Understand how your operation could affect neighbouring uses, and what changes can make a difference.
ACP scopes industrial odour assessments and dispersion studies around the source data, operating scenarios and decision you need to support. Connect the model with a practical control and design brief.
Defined source & scenario inputsReceptor-focused interpretationDesign & control comparisonsClear technical reporting
READ THE SITE. DEFINE THE NEXT STEP.
Useful modelling starts before the first model run.Define the source, test the assumptions and interpret the result in context.Inputs: emissions, release conditions, weather and operating scenarios. Illustrative contours are not calculated results.
Start with the operation
Which decision does the study need to support?
A new facility, an expanded process and a nearby residential proposal need different scenario definitions. We establish the decision and data requirements before agreeing the modelling commission.
01 / PLANNING & DESIGN
New or expanded operations
Assess the defined proposal, identify important source contributions and compare relevant control or discharge options before the design is fixed.
Review the permit context, operating information and request for further evidence. Separate the modelling task from the operator’s wider compliance responsibilities.
Identify the existing sources and proposed receiving locations. Agree the evidence needed to assess the relationship between the development and surrounding activities.
Source information must describe the operation being assessed. We distinguish measured data, supplier information and assumptions, then identify which gaps could materially affect the findings.
Input
Questions to resolve
Why it matters
Odour emissions
Which sources release odour? What data describe their emission rates and variation?
The model needs a representative source inventory, including relevant channelled and diffuse releases.
Release conditions
What are the outlet location, dimensions, flow, temperature and discharge characteristics?
Release conditions influence how emissions enter and disperse in the atmosphere.
Buildings and terrain
Which structures and surrounding features need representation?
Nearby geometry can influence plume behaviour and exposure at relevant locations.
Meteorology
Which weather data appropriately represent the site and assessment purpose?
Wind and atmospheric conditions affect transport and dispersion over time.
Receptors
Which existing or proposed uses, locations and heights need assessment?
The reporting points must answer the actual development and neighbour-exposure questions.
Operating scenarios
What constitutes the current operation, proposal, controls and relevant adverse conditions?
The comparison must reflect plausible operation and clearly stated dependencies.
From information to interpretation
A study designed around your project.
We make the assumptions visible throughout the commission. That allows the operator, project team and reviewer to understand what each scenario represents.
01 / Agree the assessment briefReview the authority request, process, drawings and available evidence. Define the purpose, proposed scenarios and required reporting before modelling starts.
02 / Resolve the data gapsPrepare an input schedule. Identify where existing information is usable and where supplier clarification, source testing or specialist sampling may be needed.
03 / Build and check the scenariosRepresent the agreed sources, receiving locations and surrounding features. Check units, operating assumptions and the relationships between input files and drawings.
04 / Compare and explainPresent the relevant results and design comparisons. Explain the significance of assumptions, uncertainties and the measures on which the conclusions depend.
Read more than the contour
What does the result mean for your site?
A coloured map is one part of the evidence. The report must explain the assessment basis and what the predictions mean for the operation, design and receiving environment.
Match the criteria to the purpose
Identify the applicable assessment approach and reporting metric. Explain the relationship between the selected criterion, odour characteristics and assessment context.
A model statistic is not a prediction of exactly what every person will smell at every moment.
Separate assumption from performance
If a result assumes an abatement efficiency or restricted operating condition, make that dependency explicit. Obtain the evidence needed to support the assumption.
The design team and operator should understand what must remain true for the assessment to represent the proposal.
Examine the important uncertainties
Discuss the sensitivity of the conclusion to emissions, operating patterns and other material inputs. Scope additional scenarios where they would change a project decision.
Record missing information clearly so later revisions can be targeted.
Translate findings into an action
Compare relevant containment, treatment, outlet or operational options. Explain the environmental implications alongside the design information still needed.
Detailed equipment selection and installation can then follow a defined performance brief.
A project team is considering a revised exhaust arrangement and additional treatment. An agreed study can compare the current design with each option while keeping other assumptions transparent.
01 / BASELINE
Describe the starting design
Record the source data, operation and discharge arrangement so the comparison has a clear reference. Avoid mixing old and revised drawings.
02 / ALTERNATIVES
Test the agreed changes
Compare relevant outlet or treatment scenarios. Document exactly what changes between runs and what remains assumed.
