Industries commonly have odor complaints, especially as suburbs encroach closer to a facility’s property boundary. Even when using scrubbers and other industrial treatment methods to eliminate odors, they can still cause nuisance problems for facilities.
To address this, environmental engineers compile processed meteorological data and odor complaint information to determine the best course of action to mitigate odor issues and create positive relations with the public.
How it Works
A large beef processing facility in Southern California has received increasing odor complaints from the public over the last five years. Enough that the courts ordered the facility to take action above and beyond what it was already providing. The engineers started by tabulating the complaints, including time, date, and supplemental information such as location, any noted comments, and findings from the regulator upon their inspection. In addition, they compiled all maintenance records from the facility and meteorological data from the adjacent airport to perform a detailed analysis of the odor problem.
By assigning each complaint with its wind speed and direction based on the logged complaint time, the engineers create a map and see that most complaints originated south of the facility when the wind blew from the north, indicating a high probability that this facility was indeed the culprit despite controls in place. Additional revelations included:
• Complaints are most common in the morning.
• All complaints are within the colder months.
• Higher wind speed mitigates odor complaints.
• Processing more cattle does not lead to more complaints, but longer processing hours may correlate.
• Scrubber maintenance reduces complaints.
Resulting Factors
Many factors contribute to odor complaints, but this assessment showed the strongest correlation when the facility performed scrubber maintenance. The scrubbers are control devices on the exit vents of the building that controls pollutants and odors leaving the facility.
Using the study results, the engineers can pinpoint recommendations to control odors. Out of all the recommendations, the simplest and most cost-effective recommendation is Option 1, to increase scrubber maintenance. Employ Option 2 if production is increasing. Options 3 through 5 are less desirable since they are more expensive or could hinder production schedules. Nonetheless, we list them so you have all of your options, as follows:
1. Perform more regular maintenance on the scrubbers, especially during the winter months.
2. Even though the system currently seems to be sized appropriately, get the scrubber manufacturer to upgrade the system if the facility increases production.
3. Install a meteorological tower on site and reduce or halt operations when the winds are slow, from the north, and in the colder months.
4. Add a deodorizing system south of the plant to inject an odor neutralizer in the air into the odor plume.
5. Construct a wind barrier or heavy-duty fans south of the plant to intersect and force more dispersion of the odorous plume.
Sustainable and Proactive Approach
The beef processing facility study determined quarterly maintenance should significantly reduce odors. Moving forward, the facility can refer to its SCS study if experiencing conditions that could increase the possibility of odors and, importantly, show regulators the facility takes a proactive approach to community concerns.
Meet the Author: Jeffrey Leadford has 10 years of experience in the air quality field. His specialties include air dispersion modeling, emission inventory production, GIS mapping, and air monitoring. At SCS he creates emission inventories, reports, and runs air dispersion modeling on industrial sites in the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Leadford is a Professional Engineer licensed in Oregon, and received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado. He is also a licensed FAA Remote Pilot. Contact Jeffrey or your local resource at .
Additional Resources:
Siamak Modarresi joins SCS Engineers in our Bellevue, Washington, office location as the newest member of our Environmental Services practice. Modarresi supports SCS’s Landfill Leachate and Industrial Wastewater Treatment teams throughout North America.
Modarresi earned his BS and MS in Chemical Engineering and obtained his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington. He has his PE in Chemical Engineering in California.
He most recently worked for a global sustainability firm providing design and project management for membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment systems. This experience and knowledge translate as direct value to SCS’s clients, who face strict regulatory wastewater laws, emerging contaminants, and increasing costs for operational pretreatment systems.
Water fulfills critical functions in all industries, but much of the water results in industrial wastewater. Every effort is made to reduce water usage and treat wastewater to make it reusable or safe to discharge. Recycling wastewater is a feasible, cost-effective option. Newer, industrial water purification technologies that scale and are field-proven make it economically and environmentally feasible. Following treatment, wastewater can become an asset instead of a potential liability.
“SCS handles these complex projects, including developing pretreatment systems for FOG, ammonia, heavy metals, high-strength wastewaters and leachates, and mixed waste streams,” said Greg Helland, vice president, and the northwest region business director. “Membrane bioreactors treat high organic strength wastewaters, and anaerobic MBRs can provide a revenue source as renewable energy; that’s where Siamak’s industry expertise supplements our teams’ value.”
Additional Information and Opportunities
Landfills are experiencing a phenomenon called “black goo,” solids that make their way into leachate and gas collection systems, clogging equipment and impairing the management and extraction of leachate and gas. The viscosity differs between facilities, hardening like concrete or staying pliable. It attaches to pumps and check valves and settles in sumps, causing problems for leachate collection system cleanouts and landfill operations.
