The Canning Melville Community Odour Action Group - CMCOAG - was created by residents of Willetton and Leeming...
To research and inquire into the Odour being emitted by the Regional Resource Recovery Centre, RRRC, Waste Composting Facility - part of the Regional Resource Recovery Project - that is run by the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council, SMRC. The participating councils to the SMRC's establishment agreement are: City of Canning, City of Cockburn, Town of East Fremantle, City of Fremantle, Town of Kwinana, City of Melville and City of Rockingham. Other CMCOAG information.
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Want To Contact the CMCOAG in regards to the Noxious Odour Being Emitted by RRRC's Waste Composting Facility?
You can email us at:.
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Comments from Residents who have experienced the RRRC's Waste Composting Facility Noxious Odour!
If you haven't experienced the odour - you can't imagine what it's like to live with. Here's some of the comments from residents who've had to deal with the odour. Note this only a few people... there are thousands being affected by this.
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LEEMING:
I have been calling every time I find the smell offensive. On average I call the Odourline 6 times a week, varying from 4 - 6 am, mainly when the Air Conditioning unit drags it into the house, and the smell wakes up the family. The thought of asking family and friends over for a BBQ or swim in the pool is now off through embarrassment and shame of what our previously beautiful suburb has become with the odour.
One night, both my son and I experienced blood noses on the same night while the A/C was running. Sore throats are commonplace, and we feel better while at work or school many Km away from home.
My complaints have all been treated as I was the only person to complain according to Chuck Ellis (S.M.R.C). Talking to others this is not so. He stops short of saying I'm a liar, but insists it's not his facility, and must be other businesses smell. I drove to the Westpac bank at Canningvale one Thursday night 2 weeks ago, and the smell was dreadful. I drove to the facility and parked out the front, and it was extremely offensive. This is the same smell we experience every time the wind direction is our way. Enough to make you feel physically sick. This facility needs to put someone in there to work with complaints, not call people liars and hypochondriacs with their complaints.
WILLETTON:
I came home yesterday at 5.30pm and the smell was so bad from the waste facility that I had to leave my home. Upon travelling home around 10.15pm along Ranford Road and South Street the stench was still as bad as before, if not worse. I live near the corner of South Street and Vahland Avenue in Willetton. My house was filled with the stench, and to be honest I am getting mighty sick and tired of this literally. I pay quite a lot in rates to live in Willetton and don’t expect to have to leave my home in the summer because of the smell. It is virtually impossible to entertain outside, have my air-conditioning on or windows open, let alone leave washing out. One can only hope that this facility will be moved to Nedlands or Mosman Park!
LEEMING:
Last night at 2-30 am we were both woken by the vile smell from the RRRC WCF. We had our evaporative air conditioner on to keeep the air moving in the house but unfortunatly it was drawing in the most obnoxious odour. It was that bad that it woke us both up. We have experienced it many times in the past. We have put up with it for a long time and I understand it is a dificult situation but last night was the last straw.
LEEMING:
Early this morning the RRRC Waste Composting Facility odour starting pouring into the suburb of Leeming. What a stench! My eyes and nose were burning and running. My throat felt like it was on fire. While I was delivering the letter box drops about the RRRC WCF odour many residents complained and said they are fed up with it. The majority of them said they report the odour all the time! They stated they are furious and feel like they are wasting their time by doing so. On asking the number they call to report the odour they ALL said they were calling the SMRC odour hotline. And that Chuck Ellis either made them feel like they were imagining it (like it was all in their head) and / or said the odour wasn't coming from the RRRC Waste Composting Facility.
And if that's not bad enough...Then came the stories of how distressed residents are from the odour and how they've been putting up with it for years - this made me feel sick to my stomach. The health symptoms that each person said they experienced from the odour were all the same. The kids, wives, husbands and even the pets. Canning Council themselves, carried out an odour survey of folk that lived 1.2 - 1.6km from the RRRC WCF facility... AND 95% stated it was unacceptable and impinged on their amenities at home. 0.4 - 0.8km the facility - 94% stated it was unacceptable and impinged on their amenities at home. Canning and Melville Councils know that residents are suffering. And yet are allowing it to continue at the expense of residents health.