03 / DECISION
Identify the usable next step
Explain the relative results, residual issues and evidence needed to support the preferred option. A higher outlet alone is not a universal solution.
A reviewable technical record
Know what the modelling report will contain.
The agreed package should allow another competent reviewer to follow the study. We define the report, supporting schedules and any model-file handover in the quotation.
A clear scenario scheduleThe baseline, proposed operation and agreed control or sensitivity cases.
A documented input recordSource inventory, emissions basis, geometry, weather data and receptor selection.
Methods and checksModel approach, assumptions and checks relevant to the agreed assessment.
Mapped and tabulated findingsResults presented against the decision, receiving locations and criteria being assessed.
Interpretation and recommendationsDesign implications, uncertainty and the operational dependencies behind the conclusion.
Defined onward supportAny design revision, authority response or additional modelling included in the fee.
The number of sources, scenarios, information gaps and reporting requirements shape the fee. We confirm what is included before starting the technical work.
Send a process overviewInclude the postcode, activity, proposed changes and authority request. Tell us whether source testing or a previous model is available.
Identify the design stageEarly feasibility, planning submission, permit variation and a regulator response can need different outputs. Give us the decision date and current drawing status.
Agree separate inputsExternal sampling, laboratory analysis, specialist process design and further revisions should be visible in the commission, with responsibilities and charges identified.
England · your local requirement
Start with the site and the decision.
We welcome odour enquiries across England. Share the postcode, proposed activity and planning authority or regulator request. We will confirm the technical scope, site arrangements and programme.
Planning applications and conditions
Include the planning reference and exact wording of the requirement. We connect the assessment to the submitted drawings, local context and decision that needs supporting.
Permitted and operating facilities
Share the relevant permit, process description and operating changes. We identify the operational evidence and specialist inputs needed before confirming our quotation.
One coordinated odour brief
Follow the service your project needs.
Choose the assessment or operational document that matches your next decision.
01 / SPECIALIST SERVICE
Planning assessment
Understand the source, nearby uses and the evidence required.
Start with the decision and the available source information. We will help identify a proportionate study.
01When is odour dispersion modelling useful?
It can support decisions where quantitative predictions and scenario comparisons are needed. The source complexity, potential exposure, available data and authority request determine whether it is appropriate.
02Can a model be prepared without measured emissions?
Sometimes other evidence can support a defined assessment. Its relevance and uncertainty must be examined. We review the available basis before deciding whether testing or additional scenarios are needed.
03Is odour modelling the same as an air quality assessment?
Both can use dispersion methods, but their emissions, metrics and assessment questions differ. If combustion pollutants or other substances also need assessment, we define that additional scope explicitly.
04Can you compare treatment or stack options?
We can scope comparisons of agreed design scenarios. Provide the proposed technical data and evidence for treatment performance. The report will state which design and operating assumptions support each result.
05Does a low predicted result prove there will be no complaints?
No. Predictions represent a defined model and its inputs. Odour experience also depends on real operating and exposure conditions. The assessment must explain the limits of its findings.
06Is an Odour Management Plan included?
Only where it is expressly included in the quotation. A model evaluates specified scenarios; an OMP sets out the operational controls and response. We can coordinate the two workstreams.
07Can you review an existing modelling report?
Yes. Share the report, authority comments and available input or model files. We can define a review of the assumptions, scenario coverage and information needed to answer the current request.
08What should I provide for a quotation?
A short process description, postcode, site layout, proposed changes and authority correspondence. Mention existing emissions measurements, equipment data and any previous modelling.
Let’s define the right scope
Tell us where your project is heading.
Start with a short project outline. We will clarify the information needed and prepare a site-specific quotation.
Share the essentials
Your site, activity and the planning or operational question.
We review the available evidence
A consultant can request drawings, operating information and authority comments.
Receive a defined scope and fee
Understand the deliverables, programme and any additional work.
Have plans, process details or authority comments? Submit the enquiry first. We can then request the relevant files together, so your brief stays clear.
Request an odour quotation
A clear starting point.
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Technical sources & further reading
References checked on 27 October 2026. We confirm the relevant assessment guidance, authority request and operational scope for your project.
