Technology Deployed to Address Odour Issues
Milpitas, California, is implementing technology, including drones and sensors, to manage odours emanating from the Newby Island landfill.
Milpitas, a city in California's Silicon Valley, is employing technology to combat decades-long odour problems primarily stemming from the Newby Island landfill.
Local authorities have mandated that landfill operators utilize drones and install monitoring equipment. This aims to systematically track and measure odour-causing chemicals, enabling more effective identification and reduction of smell sources.
Residents have voiced complaints for years regarding industrial smells impacting daily life. The city's adoption of a "data-driven approach" is intended to improve air quality and alleviate the odour issues experienced by the community.
Globally, odour management is complex, with many countries lacking specific regulations. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency does not classify odours as a pollutant, placing the responsibility on local governments.
Technological solutions for industrial odours include absorption, chemical conversion, or incineration. While effective technologies can eliminate over 90% of odour compounds, they can be expensive. Some operators opt for cheaper methods, such as spraying deodorizers, though their efficacy is debated.