Permanent odour solution delayed

AkzoNobel.Photo by Damjan Janevski. 243170_01

Tara Murray

AkzoNobel is unsure when a permanent odour solution for its resin plant in Sunshine North will be installed following delays.

AkzoNobel has been in the process of building an air treatment system to control odour, which the supplier has said gets rid of 99 per cent of the smell associated with the resins.

It had been hoped that the system, which was built overseas, would be installed and up and running by the middle of October.

In a community update to residents, it said the solution [RTO] had arrived in the country, but was stuck on the docks.

“Recent strikes by wharf workers have resulted in a backlog of inventory waiting for customs clearance,” the update said.

“It was hoped that the RTO would be installed and up and running by the end of October, but it’s not yet known when it will be delivered.

“A further update will be provided as soon as this is confirmed.”

The update also confirmed that the group was aware some community members had experienced an increase in odours in recent weeks.

A report done by engineers has shown a carbon filter, a temporary measure installed in June to help until the RTO arrived, is not working as it should.

New filters are expected to arrive on site within the next week.

“These updates are no doubt disappointing and frustrating, and will likely prompt questions,” the update said.

The company is currently subject to Environment Protection Authority notices requiring measures to reduce odour from the site.

A fourth community forum is set down for October 26. It will be online due to the current restrictions.

To book: www.surveymonkey.com/r/KRSTNRV