Control of odors: understand about the legislation in Brazil

Industrial production has always generated the emission of substances that confer characteristic odors when discarded into the air. Even with the implementation of stricter environmental regulations, this is an increasingly present issue, and in certain places, the growth of commercial and residential sectors develops around these sources. However, it is worth noting that this control is an obligation provided for by law. It is the responsibility of the company that in its production process emits the gases into the atmosphere. Thus, there are legal resolutions that guide on this subject and that administrators, managers and entrepreneurs need to be aware of.

How to manage the emission of industrial odors

First, it is necessary to run a diagnosis identifying the generating points as well as their respective quantities of odor units. Once the critical points are identified, emission rates can be reduced by implementing control solutions for each situation. Next, an intelligent online monitoring system with an intelligent odor impact plume (dashboard and big data) should be installed that provides not only the situation of the moment and past but also the forecast of up to 72 hours (focusing on neighboring communities). Having the monitoring system, one can then complete the management cycle by implementing controls such as:

• Intelligent filters (removal of up to 99.5% of odorous gases);

• Smart Switch (neutralizing product atomization curtain (non-masking) with automatic activation based on gas concentrations, meteorological and operational variables.

Determinations of the Brazilian legislation on industrial atmospheric emissions

• District Law No. 1,435/1997 - Provides for the obligation to use a vertical discharge tube in public transport vehicles in the Federal District equipped with a diesel engine and provides other measures.

• Conama Resolution No. 226/1997 - Establishes maximum emission limits for soot from motor vehicles.

• Conama Resolution No. 297/2002 - Establishes limits for emissions of polluting gases by new mopeds, motorcycles and similar vehicles.

• Conama Resolution No. 315/2002 - Provides for the new stage of the Vehicle Emissions Control Program-PROCONVE.

• Conama Resolution No. 342/2003 - Establishes new limits for emissions of polluting gases by new mopeds, motorcycles and similar vehicles, in compliance with Resolution No. 297 of February 26, 2002, and makes other provisions

• CONAMA Resolution No. 382, of 01/02/2007 - Establishes maximum emission limits for air pollutants for fixed sources.

• Conama Resolution No. 403/2008 - Provides for the new phase of requirement of the Program for the Control of Air Pollution by Motor Vehicles PROCONVE for new heavy vehicles (Phase P-7) and makes other arrangements.

• Conama Resolution No. 415/2009 - Provides for a new phase (PROCONVE L6) of requirements of the Program for the Control of Air Pollution by Motor Vehicles PROCONVE for new light vehicles for road use and makes other arrangements.

• Conama Resolution No. 433/2011- Provides for the inclusion in the Program for the Control of Air Pollution by Motor Vehicles PROCONVE, establishing maximum noise emission limits for new agricultural and road machinery.

• CONAMA Resolution No. 436 of 12/22/2011 - Establishes maximum emission limits for air pollutants for fixed sources installed or with an application for an installation license prior to January 2, 2007. It is worth mentioning that some states have their own legislation on the emission of air pollutants.

The importance of odor control

Each industry has its own particularities and acts with numerous substances and materials. Generally, those that perform chemical processes emission many gases into the atmosphere. It is these gases that cause olfactory discomfort, and so controlling odors should be an essential issue for the company. Doing this control is very important given that neglecting these industrial odors can generate several problems. Each organization must arrange for the installation of a system that controls odors according to the needs and characteristics of each company. Contact us to learn more about TSG's solutions for odor emission.