Cranbourne tip smell: EPA strips controversial landfill SBI Group of its operating licence
The EPA has taken action against the operators of a Cranbourne tip, after a disgusting stench coming from the site left residents sick for months.
South East
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The EPA has stripped a company in Melbourne’s southeast of its operating licence, following months of community outcry over a revolting smell.
In an email to residents on Monday October 3, the EPA announced it had suspended the operating licence of the landfill operators, SBI Group.
This follows months of back and forth between the EPA, SBI Group and the community after a foul odour began engulfing Cranbourne daily in early June.
After issuing a notice of intent to the landfill operators in August, the EPA said the licence had been suspended due to “ongoing compliance issues”.
“Prior to the issuing of this suspension, EPA provided SBI with an opportunity to demonstrate why their licence should not be suspended. After reviewing all available information, EPA determined that a licence suspension until January 30, 2023 is the most appropriate course of action.”
Alongside the suspension, an Environmental Action Notice was also issued, replicating the current conditions of SBI’s operating licence during the period of suspension.
“This is to ensure all human health and environmental risks continue to be managed,” the EPA email read.
The landfill stopped accepting waste following the notice of intent in August, but has since been unable to reduce or eliminate the odour being emitted into the surrounding community.
The ongoing stench has caused both angst and illness within the Cranbourne community.
The company has been ordered to comply with the operating licences' conditions by January 30 next year or it is at risk of the operating licence being cancelled altogether.
The smell, caused by hydrogen sulphide gas mixing with uncovered still water at the landfill, has been affecting residents in the surrounding areas, causing strong sinus symptoms including runny noses, severe nausea, headaches and itchy/watery eyes.
Cranbourne residents are elated at the result, but frustrated at the length of time it has taken to reach this point.
“I received the email from EPA today and am happy to see they have taken steps to stop SBI from flaunting the laws,” Trevor Wharton said.
“The smell has given me serious breathing problems. I hope everyone who has suffered with health issues from the stench can recover.”
“It’s not over yet,” said Kristy Lisa.
“We have to keep standing up to them. The licence is only suspended, we want it cancelled.”
SBI Group has been contacted for comment.
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