Environment Protection Authority Victoria has issued Burra Foods with five remedial notices over a one month period requiring they address wastewater, emissions and odour management issues at their Korumburra premises.
EPA Manager Gippsland Emily Sanders said the notices were the result of an investigation into a milk powder fallout incident, wastewater discharge and local officers responding to community reports about odour.
“The community plays an important role in detecting and reporting pollution and potential impacts on the environment,” she said.
“Thirteen community reports of odour identifying Burra as the likely source this year prompted an EPA investigation, which confirmed several odour sources were not being adequately managed.”
EPA identified the wastewater treatment plant as the primary source of odour. It issued a remedial notice on 25 November requiring immediate maintenance of any equipment used for wastewater so that odour does not vent directly into the atmosphere.
EPA also issued a remedial notice the day before requiring Burra Foods to install additional wastewater treatment infrastructure to help reduce odour emissions and improve the quality of wastewater.
EPA has also required, through a remedial notice issued on 12 November, that Burra Foods review its cleaning procedures and equipment and how they manage the wastewater generated to ensure they stay within their maximum discharge limits.
The fourth notice, issued on 6 November following a milk powder dust fallout incident at the site, required the immediate installation of particle emission controls.
Ms Sanders said EPA was taking compliance at the site very seriously.
“EPA issued its fifth notice to Burra Foods on 4 December which requires they develop a comprehensive and cohesive plan outlining how they will demonstrate compliance with their EPA licence,” she said.
“Burra Foods have been co-operative in responding to and addressing EPA’s concerns.”
“EPA will continue to work with the company to ensure the notices are addressed and complied with so that the environment and community remain unaffected by the plant’s processes.”
EPA will carry out follow up visits to ensure Burra Foods comply with the notices.
Ms Sanders encouraged the community to continue reporting pollution on 1800 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or by visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au