WILLETTON:
*That the RRRC stops preventing me from the enjoyment of my house and garden.
*That the RRRC does not have an adverse effect on the health of me and my family and born and unborn grandchildren. *That RRRC confirm that these toxins are not responsible for the birth defect which my four weeks old grandson was born with.
*What measures is the RRRC taking to prevent toxic omissions that triggered the shutdown of this plant.
*I demand an explanation why you make us live like this.
LEEMING:
We first experienced the RRRC WCF odour around 11pm. I phoned the Emergency Pollution Response number. I called the SMRC Odour Hotline. Not because I expect them to do anything. I only called both to ensure that my odour report was dealt with correctly. As I, like many other residents, do not have any confidence in the SMRC Odour Hotline. By 12.30am the RRRC's Waste Composting Facility noxious odour had hit 4 out of 6. By 1 am it absolutely wreaked and would've easily been a minimum of 5 out of 6. At 1.30am it was still as strong... it was terrible.
Even though our house was shut up due to the cold weather - the odour still seeped into our home. We couldn't sleep. Our eyes and nose were burning and running, throats were sore, chest pain when breathing and the dreaded thumping migraine. We have no faith in our State Govt what so ever. I've yet to see someone get some ----'s and stand up to those who support this facility. The amount of BS that myself and other residents have heard over the years in regards to this issue is digraceful. And you cannot convince us that those at the top of the food chain don't know what is truly going on here.
We have no faith in councils either - especially Melville and Canning. We have the City of Melville who's opinion is: QUOTE: "This Facility is a shared one between 6 councils . Only some parts of Canning and Melville are affected. It is not in they interest to close it down." END OF QUOTE.
The City of Melville have continued to leave us residents that are suffering in the lurch.
We have had some City of Canning councillors that have continued to scoff at our genuine suffering from the RRRC Waste Composting Facility noxious odour. To the point where they have come across as being cruel, uncaring and even proud of their attempts to belittle us. The councils like to make out there is only a handful of people getting the RRRC Waste Composting Facility odour. I guess it must ease their conscience in some sick way that less residents is acceptable. There is a hell of lot more residents than their "spin" that are getting the odour and aren't happy about it and are fed up with having this noxious odour afflicted on them and their family's.The few councillors that do care for the residents suffering are publicly crucified in the paper and in council by those who support the SMRC and anyone else who is pathetic enough to be a RRRC Waste Composting Facility lapdog.
Many residents feel the same and that is: Once again politics rears it's ugly head and politicians show their true colours - everyone's running for cover trying to save their butts - meanwhile tough luck for the rate payers and tax payers who are being abused by an odour that can be stopped but isn't. Why is it that a Regional Council can be allowed to be started in the first place that cannot supposedly be held accountable by anyone. How is it that a regional council can appear to police itself. Can someone please tell me when did reducing green house gasses come at the expense of residents lives and health? Can you honestly say that the RRRC Waste Composting Facility's emissions that are being bombarded into residents homes and lungs are acceptable practice in regards to assisting with WA's Zero Waste program? God help us all if it is...
WILLETTON:
"It is a basic human right to be able to breathe in air without the air making people sick!!!! Lets hope and pray we are not going to be subjected to the unbelievable situation the hundreds of us have had to endure the last 4 years again!!!!!!"
LEEMING:
"The smell last night coming from the RRRC was horrendous. It started at dinner time, we tried closing the windows but it was very warm so the options were suffocate from heat suffocate from the smell. When it came to bed time, the smell was even worse. We had to keep the windows closed because the smell was bad, but it was getting pretty warm inside the house. I tried to put my three year old daughter to sleep but couldn't, she was uncomfortable with the heat. We ended up opening the windows to get some of the breeze. It felt like sleeping in my rubbish bin.
