Brooklyn stink prompts EPA action

A Brooklyn company has been put on notice for creating a stink for nearby residents, who say the stench is so bad they have to rewash their clothes.

Australian Tallow Producers has been issued three notices by the Environment Protection Authority requiring it to take measures to reduce odours.

The company has been ordered not to receive or store animal byproducts exposed to the elements.

It is also required to modify its biofilters and waste receival and storage activities to prevent strong odour emissions.

Brooklyn Pollution Action Group spokeswoman Lexi Christou said she had been reporting an offensive odour to the EPA’s pollution hotline every day since April 23.

“The smell is a real strong stockyard smell,” she said.

“It occurs consistently, often with an accompanying chemical smell. The smell embeds in everything – we had to rewash all the clothes we had hanging outside.”

In late 2015, Australian Tallow Producers was fined $200,000 and convicted for polluting the atmosphere in the Brooklyn residential area.

The Brooklyn industrial estate has more than 60 businesses including rubbish tips and abattoirs.

To report pollution, call the EPA’s 24-hour hotline: 1300 372 842