The Ministry of the Environment of Chile celebrated Odour/Odor Day (2 December) with a special seminar held both onsite and broadcast online via YouTube. The seminar was organised by the Department of Noise, Light and Odours of the Ministry of the Environment (MMA) within the framework of the Strategy for Odour Management in Chile. Its aim was to provide an informative space for dialogue about the progress and challenges in environmental odour management in the country.
A few years ago, the AMIGO Society approved the establishment of the 2nd of December as “Odour/Odor Day”. The idea was to encourage any organisation to plan activities and initiatives to celebrate this day. In 2025, several regulatory agencies met in Chile to discuss odour regulation. Representatives from various agencies related to the environment, health, and wastewater management shared different approaches adopted in the country to address odour impacts.
The session began with a welcome speech by the Deputy Minister of the Environment, Mr. Maximiliano Proaño, who emphasised the importance of addressing odours as a key component of environmental quality and public health.
One of the first presentations focused on the implementation and challenges of the Strategy for Odour Management, delivered by Daniela Caimanque from the MMA, who outlined the objectives and steps taken in Chile’s environmental policy to control and reduce odour emissions.
The Environmental Assessment Service (SEA), represented by Rodrigo Rosales, introduced the “Guide for the Prediction and Impact Assessment of Odour in the SEIA,” a fundamental tool for integrating odour management into environmental assessment processes.
Following a coffee break, the Superintendency of the Environment (SMA) discussed environmental odour enforcement. Mauricio Grez highlighted recent experiences and lessons learned that have strengthened regulatory control and compliance in this area.
Karim Riquelme from the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Health of the Metropolitan Region spoke about sanitary odour management, emphasising actions undertaken to improve air quality in urban areas affected by odorous nuisances.
The Superintendency of Sanitary Services (SISS), represented by Verónica Vergara, addressed progress and challenges in odour management within the sanitary sector, particularly regarding the management of wastewater and liquid industrial waste.
The seminar concluded with a discussion panel moderated by Daniela Caimanque Fredez, featuring representatives from the MMA, SMA, SEREMI Health, and SISS. The session explored ways to strengthen enforcement and improve coordination among institutions.
Each presentation lasted approximately 20 minutes and was followed by 10 minutes of audience questions, fostering a productive exchange between speakers and attendees on the current state of odour management in Chile.
The event was recorded and is available for free (unfortunately in Spanish) on the Ministry’s YouTube channel. Enjoy it!!
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