I have another daughter who is 5 weeks old. Can you imagine the reaction of a 5 week old baby when exposed to that. She was sneezing the whole night, here eyes were teary and needless to say did not sleep. We ended up closing the windows, but it was too late the smell was in the house, beds, pillows, the lot. So we now have to put up with the heat and the smell."
WILLETTON:
"If you would like an idea of what it's like, here's what you can do. Next time your rubbish truck picks up your bins, go and stick your nose in the back of the truck, and breath in deeply. As you can imagine, it's not at all pleasant. Now, follow the truck around for a few hours and see how you feel…
· Sniffling, runny nose
· Burning, itchy, watering eyes
· Nausea
· Headaches
Multiply that by many, many days a month, and you might understand why we are upset. All in all, it’s not very nice (polite version of how I feel)."
LEEMING:
"Whenever the Odour is really bad we get rashes under our eyes, eyes burning, running noses, sneezing, coughing and gagging, migraines, severe chest pains when trying to breath and feel nauseous. Our pets also suffer coughing and gagging, itching, runny eyes and noses. We cannot hang our clothes on the line because our clothes stink from it. We cannot have bbq's or enjoy our backyard. Our friends will not visit us because they can't stand the smell. We cannot shut the smell out in summer because the odour pours through the air con vents and we cannot sleep."
CANNING VALE
"I work opposite the RRRC and every day last week when I left my workplace to go home the stench was there. This morning when I arrived at work around 8:30 it was there again. I work in an airconditioned office sometimes the smell is worse indoors because it filters through the airconditioning vents. I feel for the people who have to live in this area for they can't even go outdoors without breathing the awful smell.
I hope this letter helps you understand that not only the residents suffer from this intolerable smell, many of us feel sick when we get out of our cars on arriving at work.
When we had some relief thoughout Christmas I thought finally someone was listening to the people and the smell would be gone. Unfortunately this was not the case so or I would not be penning this letter. "
LEEMING
"This morning at about 7.30 am onwards we experienced an awful foul smell in our yard. the smell of rotting rubbish, putrid.that was following a night of showers, we cannot imagine what it is going to be like after a hot night. It seems like nothing has been done to fix the problem despite all the promises. This is as bad as it's ever been"
WILLETTON
"I came home yesterday at 5.30pm and the smell was so bad from the waste facility that I had to leave my home. Upon travelling home around 10.15pm along Ranford Road and South Street the stench was still as bad as before, if not worse. I live near the corner of South Street and Vahland Avenue in Willetton. My house was filled with the stench, and to be honest I am getting mighty sick and tired of this literally. I pay quite a lot in rates to live in Willetton and don’t expect to have to leave my home in the summer because of the smell. It is virtually impossible to entertain outside, have my air-conditioning on or windows open, let alone leave washing out. One can only hope that this facility will be moved to Nedlands or Mosman Park!"
LEEMING
"I called the Odour line in the early hours as above, and said for Chuck Ellis not to call me back as I get very frustrated with his attitude and him telling me their plant is not responsible for the odour.
Today, Chuck called to advise me that two (2) of the scrubbers were down and this was the reason we experienced the odour. He admitted the stench was theirs and he was sorry, and he was working on fixing the scrubbers, He also told me one was fixed but the second could not be fixed for some time. I told him the smell was the same as usual, and he just said he was working on it. At last an admission that they do stink! We are not all mad!
The very strong odour has been around all day and all evening, and as I type this, the room smells again of rotting rubbish. I haven't called again today, because he will say, I told you of the reason, and that makes it okay!
I hope this can be addressed before any health issues become serious.
Still an Angry Ratepayer"
WILLETTON
"It is become unbearable to go outside at various times during the day and evening when there is a breeze. At some stages i cannot even open windows in my house to allow fresh air to circulate throughout my home due to the stench coming through the open windows and doors. It puts us off our food when bbqing and really quiet embaressing when visitors come over and ask what is dying in your yard and then we have to explain to them about the waste facility. Friends and family now prefer to have social events away from our home. My family and friends would be grateful if tests were carried out and a solution found so we can get back to enjoying our family life at home."
