People power is having an effect, claims Penrith odour campaigner Jeff Thomson.
New figures released by the Environment Agency reveal 185 odour complaint reports received by the EA from the Penrith area in the first 12 days of August, 2024.
And in its August community newsletter to residents, the EA highlights 717 odour reports so far in 2024 in which callers had suggested “Omega Proteins as the source”.
The EA is the primary regulator of the animal rendering plant operated by Omega Proteins, part of the Leo Group, at Wildriggs, on the outskirts of Penrith.
Now, the EA has confirmed inspections were carried out in January, April and August, at the Omega Proteins site.
“We have also carried out an ‘operator monitoring assessment’ to better understand if emissions are fully compliant with permit limits on the gas thermal oxidiser. Further inspections of the site are to be arranged and audits of operating procedures are ongoing” the EA states in its newsletter.
“At long last residents have firm evidence the EA is acting on the odour reports being made. Inspections are taking place. This is what we want to hear.
“It is vital the source of the odour pollution affecting Penrith, its environment, its residents, its visitors, is formally established, and any necessary action taken.
“We want an end to the long running Penrith ‘pong’,” said Mr Thomson. The EA newsletter added that an investigation was taking place into the reason for a “spike” in odour complaints during August, including 90 reports over the weekend of 8th-9th August.
“The source of the odours is not yet clear to us and we are also investigating sources other than Omega Proteins,” said the newsletter.
At the same time, Westmorland and Furness Council’s environmental health team is investigating if any of the 1,367 odour reports made in 2023 constitute a ‘statutory nuisance’ which could lead to a further set of regulations being enforced.
The council’s report is expected around the end of September.
“Residents can be assured, Fresh AIR for Penrith will continue to press hard and work with the EA and council environmental health to establish the odour source and bring it to an end,” said Mr Thomson. The EA number to report odour incidents is 0800 80 70 60.