With funding from the Environmental Research & Education Foundation, Dr. Craig Benson will provide information from his team’s studies, and our panelists will discuss how goos move through waste into the infrastructure and how to remove it best. Ultimately this and a growing base of information will help us to prevent the goo problem from happening in the first place.
Who Should Attend and What You’ll Learn?
Goo II is for those in wastewater operations, landfill owners, operators, technicians, field personnel, engineers, and regulators interested in learning more about goos. We’ll cover these topics:
The proposed AERR rule would require nearly 130,000 facilities to report air toxics emissions directly to EPA. It would also give states the option to collect the air toxics data from industry (rather than states) and report it to EPA, provided the Agency approves their program. This proposed action would allow for EPA to annually collect (starting in 2027) hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions data for point sources in addition to continuing the criteria air pollutant and precursor (CAP) collection in place under the existing AERR.
Here are some key things to know about the proposed rule from the EPA website:
1. It would require air toxics (hazardous air pollutant) emissions reporting. While most states voluntarily report air toxics emissions data to EPA now, reporting is not consistent nationwide. The proposal would require many industrial facilities to report air toxics emissions data and offers states the option to report emissions on behalf of the industry sources in their states.
2. It would mean that more facilities must report emissions every year by using the same emissions thresholds every year to determine whether a facility’s detailed emissions information must be reported.
3. It would fill reporting gaps for some portions of Indian country and federal waters. The AERR proposal would require industry to report emissions for certain facilities that operate in those areas and that currently are not reported.
4. It includes provisions to limit the burden on small businesses. The proposal includes flexibilities such as allowing certain small businesses to report a facility’s total air toxics emissions instead of detailed data and exempting many collision repair shops from air toxics reporting requirements.
5. It would provide EPA information that would help the Agency improve its estimates of emissions from prescribed fires. EPA is committed to helping communities and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners manage the health impacts of smoke from wildland fires, including prescribed fires. Prescribed fire is a land management tool that can reduce the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires by reducing the buildup of unwanted fuels.
Additional Resources:
PFAS CERCLA Exemption Letter Submitted Electronically to: https://www.regulations.gov
The Honorable Michael Regan, Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Re: Addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment, Advance Notice of Potential Rulemaking (ANPRM); Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2022-0922
Last year, NWRA and SWANA submitted comments on EPA’s proposal to designate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as CERCLA hazardous substances. They also submitted comments in May in response to this ANPRM jointly with other “passive receivers” of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Both associations reiterate and append those comments to what is contained in this letter, urging EPA to ensure that landfills and other passive receivers are afforded relief from CERCLA contribution litigation prior to designating PFAS as hazardous substances.
More Information:
Class VI Underground Injection Control Well Permitting is Part III of our video series on Carbon Capture and Storage. Cutting through red tape and regulatory barriers is key to keeping the permitting process on track for your Class VI UIC well. There are steps you can take to prevent delays and meet key regulatory requirements.
Watch the SCS’s Carbon Capture and Storage webinar to learn more about each phase of the permitting process and how to keep each running smoothly. Carbon capture and storage is an EPA-approved technology companies are exploring to help them reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and understanding the permitting process is key as you plan your project. In this chapter you’ll get answers to these questions:
Your business does not have to be in Illinois to learn from these educational webinars. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of carbon capture and storage but concerned you’ll get delayed by the ins and outs of the Class VI UIC well permitting process, watch Patty Herman’s video to learn more, or contact your local SCS office for a consultation.
Patty Herman graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Master of Science in Biological Sciences. Working in diverse and unique habitats enhances her awareness of the ecosystem’s fragility and the need to protect it, especially for agencies during the permitting process. During graduate school, she was selected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Natural Heritage Residency program. The residency provided exposure to resource management in both public and private sectors, interacting with many federal, state, and local agencies, as well as NGOs and landowners. She writes and executes management plans and permits using her intensive experience in land management techniques. She has the unique ability to find common ground with stakeholders, agencies, and the public in safe land management for industrial and manufacturing.
Additional Resources:
On July 1, 2023, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) posted and updated General NPDES Permit No. ILR00 for Industrial Storm Water Discharges (2023 General Permit). The 2023 General Permit is effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
Multiple industry sectors must now update their site-specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to comply with the 2023 General Permit. Three key updates in the 2023 General Permit are:
1-Permittees are required to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) for renewal no later than 150 days after the 2023 General Permit is issued (i.e., by November 28, 2023).
