Legal action launched against Queensland waste facility creating noxious fumes
The Queensland government has launched legal action to stop a waste facility from carrying out odour-producing aspects of its business which locals claim was making them sick.
Ipswich locals lodged tens of thousands of complaints about noxious fumes allegedly coming from the waste facility.
There were allegations the fumes were making people sick.
The Department of Environment and Science filed a restraint order application against NuGrow Ipswich Pty Ltd which operates a composting facility in Swanbank.
“The department seeks interim orders to limit certain aspects of the operation, including receiving highly odorous waste, that have a high potential to generate odour and impact the community,” the department said.
“Odour issues being experienced by the Ipswich community are unacceptable.”
If the restraint order is granted by the court, there will be significant penalties if the business doesn’t comply with it.
“The department is committed to using all available legal options to ensure operators are complying with the law, and filing a restraint order application is a significant step which aims to provide relief to Ipswich residents,” the department added.
The government will also continue investigating alleged breaches of the Environmental Protection Act that could lead to further legal proceedings.
