Abstract
The relationship between the odours emitted by a given facility and the influence they cause on the population living in the surrounding area is very complex to determine, because this relationship include objective physical and chemical components, which are easily measured, as well as subjective elements which are much more difficult to evaluate. Nowadays there are Standarized Methodologies in order to obtain a reliable and complemented odour impact assessment. The application of these methodologies allows to assess the problem in a standardized way, and from technical and economical point of view. The most used methodologies are emission-based studies (EN-13725 / NCh 3190) and, immission-based studies (VDI 3940); and can be complemented by chemical analysis and complain management. Depending on the complexity and scope of the project, several methodologies can be used in order to obtain information from different points of view. This approach considering several methodologies has been carried out at the Municipality of 'San Francisco de Mostazal', in Chile, by means of conversations between the Authority, Companies and the Community. It was required a comprehensive study based on emission studies according to EN-13725/NCh 3190, complaint management (VDI 3883) and, chemical analysis (VOCs, H2S and NH3). As a result of this study, it was possible to determine the nuisance degree, possible origin, and therefore, the best way to face it.