LEEMING
"I wish to report that the putrid (perhaps noxious) odour is still plagueing my families life. From the basis that it is still out there I can only presume that you don't live in the area. It is at the stage that we cannot allow any open windows or doors in house. We cannot entertain outside due to putrid smells.
I need to know where we can go for:-
1) Real action to take place in correcting this problem
2) any determinations that any illness, lethargy, mental anguish etc are NOT a sympton of this odourous plague.
3) Recompense for land/house values - if I was to try and sell my house I don't believe that I would get the true value. Added to the duty of disclosure there wouldn't be any point in trying to sell.
4) Full and nonrefundable assistant, which includes cost of selling and buying along with ALL the associated cost that would be incuured by us in this process. This would also include no interference of our deciding on what would be a comparable place (to our existing house/suburb) for my families to move to if we so choose this option
5) Information about when the plant is going to be shut down"
LEEMING
Our residence (occupied since 1996) would be as crow flies approx under two kms from the Waste facility. At approx 9.30pm evening of 14/4/08 experienced unusual smell on light breeze. Was quite a humid night following 34Deg day. Left bedroom window open and awakened by wife at 3.30am to close it as S.E winds were conveying a definete rancid and rotting smell. Smelt like rancid decaying grain.
Similar to opening bag of compost. Early am, wife reported that to her the smell was similar to putrid and rotting foodstuff.
Running nose and headaches experienced. Normally take two Panadol/day and have for months to relieve coughing. Incidently: was down at Walpole on hired "houseboat" from 28/3/08 to 2/4/08. Every symptom experienced at home address disappeared whilst on inlets. Came back as son as we got back to this rotten problem.
I am completing this report on-line at the moment. Meantime have seen my local GP who has requested me to have blood sample taken for clinical report on dry/itchy skin and Chest Xray as well.
It is about time the powers to be who would make a decision on a matter of this nature, endeavour to stop treating the matter like a "Political" football match, fix the problem, or close the whole shebang down. How long is a yard.
LEEMING
"David Templeman and Jim McGinty... what action are you both taking in regards to our situation? If you both chose to put a stop to this you could - yet you haven't? Why not?
Please don't come up with excuses like:
"it's not in your portfolio"
or "you've visited the plant and spoken with the SMRC and you're sure everything is being done to rectify the situation" -- which by the way only increases our concerns because you've gone straight to the folk who are breaking the law and forcing this suffering on us - this is an insult!
Get your heads out of the sand and stop ignoring the obvious!We don't deserve to suffer like this - no one does! Cruelty to humans and animals is abuse, correct? So how come it's allowed in this situation? Why is it that concerned council members aren't being heard? And why are the comments and inquiries that have been made by the few politicians that do give a crap been pretty much swept aside?
What will it take for the State Government to get some backbone and shut this plant down and relocate it? A death maybe? That's usually the way it works doesn't it?
we're only run-of-the mill every day joe bloggs in the suburbs. In your eyes we may not seem important - but to our families and others that rely on us - we are. And it's not fair on them, or us, for you continue to allow us to be experimented on and have toxic chemicals pumped down our throats.
Hopefully it won't be one of us that has to die from some god awful chemical poisoning related condition for you to get off your backsides -- Although between the odour and the stress we're all going through - who's knows. Coming from a person who (before experiencing the odour) was a fitness fanatic and enjoyed the aussie outdoor life, being sick all the time from this odour certainly doesn't feel like living.
I'm not asking here, I'm telling you to ignore the bullies and the behind the scenes politics that is keeping this plant operating and make a stand. Do the right thing by the residents in your state - rather than sitting on your hands and letting this situation get worse. We don't deserve to be the victims of someone else's stuff ups."
