The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined the Bowral Waste Centre Pty Ltd $15,000 for alleged poor landfill management practices, likely to have contributed to offensive odours.
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The move follows complaints from residents living near the Kiama Street waste centre in Bowral to the EPA about offensive 'rotten egg' odours since late May this year.
During the most recent inspection on June 18 EPA officers also detected the odours.
EPA executive director Steve Beaman said that during the inspection EPA officers observed a large area of uncovered waste at the south western corner of the landfill.
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"The company's licence requires exposed waste to be covered at the end of each day. This requirement reduces the chance that odours can escape offsite and impact nearby homes and businesses," he said.
"The EPA expects all licensees to comply with the requirements of their environment protection licence and make sure their operations do not impact on the community."
Mr Beaman said the EPA had also identified other practices at the landfill that could generate odours.
He said the EPA would be undertaking further action to make sure these issues were addressed.
The move has been welcomed by Wingecarribee Shire Council.
Council's interim deputy general manager Marissa Racomelara said the council had received numerous complaints about the smell from the facility.
"We've heard the concerns of nearby residents and we're well aware of the history of the issue," she said.
"Since receiving these complaints the council has been working closely with the EPA to resolve the issue.
"Residents are rightfully concerned about the impact on the amenity of the area and potential health implications."
Ms Racomelara said the waste centre was a privately-operated facility licensed and regulated by the EPA.
"The Bowral Waste Centre is not run by the council nor is the odour a product of the Bowral Sewage Treatment Plant," she stressed.
"I wish to reassure residents that the council will continue to work with the EPA to ensure the issue is fully resolved and their proper amenity restored."
Ms Racomelara said the council would also continue to patrol and monitor the area.
"As we continue to follow the situation, I would remind all operators and residents using the facility to take an extra moment to ensure their loads are properly secured to safeguard their waste en route to the centre."
Residents who experience odours are encouraged to make a report to the EPA's 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555.
More information about reporting odours including the kind of information that is helpful to the EPA can be found on the EPA website.
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