By Cameron Weston
HOBSONS Bay Council is calling on the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to step in to stop waves of foul smelling air wafting over the northern end of the municipality.
Residents reported an increase in “foul odours” during the last fortnight in Brooklyn and Altona North.
Councillor Mary-Ann Lindsay said she had received numerous complaints from residents who said the smell had returned, following a period when it seemed to have been brought under control.
The waste management company Organic Recyclers, based in Brooklyn, stands at the source of the smell.
Cr Lindsay said although the odour was coming from another municipality, it was only a short distance away.
“We have Brimbank industry on one side of the Geelong Rd and Hobsons Bay residents on the other.”
“Although we’re not in the same municipality, we live with the problem.”
Cr Lindsay said it was vital for the EPA to become involved in resolving the issue, which had also affected residents in the neighbouring municipalities of Brimbank and Maribyrnong.
Councillor Bill Baarini also called for the issue to be taken up “at State Government level”.
The EPA recently fined Organic Recyclers $5000 for producing offensive odours.
The company is now working with members of the local community and the EPA to find ways of easing the impact on residents.
The leading organic waste management company composts green waste and organic material from nine councils in the West.
EPA corporate communications officer Ruth Ward said the odour was “largely due to the movement of green waste material, which can result in offensive compost odour”.
Organic Recyclers managing director Kevin Banner said the company was developing a strategy to tackle the issue.
“We understand we’ve had an impact on people. We are working vigorously to reduce that impact.”
A letter sent to local residents by Organic Recyclers stated that the smell was caused by an increase in the amount of waste they had to handle.
Residents can report odours to the EPA on 9695 2700.
