Sinclair Knight Merz was commissioned to prepare an Odour Remediation Plan for the AMCOR Botany Mill. The Plan was prepared in accordance with strict requirements established by the then NSW Environment Protection Authority.
The first stage in developing the Plan was identifying and quantifying the major sources of odour at the Mill. This included collating results of previous dynamic olfactometry testing of sources, measuring exhaust flows and velocities and calculating source odour emission rates. The next stage involved a comprehensive assessment of odour impacts in surrounding residential areas. Odour dispersion modelling using AUSPLUME with baseline information generated from the first stage was used to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures already implemented. Additional options to reduce odour impacts were investigated and assessed.
Assessment of odour control options focussed on two primary approaches; ‘process’ or ‘end of pipe’ controls. An options analysis included cost estimates and discussion of advantages and disadvantages of each. The recommended approach, in terms of cost effectiveness and additional benefits to the paper making process, were process controls, that is preventing odours from being generated in the first instance. The Plan established preferred odour mitigation strategies and the order in which odour controls should be implemented to maximise benefits to both AMCOR Botany and the community.
Between 2002 and 2004 the Plan has been progressively implemented with remarkable success in terms of overall reduction in odour impacts. Through a comprehensive community consultation program, the Odour Remediation Plan has resulted in growing acceptance of the paper mill within the local community.