Many residents have questions and concerns about loud noises or unpleasant odors that may be associated with industries or businesses in their community. The MPCA is only involved in regulating noise or odor in some cases; complaints about these issues are typically addressed by local governments.
Noise becomes a health concern when there is long-term exposure to increased ambient noise levels. Cities or counties often have nuisance ordinances that can be used to address noise concerns. Minnesota does not have a state odor rule, but sometimes odors can be an indicator of pollutants that have emission limits. Reducing odors is sometimes the by-product of reducing those pollutants. Not all unpleasant odors are human health concerns, and many unhealthy chemicals have no odor.
The MPCA sometimes receives complaints about odor from livestock feedlots. Minnesota has a standard for hydrogen sulfide, which is a common cause of livestock odors. MPCA staff can test hydrogen sulfide levels with a hand-held meter and contact feedlot owners when the readings are too high. If hydrogen sulfide emissions are not reduced, the agency can take enforcement action.
Noise and odor. Complaints Submit a complaint using one of these options depending on the source of the noise. Complaints Odor complaints are usually handled on the county or local level because there is no state odor regulation. To submit a complaint, call our air quality complaint line at or use our online complaint form.
