Odour emissions are less commonly associated with road construction activities than dust emissions but they still need to be considered in certain cases.
A common source of odour from construction activities is the application of bitumen to form the road. However this is only for a short period of time and is generally accepted as a normal activity associated with maintenance. Other discharges of odour can occur when land contaminated with organic wastes has been disturbed (such as closed landfills).
Offensive odours can cause nausea, headaches, frustration, annoyance and a range of other effects that can affect the quality of life for the individuals exposed.
Diesel-fuelled trucks, generators and other machinery can also generate excessive odours if their filters and fuel systems are poorly maintained.
Odour emissions can be mitigated by covering/removing odorous material, using chemical suppressants, and regularly maintaining trucks and machinery
Guidance on assessing, managing and monitoring construction odour emissions is available in the resources listed below.
- Good practice guide for assessing and managing odour in New Zealand (Ministry for the Environment)
Good practice guide for assessing and managing odour in New Zealand (Ministry for the Environment)- November 2016June 2003 - Guide to assessing air quality impacts from state highway projects v2.0 (draft) - December 2014
- Project monitoring page
For further information contact environment@nzta.govt.nz .