensiveness of odour and sensitivity of the receiving environment.
   Review of process emission control system(s)	Low	Look for compliance with best practicable option (BPO), or industry codes of practice.

2. Are there any chronic effects? If yes, consider further mitigation and alternative options (use the table above). If no, go to step 3.
3. Determine acute adverse effects, either already present on occasion, or with the potential to occur. Use:

   Assessment Tool	Priority	Comments
   Community consultation	High	As for chronic effects.
   Review of odour management plan and contingency procedures	High	What is the level of acceptable risk for uncontrolled odour discharges? Consider high-probability/low-impact events, and low-probability/high-impact events. Is BPO being utilised?
   Industry/council experience and records	High	As for chronic effects.
   Olfactometry and modelling of odour sources	Low	Not recommended as an assessment tool for occasional or periodic releases of odour.

4. Are the acute effects adequately protected against. If no, consider further mitigation and alternative options (use the table above). If yes, evaluation is complete.