Impact of Operational Scaling on Odor Mitigation: A Case Study of Waste Oil Treatment Facility

Abstract Description: Odor emissions from industrial facilities are major concern, particularly to the sensitive receptors around industrial areas, due to their potential adverse effects on air quality and public health. These emissions, often consisting of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can lead to continuous odor complaints, regulatory challenges, and public health issues. This study investigates a waste oil treatment facility that was subjected to a targeted enforcement plan aimed at addressing odor-related complaints and improving the emission control system. The study was conducted by Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD) Compliance and Enforcement, and air quality monitoring teams, to assess the impact of operational changes on VOC emissions and odor nuisance.

A comparative analysis was performed to examine VOC emissions under two operational scenarios: full-capacity operation (100%) and reduced-capacity operation (50%). The facility operated at full capacity for a set period and at reduced capacity for an equal duration, providing a unique opportunity to directly compare emissions and assess the effectiveness of capacity reduction as an odor mitigation strategy. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in both VOC emissions and community complaints during the 50% operational phase, demonstrating the positive impact of reducing production load on odor mitigation and air quality improvement.

Additionally, the study accounted for the influence of other industrial facilities in the surrounding area, which could potentially contribute to baseline VOC levels and complicate the attribution of emissions solely to the waste oil treatment facility. By isolating the facility’s emissions during both operational phases, the research highlights the measurable and specific impact of operational scaling in reducing odor pollution. The results highlight the importance of implementing targeted, flexible enforcement strategies that can be adapted to changing conditions at industrial sites.
This case study offers valuable insights into the role of operational adjustments in mitigating industrial odor emissions, illustrating how tailored enforcement actions, combined with collaborative monitoring and regulatory oversight, can help reduce community exposure to harmful industrial pollutants. The findings provide a replicable framework for other industrial facilities facing similar odor-related challenges, emphasizing the importance of adaptive, data-driven approaches to environmental management.