The public will have a chance Thursday, Nov. 5, to ask questions and comment on a state proposal changing how regulators judge odors that travel beyond a facility's property.
The session is at the Providence Department of Inspection and Standards training room, 780 Allens Ave. Questions and answers begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the formal hearing at 6:30 p.m., according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's notice.
The agency's fact sheet says the existing rule depends on an inspector determining that an objectionable odor is present beyond a property line. DEM says objectionable odors are difficult and subjective to determine, which made the rule hard to understand and enforce.
Under the proposal, an odor beyond a property line would be a nuisance if one or more DEM representatives determine its intensity, characteristics, frequency and duration interfere, or can reasonably be expected to interfere, with a reasonable person's enjoyment of life or property, according to the fact sheet.
The amendments are proposed and have not taken effect.
Written comments are accepted through Nov. 13 at dem.airregcomments@dem.ri.gov. The notice links to the proposed text, a benefit-cost analysis and a fact sheet.