LEEMING
"I would like in writing a "100% guarantee" that the odour will be stopped completely and a complete run down from extensive testing to state that this odour is not going to have any long term health affects on residents. I'm not talking about the handful of compost that was tested ages ago. Rather a thorough testing of the air when the smell is peaking in our streets.
Personally, this is my own opinion, I don't hold any confidence in the SMRC or the RRRC. More effort needs to be made to sort this situation out. It's unfair to the residents who vote and count on their local councils and Members of Parliament to help them.
It's scary to think that both Melville and Canning Councils are part of the SMRC, yet so many residents are still suffering and have been for a good couple of years. Like many other residents, it's got me absolutely disheartened in our State Goverment, Local Government and Local Councils."
ODOUR COMPLAINT:
Odour Coming From the RRRC Waste Composting Facility, Bannister Road, Canning Vale...
Due to the RRRC Waste Composting Facility odour reaking havoc on our home and lives we decided to pack up and get the hell out of here. From the 11th to the 21 August we were out of this stench hole called Leeming. And none of us wanted to return. The night we arrived back here the RRRC WCF odour was disgusting and it's been pretty much flat out every afternoon, evening and early morning since we've been back.
Within 30 minutes of us being home all the same symptoms that we had left behind came flooding back. Thumping migraine, blood nose, chest pain when breathing, running and burning eyes and nose, sore throat, skin burning, sore glands. Even our dogs are sick again with the awful skin and inhalant allergies they get from the RRRC WCF noxious odour.
Breathing clean air for a change was awesome. And makes you realise just how much this facility - and those of you who have the power to shut it down and relocate it, but don't - have taken from us.
Would you be happy having to live like this year after year? We've been insulted by those further up the food chain saying things like:
"if you don't like it... move". (That's easy to say when it's not your home, your family, everything you've worked so hard for.)
"it's residents fault because we contribute to the rubbish".
"This Facility is a shared one between 6 councils . Only some parts of Canning and Melville are affected. It is not in they interest to close it down."
"They're just bunch of troublemakers"
Shall I continue? There's plenty more... we've heard it all and it's nothing but insulting and shows the utter disregard that those in power have for the residents who are being abused by the RRRC WCF noxious odour. You all have no idea (and seemingly don't care either) what you are putting us through letting this facility continue to operate.
How can you be so heartless and cruel? You've obviously been doing it for so long (nearly 5 years we've had the odour) -- our pleas for help are now passed off as "just another suffering resident's letter that interrupts your day".
I was actually hoping that -- God knows why -- the Parliamentary Inquiry (and those involved in it) may have pulled their heads in and actually made an effort to help those of us who are suffering from the RRRC WCF odour.
But hey, why would a State Govt who's allowed this to continue for so long actually admit to the biggest environmental stuff up of Alan Carpenter's "no landfill by 2020 policy".
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How would you feel living amongst this in YOUR home?
Don't let the odour continue!After 4 years of putting up with this we have had enough! Let the folk in power know that this needs to stop NOW!
More Residents Complaints and Pleas for Help from the online odour logs... from being continually exposed to the RRRC WCF odour...
FED UP : Phoning the SMRC Odour Hotline is no different from someone breaking into your home then phoning the burglar and complaining that you've just been robbed!
Having SMRC councillors along with the guys from the odour unit, driving around our streets and homes laughing about the RRRC WCF odour and rambling about being able to smell fast food and bore water, mentioning resident's names who complain and other stuff on 4 You Tube videos has only proven:
a. a fine example of how to make a fool of yourself, which they always do...
b. they seem to genuinely not care at all about how the RRRC WCF noxious odour is impacting residents, which we've known for years
c. indicates that these guys truly have no idea what they're doing and their lack of knowledge of the RRRC WCF odour, we've also know this for years
d. has only increased residents distrust even further in the SMRC, which was already at it's all time high -- this has just rubbed even more salt into the wounds of residents copping the RRRC WCF odour.
Not exactly the best way to go about the SMRC's sales pitch of "working with the residents" on the issue.By the way, did the hire of the van and any other expenses involved in the You Tube videos come from our rates that fund the SMRC's seemingly failed RRRC WCF venture? I'm guessing it'll be in the SMRC minutes?
