Wisdom » Reflections

The New "Odour Regulations" Are Not Working

Sarkandaugava. Evening. On Tvaika Street between Aptiekas and Gaujienas streets, a strong smell of petroleum products is noticeable. I call the Environmental Service - there is not a single inspector who could go and check. I call 112 - it is a common occurrence and nothing can be done about it.

Sarkandaugava. Evening. On Tvaika Street between Aptiekas and Gaujienas streets, a strong smell of petroleum products is noticeable. Something between petrol fumes and gas. At the former Man-Tess berth (now T2 Terminal?), an oil tanker "RN Murmansk", painted nicely in orange colours, is moored. In the morning I spotted it from a distance and was pleased to see such a handsome tanker. In the morning there was still nothing to suggest that in the evening the northern end of Sarkandaugava would experience an offensive odour assault - which, it must be said, had recently become a rare occurrence.

As I approached the apartment block complex on the northern side of Sarkandaugava, the smell abated. I recalled something mentioned at some point - that the oil industry people now have their own meteorological station and in unfavourable conditions they will not create stench. Or more precisely - they can choose not to create stench.

The evening was proceeding at its usual pace with household chores, until I began to notice increasingly in the flat a slightly different, but gas-like smell. I checked the gas stove, the meter, the connections - nothing. I opened the door to the stairwell - nothing. I opened the window onto Tvaika Street, which also faces the oil terminal - it was there. The same smell, but very, very much stronger.

Although I knew about the Environmental Service's 24-hour duty telephone - 25666365 - I had never used it until now, because since it was introduced and made publicly known, the smells had been less intense and, over time, considerably shorter in duration. Since this evening's odour assault looked as though it would have no end until the tanker was full, I called.

A lady answered, who did not introduce herself. I explained what had happened and where.

- Did you call 112?
- Why would I call 112, if this is the Environmental Service's 24-hour telephone?
- Well, yes, but there is no longer a single inspector who could go and check.
- What?!
- Call 112.

I call 112.

- Rescue service.
- Good evening, I wish to report an unbearable odour disturbance in Sarkandaugava, on Tvaika Street.
- You do know that in Sarkandaugava it is a common occurrence and nothing can be done about it.
- What do you mean nothing can be done?! How am I supposed to know that there hasn't been an accident?
- Do you see an open flame?
- No.
- Then call the Environmental Service.
- I just called them; they told me to call you.
- We cannot do anything about smells.
- This year the "odour regulations" came into force, where it is written in black and white that the Environmental Service responds to residents' complaints about odour disturbances, and outside working hours this function is carried out by the operational service.
- What do you want us to do?
- You tell me what to do. I am only saying that I am experiencing an intense smell and I am concerned whether there has been an accident at the terminal.
- Don't exaggerate! We will pass the message on to the Environmental Service.

To my own surprise I discovered that when calling 112 from a mobile phone, the calling application has no "End call" button.

So I have returned to... nothing. From opening the window, the stench in the room has only increased, the only problem being that airing it out will not be possible until the smell outside subsides.

Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 724 ("Odour Regulations")

Developed in 2014 and entering into force in January 2016, Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 724 "Regulations on Methods for Determining Odours Caused by Polluting Activities, and the Procedure for Limiting the Spread of Such Odours" establishes that a "disturbing odour" is one that creates a negative impact on human wellbeing. Point 3.1.3 of these regulations specifies that multi-storey residential development territory is subject to compliance with odour target levels. That is, not just the flat, but also the courtyard of the residential building. Point 20 of these regulations stipulates that the Environmental Service shall conclude an inter-institutional agreement for the fulfilment of the requirements referred to in point 18 of these regulations. Point 18 of these regulations, in turn, stipulates that "If complaints about a disturbing odour are received, the State Environmental Service shall carry out an inspection and assess the disturbances caused by the odour, and shall also record observations in a protocol."

Reflections and Conclusions

With regret one must conclude that the optimism of services and institutions that odour disturbances have diminished is a farce - conditions have been created in which residents have no means of reporting odour disturbances, particularly if they have occurred outside the working hours of the Environmental Service. Consequently, it is impossible for the Environmental Service to record, investigate and punish the guilty party.

The dismissive attitude on the part of the operational services, and the services' inability and unwillingness to do what is prescribed by law, does nothing whatsoever to increase trust in either the services or the state. People feel disappointed and unprotected.

Significant inaction by state institutions has occurred, as a result of which the wellbeing and the right to a favourable environment of myself, my family, the residents of Sarkandaugava and other residents exposed to odour disturbances have been impaired. One is involuntarily forced to conclude that one cannot rely on the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia, or on compliance with them.