Community
19 July, 2024
Foul smell under EPA investigation
COMPLAINTS of a foul odour permeating Camperdown have been raised with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A number of residents in the Camperdown and Gnotuk areas contacted Western District Newspapers last Friday with concerns regarding an unpleasant odour.
The pungent odour was noticeable throughout town, which became a point of conversation as to its origin.
The EPA is the responsible authority for investigating reports of odour from industrial sources and large-scale facilities.
In a response to questions from Western District Newspapers, EPA south west regional manager Martha-Rose Loughnane said a possible source of the odour had been identified and the EPA was working with the site to ensure compliance.
“EPA Victoria has received several community reports of odour in the Camperdown area this year, citing a local business as a possible source,” she said.
“In response, EPA has inspected the site and sought further information from the operator to assess compliance with the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the General Environmental Duty.
“EPA’s regulation of the site is ongoing.”
The EPA states odour is a key environmental issue under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and included in the Environment Reference Standard.
Under the Act, the risk of harm from odour which is offensive to the sense of human beings must be reduced as far as reasonably practicable, with the overall objective of “an air environment that is free from offensive odours from commercial, industrial, trade and domestic activities”.
Pollution from odour can cause harm to the environment or people.
Businesses must make sure that any odour from their activities or premises doesn’t impact the local community.
Ms Loughnane encouraged anyone who notices an unpleasant odour to contact the EPA and pass along information which can assist with inquiries.
“EPA uses wind direction and the locations where odour is reported as useful tools in tracing it back to its source, so it’s important that odour is reported promptly,” she said.
“Members of the public can report odour to EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution.”