OAR 340-096-0150
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Unacceptable Odors


(1)

The department recognizes that the microbial metabolic activity in composting piles and anaerobic digestion operations causes odors, and that composting facilities cannot completely eliminate all odors. All composting facilities must be designed, constructed, and operated in manner that, to the greatest extent practicable consistent with proper facility design and operation, controls and minimizes odors that are likely to cause adverse impacts outside the boundaries of the facility.

(2)

The department may require a facility to prepare an Odor Minimization Plan under section (5) of this rule, and may further require the facility to modify operations and otherwise implement all reasonable and practicable measures determined necessary by the department to control and minimize adverse impacts of odors outside the boundaries of the facility. In deciding whether to require an Odor Management Plan, the department will consider the frequency, duration, strength and intensity of odors; the number and frequency of complaints; and the number of people impacted.

(3)

When a composting facility receives a complaint about odor, the facility must:

(a)

Contact the complainant within 24 hours to discuss the complaint;

(b)

Keep a record of the complaint; the name and telephone number of the complainant, when available; the date the complaint was received;

(c)

Investigate site conditions and operations to determine the extent of an odor problem; and

(d)

Immediately initiate procedures at the facility as appropriate to meet the performance standards under OAR 340-096-0070 (Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Performance Standards)(4).

(4)

A facility must notify the department:

(a)

If a facility receives complaints from five or more individuals about a given event, or

(b)

If an odor event lasts for more than 24 hours without resolution or mitigation of the problem creating the odor event.

(5)

Odor Minimization Plan. If required by the department under OAR 340-096-0090 (Special Rules Relating to Composting: Operations Plan Approval) or this rule, the composting facility must develop an Odor Minimization Plan to minimize odors. The plan must include:

(a)

A management plan for malodorous feedstocks;

(b)

Procedures for receiving and recording odor complaints, immediately investigating any odor complaints to determine the cause of odor emissions, and promptly remedying any odor at the facility that does not meet the performance standards under OAR 340-096-0070 (Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Performance Standards)(4);

(c)

Additional odor-minimizing measures, which may include the following:

(A)

Avoidance of anaerobic conditions in processes that are designed for aerobic composting;

(B)

Use of mixing for favorable composting conditions;

(C)

Formation of windrow or other composting piles into a size and shape favorable to minimizing odors;

(D)

Use of end-product compost as cover to act as a filter during early stages of composting;

(E)

Specification of a readily available supply of bulking agents, additives or odor control agents;

(F)

Procedures for avoiding delay in processing and managing feedstocks during all weather conditions; and

(G)

Methods for taking into consideration the following factors prior to turning or moving composting material:
(i)
Time of day;
(ii)
Wind direction;
(iii)
Percent moisture;
(iv)
Estimated odor potential; and
(v)
Degree of maturity.

Source: Rule 340-096-0150 — Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Unacceptable Odors, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=340-096-0150.

340‑096‑0001
Applicability
340‑096‑0010
Special Rules Pertaining to Incineration
340‑096‑0030
Special Rules Pertaining to Sludge and Land Application Disposal Sites
340‑096‑0040
Transfer Stations and Material Recovery Facilities
340‑096‑0050
Solid Waste Treatment Facilities
340‑096‑0060
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Applicability
340‑096‑0070
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Performance Standards
340‑096‑0080
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Screening
340‑096‑0090
Special Rules Relating to Composting: Operations Plan Approval
340‑096‑0100
Special Rules Relating to Composting: Registration
340‑096‑0110
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Composting Permit
340‑096‑0120
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Groundwater Protection
340‑096‑0130
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Biogas, Liquid Digestate, and Leachate Collection Design and Management Requirements
340‑096‑0140
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Pathogen Reduction
340‑096‑0150
Special Rules Pertaining to Composting: Unacceptable Odors
340‑096‑0160
Special Rules Pertaining to Conversion Technology: Applicability
340‑096‑0170
Special Rules Pertaining to Conversion Technology: Performance Standards
340‑096‑0180
Special Rules Relating to Conversion Technology: Operations Plan Approval
340‑096‑0190
Special Rules Relating to Conversion Technology: Registration
340‑096‑0200
Special Rules Pertaining to Conversion Technology: Conversion Technology Permit
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 340-096-0150’s source at or​.us