Banksia Grove odours investigation

Odour complaints have been received from Banksia Grove, Carramar and Tapping residents. The complaints have mainly occurred through winter months when there are frequent light winds from the north.
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Background

There are a number of potential sources to the north of Banksia Grove including waste facilities, market gardens and industrial premises.

The source of the odours was investigated by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, which included:

  • an assessment of potential sources using aerial imagery and licensing information
  • inspections of nine waste facilities and one industrial facility in the area
  • five odour field patrols on Pederick Road, Flynn Drive and the residential areas of Banksia Grove and Carramar from 22 May to 16 August 2018.

Potential sources

The odour patrols identified three premises as potential odour sources that could impact residential areas. These included two Neerabup greenwaste/composting facilities with large green waste stockpiles, as well as an industrial facility.

To address the odours from these sources, DWER has:

  • Requested the two Neerabup composting/greenwaste facilities to reduce stockpile size to reduce anaerobic conditions and subsequent odour emissions. The stockpile sizes have been reduced and the facilities are being monitored.
  • Inspected the industrial facility, using air emissions detection equipment. The inspection assessed the industrial processes and potential odour emission risks. Further work is being conducted to assess possible additional odour emission points at the facility.

What is Happening Now?

DWER officers carried out site inspections of premises in the area and continue to investigate the source of odours and ensure facility operators in the area are taking all necessary actions to reduce or eliminate any odours.

The department will continue to monitor community complaints and liaise and work closely with the City of Wanneroo. Facility operators have advised that they have received very few odour reports from members of the community.

Residents are encouraged to directly contact the relevant facility to make an odour report if they believe that the premises is the source of the emissions.

By contacting the facility directly, it will provide the operators with an opportunity to review potential odour emitting processes in real time and put in place any necessary remedial action. Residents should also continue to contact DWER by calling the Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782. The online reporting tool can be used to lodge complaints after the impact has occurred.

More information

DWER will update this page as new information comes to hand.

 

 

Updated March 2020