The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) continues to receive regular complaints of foul odours emanating from the Northern Australia Beef Limited’s (Australian Agricultural Company (AACo)) abattoir at Livingstone, located on the Stuart Highway.

The NT EPA began to receive complaints in January 2015, and this has continued ever since. The NT EPA wrote to the company some time ago noting that the foul odours were unacceptable, and that the emissions were to cease. Unfortunately, this has not occurred and the odours have not been addressed.

On Wednesday, 17 August 2015, the NT EPA formally notified the company that it was to undertake a site specific environmental odour audit conducted by an independent environmental auditor under section 48 of the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act.

Dr Bill Freeland, Chair of the NT EPA has said that the auditor is to be a qualified auditor experienced in odour assessment and management.

"The audit is to include consultation with local residents about the ongoing foul odours, as well as to assess and measure all potential sources of odour, the effectiveness of existing odour controls, cleaning, maintenance and house-keeping in relation to release of foul odours, and the effects of changing wind direction and speed on odour emissions. The audit will also determine whether the company is compliant with its licencing requirements," said Dr Freeland.

"The company will be required to develop and implement an Odour Management Plan according to recommendations provided by the auditor and as approved by the NT EPA."

"There is no reason why AACo cannot eliminate the problem of foul odours. It is long overdue that it be done," added Dr Freeland.

A copy of the notice to undertake an audit can be found at: www.ntepa.nt.gov.au/waste-pollution/compliance/audits/environmental-audit-programs

Media contact: Hollie Young - 0437 868 115