Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has issued a sausage casing company with a fine in excess of $7000 for emitting offensive odours from its Wangaratta factory earlier this year.
The incident, which happened at Mackay Casings’ Shanley Street premises, prompted several community reports to EPA complaining of a bad smell.
EPA launched an investigation into the matter and found that issues with the company’s wastewater treatment facilities were contributing to the odour in Wangaratta.
Surveillance also found odour detected beyond the boundary of their premises.
EPA North East Manager, Clare Kiely said the fine was issued in addition to three pollution abatement notices (PANs) that required they implement various measures to control odour emissions.
“Residents have a right to live in a community that’s not impacted by the activities of industry,” Ms Kiely said.
“We encourage locals to continue to report odour and pollution via EPA’s pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 so matters can be dealt with promptly and efficiently.
“EPA will continue to monitor compliance at this site and it is expected that there will be a combination of short and long term works required.”
Two of the PANs issued to Mackay Casings have since been complied with and revoked by EPA.
They related to implementing wastewater treatment management systems to ensure dissolved oxygen levels are sustained at appropriate levels within the aerobic treatment pond and monitoring the environmental impacts of their activities under a monitoring program.
The third notice, which requires the company to install controls to prevent untreated odorous emissions venting directly to the atmosphere from their processing activities and wastewater collection pits, is currently being addressed.