1. How are your odor control mitigation and management systems developed?
Byers Scientific & Manufacturing develops odor mitigation equipment that is custom engineered for each client. Although the basic design is fairly uniform, we collect data on more than 20 inputs that calculate optimal efficacy and efficiency, including information about any maintenance needs. While it’s true that Byers is a design and engineering firm that manufacturers equipment, that’s just the beginning. Quite frankly, building equipment is the easy part, and we’re constantly innovating and improving our systems, but we do much more.
2. What makes your odor control systems different than other methods available?
Chemistry and delivery of that chemistry. Our systems disperse a lighter-than-air vapor into the air stream, which attracts, contacts and thereby eliminates fugitive malodors efficiently and effectively without relying on masking agents. All deodorizing products have gone through rigorous EPA and health safety assessments to ensure a safe product for you and your community. Not only does Byers specialize in systems that can effectively neutralize odors emitted from large-scale operations, but we’re collecting data on a real-time, 24/7 basis through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. We empower the cultivators by providing data.
3. How does this data empower growers?
We provide operational reports weekly, and units come with the ability to add a weather station, which empowers the cultivator to nullify or verify any officially reported odor complaints in the community. Whether it’s operational data or weather data for community or advocacy purposes, it gives them the information they need to properly evaluate odor complaints.
4. How do you demonstrate to regulators and communities that the technology is working?
We know on a molecular level that there is a reaction occurring that is absorbing and neutralizing and not simply masking malodors. The Byers team has spent hours working with regulatory folks not only to share our story, but also to help them understand from an air and emissions standpoint what the impact of cultivation is and how we can help. Effectiveness of the equipment and deodorizer is demonstrated by scientific means, i.e., GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry), where we are able to prove the reactions as well as empirical observation in the affected community. The challenge we face in some markets is that while one cultivator is compliant with odor control, a neighbor may not be, which makes assigning blame quite difficult.
5. What are you doing to stay ahead of changing mitigation needs and regulations?
In looking to the future, Byers has made it a priority to understand the atmospheric impact from cannabis cultivation, given the surrounding geographic area, as well as anticipate and prepare clients for future air and odor or emission regulations. Byers continues to stay out in front of this by partnering with air and emissions experts specific to the cannabis space to better understand and support our clients.