Just when you think those who support the RRRC WCF couldn't stoop any lower they continue to step up to the plate and insult the residents genuine suffering even further. Passing millions of dollars onto folk - who couldn't run a cake stall - to squandar on a facility that doesn't work -- simply doesn't make sense.
Local Government Minister John Castrilli and Minister for the Environment Donna Faragher, what are you doing about this? Or has this already been thrown into the "too hard" basket because the issue is too big to deal with?
City of Canning and City of Melville is this disaster really what you want to be remembered for in the history of local govt? How about rising above all of this and looking after the residents, your rate payers, for whom you're the care takers of.
Participating councils... all we can do is nod our heads in shame that you've chosen to continue to financially support a facility that is negatively affecting residents lives and health in a way that you couldn't even begin to imagine.
Out of all these councils - there's only a handful of councillors and one Mayor that is brave enough to take action - and boy have they copped some flack for doing so by those who support the RRRC WCF. That's pretty sad, considering this tragic situation.
Shame on you all who have turned your back on the residents! 1000's of lives are in your hands -- and you treat us like our family's and pets have no value what so ever.
Tell me, can you honestly say that you truly are ok with knowing this is going on -- and still allowing it to continue? Do all the folk suffering really mean so little to you?
FED UP 2: We have had the Odour from the RRRC WCF facility in Bannister Road very bad this week, and on 3 occasions had representatives come out to our house. The first was on Tuesday evening when I reported the odour around 6.30pm to the S.M.R.C. odour complaint line. Some 50 minutes later SMRC officer came to our street. I watched as the officer got out of his car and lit a cigarette and started smoking it. He also started walking around the area and I think was sniffing out any odours? I met the officer out the front of our property and asked what he found? His reply was nothing!
I asked him into our house and upstairs where I was working with the window open, and I felt the odour was a 3 out of 5 rating.
The SMRC officer threw his cigarette on the road out the front of my house (which I was not impressed by the littering) and came into our house. He stood at the window where I could smell the odour, but had reduced to a 1-2 from the 3 when I called up. When he stood in the open window, all I could smell then, was cigarette smoke. He again couldn't smell anything. (No wonder)
He left some 5 minutes later at around 7.45pm. I vowed to my wife, I was never going to waste another dollar calling the Odour complaint line again. (Like most people who live around here it seems)
The next day, I was out the front when the RRRC WCF odour was strong again, so I called the SMRC Community Liaison Officer. She said she could be there in 20 minutes and she was. When she walked up to my house, she could smell the RRRC WCF straight away. She was at our property for around 45 min and the RRRC WCF odour was detected by her on no less than 8 times and lasting several minutes.
As the evening went on, the RRRC WCF odour got stronger, to a point my wife said I'm calling the Odour complaint line. I said you are wasting your time and money, but she was so fed up she did anyway. She called at 9.00pm and the same "cigarette smoking" officer attended at 9.45pm where I greeted him again. He went for a walk around the area at our address again, and on his return, I asked if the odour was worse down the ally way near our house than it was out the front.
His reply was "what odour?"! I said, "You cant smell that stench?" And his reply was " I cant smell nothing". At this point I was so disgusted I turned my back and went inside. I feel these people lie to save their jobs, and or the plant shutting down. There is no wonder people dont report any odour anymore, because if this is what they get, it makes your blood boil.
REPORT THIS CHEMICAL FILLED ODOUR IMMEDIATELY! ! !
Phone the EMERGENCY POLLUTION RESPONSE Numbers below:
Day Time - 6364 6501
After Hours - 1300 784 782
"Do this ON EVERY OCCASSION THAT YOU EXPERIENCE THE ODOUR! "
To report the odour - Be Accurate - Include Time of Day or Night - Climate Conditions (Calm, Windy, Hot)- and if possible the Direction the wind is coming from.
May 2010
SMRC’s Incineration Plans Not On and Petition...
