A strong odour resembling rotting meat continues to affect residents in the Sunshine-area, prompting questions about the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) enforcement on the companies responsible.
As reported by Star Weekly, the EPA confirmed the odour was coming from one or more meat-processing plants in Brooklyn.
Sunshine West resident Caroline Cittarelli, who is living with lung cancer, said the odours significantly affect her health.
“It’s so strong. Even if you sniff it once you get sick. I’ve only got one lung and I’m always out of breath. It’s because of all the pollution I’m inhaling,” Ms Cittarelli said.
“It’s totally out of control.”
Ms Cittarelli said the meat waste processing plants need better filtration systems to contain odour.
She believes the EPA also needs to do more to hold responsible companies accountable.
“What kind of a name is the Environment Protection Authority? They have the authority to stop people. How come they haven’t got the authority to keep our air clean?” Ms Cittarelli said.
“I want them to come down and live and even just breathe the air we do on a daily basis.”
EPA west metropolitan regional manager Julia Gaitan told Star Weekly that tackling odour issues was complex.
“There is often more than one odour source, and some remedial works will take time. We acknowledge the frustration of community members and thank those who have reported offensive smells,” Ms Gaitan said.
“Odour is a form of pollution that can affect health and quality of life, but unlike other pollutants there is no technology capable of detecting it.
“Instead, EPA relies on observations from its trained officers and the public.”
As part of the operation the EPA has deployed a team of scientists and authorised officers to conduct a program of surprise targeted inspections.
Ms Gaitan said since the start of year, the EPA has visited 30 industrial and commercial premises and has identified issues at multiple sites.
“Four compliance notices have been issued, with more to come. We will follow up to ensure solutions are implemented.“
Ms Gaitin encouraged locals to continue making reports at epa.vic.gov.au/make-report to assist investigations.