2-Permittees must place a sign of permit coverage (except in instances where other laws or local ordinances prohibit such signage) in a safe, publicly accessible location in close proximity to the facility and include the following:
3-Benchmark sampling requirement updates, varying based on the industry sector’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code classification:
List 1 – SIC Code Groups with Updated Benchmark Sampling Constituents
Subsector C1 & C2
Subsector E1 & E2
Subsector F1 & F2
Subsector H1
Subsector L1
Subsector M1
Subsector Q1
Subsector AA1
List 2 – SIC Code Groups with New Benchmark Sampling Requirements for Reporting Purposes Only
Subsector B2
Subsector C5
Subsector D2
Subsector E3
Subsector F5
Subsector I
Subsector J3
Subsector L2
Subsector N2
Subsector O1
Subsector P1
Subsector R1
Subsector T1
Subsector U3
Subsector V1
Subsector W1
Subsector X1
Subsector Y2
Subsector Z1
Subsector AB1
Subsector AC1
Our authors are available to answer questions about the Illinois stormwater regulations. You will find state professionals for updates or filing requirements local to your operation here.
Spencer LaBelle serves as a Senior Project Engineer for our Upper Midwest Team. Spencer has prepared SWPPPs for multiple, diverse industries and operations throughout Illinois and assisted clients with SWPPP inspections from the Illinois EPA. He has diverse experience in civil/environmental consulting for stormwater and erosion control management systems, site development, and regulatory compliance.
Betsy Powers serves as a Vice President/Senior Project Manager for our Upper Midwest Team. She has over 25 years of experience in civil/environmental consulting, including erosion control and stormwater management, site development, regulatory compliance, landfill design and permitting, landfill construction, material recovery facility design, and compost facility design and permitting.
Additional NPDES and Stormwater Resources:
Most seasoned professionals understand that industry organizations can be impactful in providing opportunities for continued education, business development, networking, and personal and professional growth. Here’s one young professional’s story at an environmental firm that shows the value participation in industry associations and organizations brings to careers.
Leading the way
Mateja Vidovic Klanac, Project Professional in SCS’s West Palm Beach, Florida, office, is a perfect case study of the steps needed to gain industry knowledge and immerse yourself in your career.
After working in the air quality sector for two years in Croatia, Mateja came to the United States and joined a research team led by Dr. Daniel Meeroff at Florida Atlantic University. She was investigating effective odor control strategies to assist landfill site personnel in managing daily operations based on the weather conditions.
With this exposure, she developed a keen interest in the solid waste industry and shifted her focus away from air quality. Mateja says, “It was important for me to expand my experience and connect with other professionals in the industry to broaden my horizons.”
“I had never considered working in the solid waste arena before, but that’s when I discovered how interesting and interdisciplinary it is — where my work could positively impact the environment and my community the most.”
She sought a position as president of the joint chapter of a multidisciplinary group which included the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA), American Water Works Association (AWWA), Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), and Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) to learn more about solid waste, network, learn, and grow her professional career. During her time as president of the chapter, this joint association at Florida Atlantic University became a more active organization with a mission to promote interest in the environment and the industry.
When Mateja joined SCS Engineers, she was pleasantly surprised to learn that the company supported and encouraged her involvement in these organizations. “SCS sees the value in my leadership position at SWANA. They support my career and learning goals, but it also aids in recruiting and promoting our company culture as we support young professionals looking to learn and contribute.”
SWANA Student YP Design Contest
Mateja is also a member of the SWANA Young Professionals (YP) Steering Committee and has been the chair of the SWANA YP International Solid Waste Design Competition for several years. The SWANA Design Competition offers students opportunities to work on real-world waste management challenges in a supportive and fun environment. The competition strives to prepare students for similar issues they may encounter after graduation working as engineers or solid waste professionals.
Mateja’s leadership has inspired young professionals to become more involved in solid waste engineering and even moved graduating students to apply for open positions at SCS and become part of the team. “Being involved in SWANA provided a pathway for sharing ideas and challenges with other professionals in the industry while providing students with an opportunity to display their talents and establish a premier networking event where they can connect with potential employers.”
Mentorship
She has also inspired a colleague, Alex Stege, a Senior Project Advisor and 33-year veteran of SCS. He has volunteered his time alongside Mateja for the past two years. “Mateja asked me to assist with the YP design contests because it was specific to my area of expertise; landfill gas (LFG) modeling. I have been leading the SCS non-regulatory LFG modeling practice for over 25 years.”
Alex was critical to the competition because he helped participants understand different methods for estimating LFG generation and emissions. He suggested they evaluate LandGEM and the alternative LFG models derived from their academic research using site-specific waste disposal and LFG recovery data.