Dr Mike Nahan, the Member for Riverton and Mr Joe Francis, the Member for Jandakot said the community should be concerned at the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s proposal to establish a pyrolysis/gasification plant at its Canning Vale premises.
“No community consultation has been undertaken and the SMRC does not have environmental approval for this project. And yet, the SMRC has applied for $3.4m in Federal Government funding to get it underway,” said Dr Nahan.
“The SMRC has a long history of poor management. The DEC recently put six new odour emission conditions on its license to operate after years of public outcry about the stench and its impact on people’s health, wellbeing and amenity. This new proposal is just another example of the SMRC’s indifference to the local community and its corporate responsibilities.”
“The buffer zone between SMRC’s operations and nearby homes is totally inadequate and far less than other similar-styled plants,” said Mr Francis.
A petition is underway for residents to sign who are against the SMRC's plans for Incineration. You can read more about the Petition and the SMRC's plans for incineration in the attached Media Release by Mike Nahan and Joe Francis: SMRC’s Incineration Plans Not On
May 2010
DEC's amended SMRC Licence
Go here for the original proposed SMRC's licence amendments. There have been no conditions removed and the additional conditions and minor amendment are highlighted in yellow.
The first mentioned licence under "fire management" states: "A2(a) The licensee shall ensure that no waste is burnt on the premises.
That statement is removed in the newer second amended licence.
May 2010
City of Canning to Monitor Complaints of Odour Emissions from RRRC WCF...
“THE City of Canning is investigating ways it can monitor complaints of odour emissions from the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s Canning Vale waste composting facility.
At last Tuesday’s council meeting, it was agreed a report into the establishment of an in-house complaint procedure, including a free call number, and the use of monitors would be made available.
Cr Bev Olsen had urged councillors to support the move to help suffering residents. “I am not scared to stand up for the community on any issue and this is one I know is causing a lot of stress,’’ Cr Olsen said. Cr Mary Daly backed the decision, saying it was time council looked after its ratepayers rather than worrying about the cost. Canning Mayor Joe Delle Donne agreed when it came to the health of the community outlaying money should not be an issue. “It may be something more damaging and sinister than just the odour. It is our responsibility and when we get the data we will know where we’re going,’’ he said. Cr Graham Barry said it was an opportunity for council to capture samples to test for possible chemical contamination.”
“The Department of Enviornment and Conservation (DEC) has placed new rules on how the Regional Resource Recover Centre (RRRC) Waste Composting Facility (WCF) Runs... See full story from Canning Examiner below...
March 2010 - Dr Mike Nahan, Member for Riverton and Joe Francis, Member for Jandakot:
"SMRC Licence Conditions Toughened But Is It Enough?"
Dr Mike Nahan, the Member for Riverton and Mr Joe Francis, the Member for Jandakot cautiously welcomed the Department of Environment and Conservation’s decision to subject the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s (SMRC) Canning Vale waste facility to tougher odour emission conditions under a new draft licence.
“Joe Francis and I are pleased to see new tougher conditions being imposed on the SMRC. There has been a weakness in the SMRC’s license to operate its Regional Resource Recovery Center in Canning Vale and the conditions should have been much stricter when it was first issued,” said Dr Nahan.
“The new license conditions have been proposed as a result of community concerns that the Member for Jandakot and I have been raising and because of DEC compliance actions, which identified that sections of the operating license were deficient.”
“These much needed changes will force the SMRC to ensure that odour emitted from their premises does not unreasonably interfere with the health, welfare, convenience comfort or amenity of any person who is not on the premises.”
“However, I have concerns that there are no clear, measureable, quantified targets outlined in the new license and no information about the penalties that DEC could impose on the SMRC for any future breaches.”
Dr Nahan and Mr Francis said that as a result of the high number of community complaints, they invited the Minister for the Environment, Hon Donna Faragher to visit the SMRC’s facilities and the Minister is undertaking the site visit on Friday 5 March at 11am to see the problems for herself.
