A method of population survey is presented to evaluate the odour annoyance in a selected area as annoyance cannot be evaluated by physical chemistry methods. Selected local residents form a panel and are asked repeated questions at a given moment to evaluated their perception of odour. The annoyance caused by odour is quantify on a scale of 6 categories from 0 to 5 (0 is no odour, 1 is not annoying to extremely annoying which is 5) corresponding weighting factors are used for the analysis and the graphical representation of the odour annoyance . The survey can be done over a short period of time which represents a short-term investigation with a test question at least one time a day for 2 to 3 months. Long-term investigation is done on a period of 12 to 14 months with a test at least one a week. Investigation zones have to be determined within the investigation area which may be affected by an odour source and a neutral control zone outside the investigation area is also chosen to compare the results with an unaffected area. The survey can be used: to evaluate the annoyance distribution in time and space for the investigated area, to demonstrate the difference between the annoyance situation in the investigated area compare to the neutral control zone, to evaluate the efficiency of applied odour abatement measures, to better understand the effect of prevailing wind direction and odour-relevant sources. Survey procedures are given with examples of letters and questioner. This method gives more relevant information than complaints surveys because a selected group of persons is invited to participate as for complaints only certain individual will forward complaints to local authorities. However the results of such a survey cannot be used for a different neighborhood even if the conditions seem to be similar.

Very interesting and complete information is given on the way of doing odour annoyance survey. This tool is interesting because it can give a fairly good picture of the annoyance pattern in an area and rely directly on the population perception of the odour source annoyance. Special attention has to be given to the survey organization and follow up to make sure that the procedures are understood and respected through out the survey period