Max Hatzoglou
Kealba residents have been left frustrated by what they say is a lack of action by the Environment Protection Authority over odours emitting from the Kealba landfill.
The EPA inspected the landfill, which is operated by the Barro Group, on Wednesday, April 6, following complaints about increased odours from the site.
The EPA said the smell was the result of increased remedial work at the site where underground spot fires have been burning for more than two years.
No further information was provided and the EPA has not mentioned taking any further action against the Barro Group, adding to the frustrations of the community who say they “have been left in the dark” to deal with these smells.
Action Against Barro Landfill group member Anna Jezierksi said communication from EPA has been “non-existent” while the smells continue to impact the community.
“The smell has been absolutely horrendous the last two weeks to the point where I’ve just got a burning sore throat just constantly,” she said.
“It’s just unbearable.
“You can’t have windows open, you can’t have doors open, I can’t let my pets outside, I can’t let my kids outside.
“Frustrating again, you know, I got a token phone call from the EPA apologising, you know, putting it down to weather and wind direction and the promise of a meeting to let the residents know what’s happening, yet nothing’s been organised there yet.
“So it’s just beyond frustrating.
“There’s no discussion in regards to any penalties that have been given to Barro.
“We’re absolutely in the dark, I have no idea what’s going on there and I have no idea what they’re doing.”
The EPA was contacted for comment.
