Industrial odorous emissions: critical issues, risks and integrated solutions

The management of atmospheric emissions — particularly odorous ones — is now one of the most complex challenges for industrial plants. Regulatory pressure is accompanied by environmental, health and social considerations that require a structured approach capable of integrating analysis, monitoring, modelling and appropriate technical solutions.

In many production sectors — waste treatment, wastewater purification, agri-food, chemical and manufacturing — emissions represent a critical factor both for plant operation and for relations with the surrounding area and the local community.

Odorous emissions are particularly challenging to manage because:

• they are immediately noticeable by people even at low concentrations;
• they fluctuate rapidly depending on climate, ventilation, and industrial processes;
• they come from mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds that are difficult to analyze individually;
• their perception has a subjective component, which can amplify discomfort;
• they can cause social impact even in the absence of toxicological risks.

For this reason, odor is often the first sign of a potential emissions problem, capable of creating critical issues even when pollutants remain within regulatory limits.

Emissions can be classified into three types:

• Point emissions, released through stacks or ducts;
• Diffuse emissions, originating from uncontrolled openings or open processes;
• Fugitive emissions, caused by leaks, vents, seals, or material handling.

The perceived impact on the surrounding area is influenced by many variables: emission height, weather conditions, topography, temperature, turbulence, chemical reactivity of compounds, dilution, and pollutant persistence.

For this reason, effective emission management requires integrated analysis and modelling tools.

In recent years, Italian and European legislation has increasingly focused on odorous emissions and their effects.

The main legal references are:

• Legislative Decree 102/2020 → officially introduces the concept of odorous emissions;
• Art. 272-bis of Legislative Decree 152/2006 → allows authorities to impose specific limits and monitoring requirements on odorous emissions in permits;
• MASE Director’s Decree 309/2023 → establishes technical methods to measure, assess, and control odor impact.

These regulations strengthen the obligations for operators, who must demonstrate knowledge, control, and monitoring of their emissions, particularly odorous ones.

Environmental and health risks

Emissions can:

• affect air quality;
• cause discomfort and nuisance in communities;
• trigger scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

Permitting risks

Authorities can take strict measures in case of non-compliance, including:

• warnings and requests for corrective actions;
• temporary suspension of the permit;
• revocation of the permit;
• immediate enforcement of specific requirements.

Criminal and administrative risks

Environmental legislation provides for:

• offenses of abstract risk (operating a plant without authorization, even without actual emissions);
• liability for exceeding emission limit values;
• possible consequences under Legislative Decree 231/2001 when limit violations also exceed air quality standards;
• application of criminal environmental offenses under the Penal Code in case of significant impacts.

Operational and reputational risks

Odorous emissions, in particular, can:

• trigger complaints from residents;
• lead to inspections and extraordinary audits;
• cause operational shutdowns.

What companies should do

In this context, it becomes essential for companies to:

• adopt clear and documented organizational models;
• keep permits up to date;
• carry out regular checks and monitoring;
• integrate technical, regulatory, and managerial expertise.

Effective emissions management is no longer just a compliance requirement, but an essential condition to ensure continuity and sustainability of industrial operations.

Characterization and monitoring

• chemical and physical analyses;
• olfactometric analyses according to UNI EN 13725;
• odor sampling;
• identification of critical process points.

Impact modelling

Using dispersion models, it is possible to:

• assess the impact of odors on the surrounding area;
• analyze alternative scenarios;
• determine acceptability in relation to sensitive receptors.

Application of BAT

Best Available Techniques include:

• adsorption/absorption systems;
• multi-layer filter beds;
• dedicated covers and capture systems;
• management of ventilation and airflow;
• improvement of operational process conditions.

Within Gruppo Luci, our role is to design and implement solutions for the abatement of odorous emissions. We operate through a structured process that includes:

• Preliminary analysis of the production context to identify emission sources and understand the specific needs of the plant.
• Custom design of air capture and treatment systems, tailored to the characteristics of the process and facility.
• Implementation of abatement systems using various technologies (dry systems with multi-layer filter beds, wet filtration with scrubbers, osmogenic barriers, and multi-stage solutions).
• Treatment of both point and diffuse/fugitive emissions, ensuring efficient performance and operational continuity.
• Commissioning, performance verification, and scheduled maintenance to guarantee consistent results over time.

Our approach is based on customization: each plant requires a dedicated assessment and a solution designed specifically on real data and thorough technical analysis.

Alongside our activities, two other entities within Gruppo Luci complete the technical process.

LOD - Laboratory of Dynamic Olfactometry focuses on:

• olfactometric analyses according to UNI EN 13725;
• odor sampling;
• odor impact modelling;
• monitoring with innovative instruments (e.g., electronic noses);
• technical support for environmental assessments and permits.

Gesteco offers, among other specialized services:

• chemical and physical analyses of emissions, water, soil, and waste;
• continuous environmental monitoring;
• permitting studies and technical support for AUA, AIA, and VIA;
• environmental consulting and regulatory compliance;
• integration of laboratory data, modelling, and technical plant management.

Together, we provide companies with a comprehensive ecosystem of expertise covering every stage of emissions management.

The management of industrial emissions — particularly odorous ones — requires a balance between regulatory, technical, and organizational aspects. Thanks to collaboration within the Luci Group, we can offer a comprehensive approach that combines monitoring, analysis, modelling, and customized abatement solutions.

It is in this context that we organized the seminar “Emissions: regulations, impacts, and solutions for industrial management”, together with LOD and Gesteco. Held on October 23, 2025, at the VEGA Science and Technology Park in Venice, the event provided an important opportunity for technical insight and practical discussion, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to emissions management.