Cranbourne residents continue to fight against foul smell emanating from Ballarto Rd landfill
Residents in Melbourne’s southeast have been left fuming over the response from the EPA surrounding a foul smell stinking them out of home.
South East
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The ongoing battle between the Cranbourne community, the EPA and SBI Inert Landfill continue safter a meeting meant to answer residents’ questions provided minimal comfort for those experiencing the smell and its impact
In the online forum held on July 14, EPA representatives appeared alongside members from the Casey Council and one of the two SBI landfill owners, Paul Williamson.
Having already frustrated residents after a last minute time change in a community session the week earlier, the live question and answer session did not quell the incoming stream of questions.
The session repeated information that had already been given to residents, including advice from the EPA that said: “Keeping doors closed during the time the odour is present, and to keep animals inside if they’re having symptoms from the smell.”
Mr Williamson apologised on behalf of SBI for the continuing smell, doubling down on the effort he and his brother Simon Williamson (co-owner of SBI) were undertaking to end the suffering of the Cranbourne community.
“Simon and I want to reassure you that we’ve put everything into treating the odour, and we’re also looking at further preventive measures and reviewing our current processes to make sure we have everything in place to prevent this issue happening again,” he said.
“We’ve been working around the clock to address these issues and we won’t stop until it’s completely resolved.”
The smell, caused by hydrogen sulfite gas mixing with uncovered still water at the landfill, has been significantly affecting residents in the surrounding areas, causing strong sinus symptoms including runny noses, severe nausea, headaches and itchy/watery eyes.
Despite the widespread concern for these issues, EPA health scientist Jason Issa, said they would not leave lasting problems.
“There is no indication that this odour has any long term adverse health effects,” Mr Issa said.
“When there is no noticeable odour, try to ventilate your home by reopening the windows and doors and getting some clean air,” he said.
Mr Issa further recommended residents to see their doctors if they had any concerns.
The number of residents coming forward regarding the smell continues to grow, and they say until the smell has been properly dealt with and the health concerns have dissipated, they won’t be quiet.
“Some residents have been reporting this smell every winter for the last four years,” one community member told Leader.
“It’s absolutely shocking that it’s only now that a growing number of us are coming forward that they are actually doing something.”
“It’s behaviour like this that just makes you wonder what else they’ve been doing.”
The EPA encouraged residents to continue reporting odour when they experience it by calling 1300 372 842.
More information on the issue can be found here.
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