ORTECH has been a pioneer in the development of odour testing and evaluation techniques, commencing over forty (40) years ago and continuing to the present time. ORTECH is considered to be a leader in odour assessments, and has provided recognized odour evaluation services since 1970.

Click here to read our latest poster titled:  Ambient Odour Assessments: Comparison of Sampling Techniques Used for Assessing Ambient Odours

ORTECH has conducted many projects involving emissions from waste water treatment plants including site wide odour assessments at the Highland Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant, Mid-Halton WWTP, Skyway WWTP, Lakeview WPCP and other waste water treatment plants such as in the Niagara area for the Municipality of Niagara, Toronto area and Kingston area as well as in the United States.  ORTECH conducted a year long odour and reduced sulphur compound testing program at the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant and recent minor emission testing programs at other waste water treatment plants.  A number of these programs involved off-site odour sampling and assessment by trained odour panelist. 

Areas of expertise in odour include:

•    odour emission sampling at point sources
•    odour emission sampling at diffuse and area sources
•    training and assessing various parties in detecting odours
•    determining the odour potential of industrial materials (paints, packaging, etc.)
•    community odour surveys
•    analysis of odorous compounds in environmental samples
•    olfactometry analysis of odour samples
•    design and construction of olfactometers
•    odour dispersion modelling
•    compliance procedures for odour
•    assessing odour emission data
•    expert witnesses for odour issues
•    development of odour sampling and evaluation procedures
•    determining the odour potential of agricultural operations

STANDARD METHODS

ORTECH procedures for odour sampling and olfactometry are based on the following standard methods:

•    Ontario Ministry of the Environment Draft Method
•    European Method EN 13725
•    AWMA Method EE-6

These standard methods are broad and frequently contradictory.  Therefore, the ORTECH procedures for odour sampling and evaluation have been carefully optimized, under the direction of the MOE, but generally comply with the standard methods.  It may be claimed that other olfactometers in the province comply with the standard methods but they are inferior to the ORTECH olfactometer and have not be endorsed by the MOE.

ORTECH goes beyond the requirements of both the MOE and the standard methods to ensure that accurate, reliable results are obtained including:

•    collecting predilution samples at five predilution ratios instead of four
•    using an eight member odour panel instead of a fewer number of members
•    calibration of the odour samplers and olfactometer using both flow meter and tracer gas techniques
•    calibration of the panel members using several difference odorants, not just n-butanol

Dispersion Modelling

ORTECH has had many years of experience in dispersion modelling of odour emissions using a number of different models.  The modelling data can be presented in a number of formats as follows:

•    point-of-impingement odour concentration beyond a facility property due to single or multiple odour emission sources
•    contribution of individual emission sources to the combined point-of-impingement concentration
•    point-of-impingement odour concentrations at specific sensitive receptors
•    contours of odour concentrations around an emitting facility
•    elimination of outlying point-of-impingement odour concentration data
•    correlation of point-of-impingement odour concentrations with odour complaint data
•    correlation of odour complaint data with meteorological conditions
•    effects of stack heights, building dimensions, etc., on odour dispersion
•    comparison of different models and dispersion modelling results

Certificates of Approval / Environmental Compliance Approvals

ORTECH has been carrying out odour compliance testing programs as a requirement of MOE Certificates of Approval for over thirty years.  Because of the good relationships with the MOE, ORTECH ensures that these programs are completed efficiently with appropriate procedures.

With respect to compliance testing, ORTECH is able to:

•    review Certificates of Approval / Environmental Compliance Approvals for accuracy, appropriateness and completeness
•    discuss any discrepancies with the MOE
•    prepare Pre-Test Plans and have them approved promptly by the MOE
•    complete the odour sampling and assessment programs to the satisfaction of the MOE
•    prepare acceptable odour testing compliance reports for the MOE
•    discuss the programs with the MOE and defend the position of our clients
•    provide expert witness testimony at both hearings and trials, if required
•    provide clients with advice on odour abatement plans, if required

Exposure Assessment
In conjunction with our ORTECH’s modelling capabilities, we have conducted predictive odour dispersion studies to demonstrate that product or process changes at specific plants would not cause an adverse odour effect.

Odour Testing
Product odour evaluations for major manufacturers of paints, solvents and coatings have been conducted in our off-gassing chambers and using our unique fixed olfactometry facility to successfully provide reliable estimates of effects of product formulations on odour emissions.

Odour Panel Evaluations
sensory panel odour evaluation has been successfully teamed with instrument collection data to complementary discern and identify odours from a wide range of product and source emission origins.

Ambient Odour Surveys
Ortech provides community odour surveys that have been conducted for many industries to quantify the odour impact in the ambient air rather than at the source. This project work includes mobile lab facilities and trained observers in a structured protocol to obtain information on the intensity and quality of odours throughout the community area

Trials, Hearings, and Tribunals
ORTECH’s senior staff is available as expert witness for law firms and other agencies that require testimony at trials, hearings or tribunals.  Over the years, our staff has assisted many clients with our insights into various related issues.