Animal product facility fined $30,000 for rotten odours

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Howlong animal product facility Cool Off $30,000 following community complaints of offensive odours described as smelling like rotting carcasses and egg-gas.

EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Jason Gordon said residents near the facility in Howlong reported strong odours in October 2024, prompting the EPA to quickly conduct odour surveillance.

“EPA officers were onsite two days after the initial report and odours from the premises were so strong that several staff experienced physical symptoms such as nausea,” Mr Gordon said.

“It is unacceptable for a neighbouring community to be impacted by odours like this in their own homes.

“Cool Off took immediate action to reduce the odours by cleaning drains and adding peroxide to the irrigation water, and when we followed up with residents they had noticed an  improvement. 

“The facility has a responsibility under its licence to take preventative measures, such as cleaning equipment and managing water properly, to protect the community.”

Mr Gordon said the EPA would conduct further inspections in the coming months to monitor odour levels to ensure the company complies with its licence conditions, and to continue to provide guidance on odour management plans.

“The EPA is working with Cool Off as it progresses work to enhance odour mitigation measures at the site. Infrastructure improvements will be required by the EPA to minimise the risk of potential pollution incidents moving forward.

“We understand odour incidents can be very distressing for the surrounding community, and we appreciate their assistance in helping us address this issue quickly.”

Odour complaints can be reported to the EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or email [email protected].