Mateja is grateful for his involvement. “Last year, the topic was evaluating the limitations of EPA’s LandGEM and developing an alternative method for estimating landfill methane emissions,” she says. “We chose the topic because of its importance, occurrence in recent industry news, and relevance to climate change.”
“Recognizing this subject matter required Alex’s expertise, I reached out, and he was more than willing to help on the technical side to develop the problem statement and serve as one of the judges. I appreciate the time and effort that Alex contributed to the success of this event.”
Mateja appreciates mentoring others and engaging with colleagues through SWANA. But, more than that, she managed different projects and people to gain exponential leadership experience. For that, the dividends to SCS and Mateja are incredible for the long term.
“She put more work into organizing and directing the design contest events over the past several years than we can appreciate. Besides the meetings and administrative arrangements needed to make the event happen, Mateja developed the design contest problems, including an excellent and timely one this past year,” said Alex.
SCS encourages employees to take on leadership roles if they join a professional organization. The exposure to new ideas, mentor opportunities, and networking is instrumental in growing and sustaining a successful career in engineering – and beyond.
If you want to learn more about the YP program or become more involved in SWANA, contact Mateja or visit Young Professionals (swana.org).
Additional Resources for YPs:
COMM22, a master-planned, mixed-use development project on a former brownfield, receives the 2023 Phoenix Award as an outstanding development on a revitalized property. The national premier awards program for brownfield redevelopment reflects the progression of brownfield redevelopment over decades and recognizes extraordinary practitioners and projects such as COMM22.
SCS Engineers will be at EPA’s Brownfields 2023 Conference to accept the award on behalf of the COMM22 team. The COMM22 development is the result of a collaboration between BRIDGE Housing and the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty (MAAC) in partnership with San Diego’s Unified School District as a public-private partnership.
“The COMM22 team is honored by the Phoenix Award. Many partners are part of transforming this once-underutilized school district site into transit-oriented affordable housing connecting people to jobs and services. I am pleased to thank them all. Our mission at BRIDGE Housing is to strengthen communities and improve the lives of our residents, beginning – but not ending with affordable housing. COMM22 is an excellent example of the collaboration and creativity required to address a housing crisis of the magnitude we are facing. On behalf of BRIDGE and the entire COMM22 team, it is my pleasure to extend our appreciation to the organizers of the Brownfields conference and the Phoenix Award.” said Jeff Williams, director of development for BRIDGE Housing.
The COMM22 team took an abandoned and contaminated property in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood to create a thriving hub of residences reinvigorating the area and providing stable homes for hundreds of low-income individuals, elders, and families.
Brownfield revitalizations have grown substantially with public, private, and nonprofit practitioners nationwide who depend on brownfields as a strategic function of planning, economic development, environmental quality, and community development. The COMM22 project, for example, provides over 200 affordable housing units, 13,000 square feet of commercial space, a 4,200 square foot child care facility, and 11 affordable for-sale townhomes in San Diego, CA.
The affordable housing units are separated into 70 senior housing units and 130 family housing units. Paseo at COMM22 Family Housing in Logan Heights has 130 apartment units, 13 serving youth eligible for supportive services on a referral basis. The remaining units are available to low-income families and individuals.
Victoria at COMM22 offers 70 affordable housing units for seniors 62 and older. Victoria has 40 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with affordable below-market-rate rents and 30-one-bedroom apartments with HUD subsidized rents.
SCS Engineers’ role in supporting the environmental conditions at the site spans over ten years, including environmental assessments, waste characterization, mass grading, and design and implementation of a successful remediation program; thus delivering housing that supports both the social and business goals of the development team and the community.
“The technical issues were challenging, but it’s amazing to see the transformation of vacant lots into vibrant housing that anchor the neighborhood,” says Dan Johnson, SCS Engineers vice president. “We are proud to be able to provide the highest level of environmental and regulatory support for the community.”
The completed COMM22 housing development is a transformational project that has brought tangible benefits to its residents and the entire community. What was once an abandoned, contaminated property is now a thriving cornerstone for the whole neighborhood and a model for transit-oriented infill development and affordable housing with a noticeable increase in the quality of life and a palpable pride of ownership.
Additional Resources
Hear from SCS Engineers professionals at the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group SPCC Workshop, August 29-30, at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Description: Jared and Spencer will discuss common issues observed while preparing and reviewing SPCC Plans for electric utility facilities. They will include content applicable to different types of facilities (power plants, substations, storage yards), and cover some different types of SPCC activities (inspections, 5-year reviews, secondary containment, etc.).
For more conference details and registration information, click here.
We hope to see you there!
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