Cool Off is located in Howlong, near Albury. Photo: LinkedIn.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Howlong pet food producer Cool Off $30,000 following community complaints of offensive odours described as smelling like rotting carcasses and egg gas.
EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Jason Gordon said residents near the facility in Howlong reported strong odours in October 2024, prompting the EPA to quickly conduct odour surveillance.
“EPA officers were onsite two days after the initial report and odours from the premises were so strong that several staff experienced physical symptoms such as nausea,” Mr Gordon said.
“It is unacceptable for a neighbouring community to be impacted by odours like this in their own homes.
“Cool Off took immediate action to reduce the odours by cleaning drains and adding peroxide to the irrigation water, and when we followed up with residents they had noticed an improvement.
“The facility has a responsibility under its licence to take preventative measures, such as cleaning equipment and managing water properly, to protect the community.”
According to its website, Coof Off supplies specialty ingredients for premium pet food for Australian and international pet food manufacturers. It employs more than 150 local staff and processes more than 70,000 tonne of raw materials per year, which is exported to 11 countries throughout America, Asia and Europe. The company was founded in 1982.
Mr Gordon said the EPA would conduct further inspections in the coming months to monitor odour levels to ensure the company complied with its licence conditions, and to continue to provide guidance on odour management plans.
“The EPA is working with Cool Off as it progresses work to enhance odour mitigation measures at the site. Infrastructure improvements will be required by the EPA to minimise the risk of potential pollution incidents moving forward.
“We understand odour incidents can be very distressing for the surrounding community, and we appreciate their assistance in helping us address this issue quickly.”
Odour complaints can be reported to the EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or email [email protected].
Cool Off was contacted for comment.
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