scope:

Objective

As compared with dispersion calculations, the present guideline is a simplified method for the evaluation of odour impacts in the environment of livestock operations, whose distances correspond to certain odour hour frequencies. The distance results from the determined protection worthiness of the individual location of pollution impact to be evaluated, which is represented by the frequency of odour perception. With the aid of this guideline, it is possible to determine

• distances for certain odour hour frequencies or
• odour hour frequencies to be expected for given distances.

This guideline is based on a simplified, schematic consideration of the emission, location, and dispersion conditions, which may be sufficient in many cases.

For the initial data of the dispersion calculation and the given scope chosen in this guideline (cf. Annex H), a conservative evaluation can be assumed. This also applies to the kind of exhaust air evacuation because the assumptions made for the derivation of the distance model generally guarantee that the application of the distance model provides a conservative assessment of the emission impact situation in practice despite the complexity of the influencing conditions. The guideline determines the distance at which the chosen odour hour frequency will not be exceeded with sufficient certainty.

The present guideline is relevant for persons and institutions who deal with odours from livestock operations and their evaluation, e.g. planners, advisors, farmers, construction and environmental protection authorities, courts, and experts.

The guideline can be applied as an aid for the evaluation of odour impacts in the following cases:

• the choice of suitable locations for planned livestock operations,
• the determination of sufficient distances between existing livestock operations and planned buildings requiring protection in development planning and individual construction projects,
• the construction or alteration of livestock operations in the vicinity of buildings in need of protection, such as residential buildings,
• in conflict situations between livestock operations and residents, for example, due to offensive odour,
• in the decision about the application of emission control measures.