EPA Update - Measures in Place to Stop Tumut Odour Issues
Published on 10 August 2023
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a Clean Up Notice and a Prevention Notice to Tumut Waste Pty Ltd that restricts the volume and types of waste that can be accepted at Bellettes Landfill, in response to the recent odour issue that has been occurring around Tumut and Gilmore.
"We have been working with the licensee, who sought advice from consultants on immediate solutions to
preventing the odour. A report has been provided to the EPA and the licensee has been working to implement the recommendations outlined in the report. This includes covering the waste cells on site with a minimum 300mm clay soil and pumping out and treating the leachate from within the cells.
"We have also varied the sites environment protection licence to require a landfill gas risk assessment be completed to inform the long-term gas capture system that will need to be installed at the premises.
"The licence variation also requires the licensee to undertake daily gas monitoring around the premises to ensure immediate mitigation measures are adequate as well as the development of a Leachate Management Plan for ongoing leachate management.
"We have also been conducting daily inspections of the premises to monitor the works and continue undertaking odour surveys during the night and early morning.
"We currently have 10 gas monitors installed within the community with the results from this gas monitoring being publicly available on the EPA’s website.
People can detect hydrogen sulphide at low concentrations due to its distinct smell. Smelling hydrogen sulphide does not mean that it will harm your health. The smell can cause worry and anxiety. Repeated exposure to odour may result in symptoms such as headache, fatigue and nausea. The effects are likely to be minor and temporary and should stop once the air quality improves.
"Exposure to elevated concentrations of hydrogen sulphide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose or throat, and difficulties in breathing in people with asthma. Anyone concerned about their symptoms should consult their doctor.
"We would like to thank you for their patience while this odour has been identified and measures planned to counter the issue. We will continue to work with the licensee, Snowy Valleys Council and other NSW Government agencies to ensure all required works are completed at the premises and keep the community updated with further developments.
"The EPA will continue its investigations before considering potential regulatory action."
If you have any queries about the investigation, please contact the 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or email
[email protected]”