Bathurst odours
We are aware of community complaints about odours alleged to be from the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bathurst.
The EPA has received reports of odours from local businesses surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bathurst. Odours can be unpleasant, impact outdoor activities and quality of life.
We have investigated reports of odours by conducting in-person odour surveys at locations around the facility to determine intensity, persistence and potential aggravating factors of the odour.
In response, we have required Bathurst Regional Council to make a number of improvements at its Waste Treatment Plant to reduce odours.
Visit Bathurst Wastewater Treatment Plant to find more information on their facility.
Regulatory update
Actions the EPA has taken include:
- varying Bathurst Wastewater Treatment Plants Environment Protection Licence 1647 to include several Pollution Reduction Programs that formalise upgrade works aimed at addressing odour emissions in a timely manner
- issuing Bathurst Wastewater Treatment Plant with an official caution (REG-5473) in September 2024 in response to site maintenance issues
- investigating odour reports made by the community to identify potential trends, patterns and weather conditions associated with the odour reports which helps us to undertake targeted surveys and/or inspections during conditions when odours are more likely to occur
- undertaking odour surveys and inspections pre-emptively and in response to community reports to identify the source of odours and assess compliance with licence conditions.
Where necessary we will take regulatory action including issuing Penalty Notices, Prevention Notices, Warning Letters, Official Cautions and Pollution Reduction Programs for non-compliance with licence conditions. Our regulatory decision making is undertaken in line with the EPA’s Regulatory Policy.
Reporting odours
If you are experiencing odours and believe they are originating from the Bathurst Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bathurst we encourage you to report this directly to Bathurst Regional Council so they can investigate potential causes of odour at the time you may experience them.
To contact Bathurst Regional Council visit Bathurst Wastewater Treatment Plant.
To report environmental concerns or complaints you can also contact the EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au. Information about persistent odour can also be recorded using the fact sheet and odour log sheet, which can then be emailed to us.