Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined a Panmure composting company more than $7,500 for emitting an offensive odour from its site.
EPA South West Manager Eve Graham said the odour had impacted on a local resident who reported that the stench smelled like rotten animals and was so bad it made him feel like vomiting.
“Following his call, EPA officers were able to both confirm the smell and track it to Statewide Recycling Services Pty Ltd on Warrumyea Road in Panmure,” Ms Graham said.
“It is disappointing that a prominent business within the south-west community has not managed its composting of waste to ensure it meets its licence requirement of no offensive odours being discharged beyond the boundary of the premises.”
Ms Graham said the company was now trialling a new system at the site that it hoped would form a solution and prevent odour from leaving the premises.
“EPA will continue to monitor Statewide Recycling to ensure the company meets best practise for composting waste and does not breach its EPA licence conditions,” Ms Graham said.
“Failure of the company to meet its licence conditions could result in further remedial notices being issued and sanctions being handed down if required.”
Ms Graham said while composting reduced the amount of waste that went to landfill, the process needed to be appropriately managed.
“Composting is good for our environment, but it needs to be done properly and should not impact on the lives of members of the surrounding community,” Ms Graham said.
EPA urges members of the public to continue reporting suspected pollution to EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or at www.epa.vic.gov.au