Tara Murray
A local community group impacted by pollution from resin manufacturing plant AkzoNobel has had enough.
The Stop AkzoNobel Pollution Action Group [SANPAG] was formed by local residents who have long lived with foul odours and loud noises coming from the site impacting their health.
SANPAG members say while there has been a lot of talk about fixing the odour and noise issues, they feel like nothing has been achieved.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said it had received an increased number of complaints from residents in the Sunshine North and had issued notices to the owners in both December and February.
“We’re not interested in dismantling a whole company,” group member Sarah Haar said.
“We’re interested in keeping them accountable, we’re interested in holding them to their own promise.
“It’s the two year mark we’ve been engaging with this factory and it’s not the first time they’ve engaged with the community, but nothing has changed.
“We are really looking for tangible results, real action. Failing that, we will have to take it further.”
Ms Haar described the odour as a strong solvent chemical smell that can be smelt from a couple of kilometres away.
She said the health impacts include headaches,nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, anxiety and low mood from being stuck inside.
“It’s not just faint, it smacks you in the face,” she said.
“I’ve experienced burning eyes, nose and throat from breathing it while walking on my local walk with my dog and baby.
“Sometimes even in my own house if it’s particularly strong I can smell it.”
The group said that it wasn’t just limited to the odour, with the noise coming from the site getting worse in the last six to eight months.
Ms Haar said it sounded like a loud turbine fan noise that runs for most of the day.
Group member Ami Luu said the symptoms weren’t always physical.
She said with lockdowns over the last 12 months many residents had suffered all day, every day.
“It really took a toll on mental health,” she said. “You couldn’t enjoy inside of house.
“It dictated what I could and couldn’t do with my life.”
The group said said while an interim carbon filter has been installed, residents are still being impacted by the odour and are concerned that the filter is not working as intended
A community meeting is due to be held on Thursday at Glengala Hall. It will also be available on Zoom.
The group is urging anyone who is affected by odour or noise pollution to get in touch with them.
To join the group: www.facebook.com/groups/sanpag/