“It will be the first visit that Environment Minister Faragher has made to the SMRC and I will be joining that visit along with Dr Nahan,” said Mr Francis.
“After the site visit, the Minister will be meeting with Dr Nahan and I and representatives from the community to hear first-hand about their experiences in having to deal with the odours virtually on a daily basis.”
Dr Nahan and Mr Francis said they were disappointed that the SMRC had not put any notification on its website about the new licence requirements or the fact that the public had a 21-day period from Monday 1 March in which to comment on the new conditions.
“The SMRC has a poor record of communicating with the community and this is just another example. More than 380,000 ratepayers from the seven member councils are affected by the decisions that the SMRC and its board make so they should be working extremely closely with the community,” said Mr Francis.
Dr Nahan said the SMRC is subject to at least three significant pollution investigations by DEC at the moment and over the last four months, he has had more than 120 community complaints about the odours.
“The SMRC may divert waste from landfill but in so doing it has become a serial polluter, which is simply not acceptable,” said Dr Nahan.
“I believe the SMRC should be letting the community know about the new license conditions and I join with Joe Francis in encouraging members of the community to take the opportunity to comment on the new conditions within the 21 day period,” said Dr Nahan.
“Joe Francis and I will continue to defend the local community’s right to freedom from the SMRC’s unwanted odour emissions.”
February 2010
"DEC Press Relase: New Draft Licence Conditions Relating To Odour Emissions At The Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s (SMRC) Canning Vale Waste Facility...
“DEC acknowledges that SMRC has done a lot of work to reduce odours in recent years, but there is still room for improvement,” Mr Sands said.
“Accordingly, stringent new odour conditions are proposed for inclusion in the licence.
“These clear, enforceable licence conditions place the onus of responsibility onto the site operators to ensure that no unreasonable emissions occur which may interfere with the health, comfort or amenity of nearby residents or community members.
“While DEC recognises that waste facilities carry out an essential and valuable service, odour emissions are a key environmental concern for the community and it is important that residents are not subjected to unreasonable odours or poor air quality.”
January 2010 - Dr Mike Nahan, Member for Riverton
SMRC’s ‘Typographical Error’ a Farce
Dr Mike Nahan, Member for Riverton said the recent discovery of errors with the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s audited Annual Report had highlighted the SMRC’s cavalier attitude to its corporate responsibilities.
“It has come to light that there are errors in the SMRC’s certified and audited financial statements for the last financial year with regard to the CEO Stuart McAll’s salary. Incorrect figures, that have been provided and approved by Mr McAll have helped to hide a huge jump in his salary of tens of thousands of dollars,” said Dr Nahan.
“And when I have pointed this fact out, what was response from the Chairman Tony Romano? It’s just a typo and that he’ll change the numbers before they print the Annual Report. That is improper and with his financial services background, he should know better.”
“The auditor signed off on those accounts on 16 October 2009 and certified them as being correct. They are incorrect, I believe, in the previous Annual Report too.”
“It is the SMRC’s responsibility to ensure that its financial records are free of misstatement, whether by fraud or error. The management of the SMRC has failed in its corporate responsibility to the ratepayers of Canning, Melville, East Fremantle, Fremantle, Cockburn, Kwinana and Rockingham to maintain and provide accurate financial records.”
January 2010 - Dr Mike Nahan MLA
Member for Riverton
"SMRC Rewards Its Own Poor Performance"
Dr Mike Nahan, the Member for Riverton said it is disgraceful that the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council gave its Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Councillors huge increases in salary, meeting fees and allowances in 2008-09 – a period when the SMRC performed poorly even by its own low standards.
This raises once again serious questions about the accountability and performance of the SMRC. It’s 2008/09 Annual Report shows that:
The Chief Executive Officer received a salary increase of at least $50,000 or 38%, that is from $130,000 - $139,000 to between $180,000 - $189,999.
Chairman and Deputy Chairman received a tenfold increase in their allowances from $1,250 to $12,500.
Councilor’s meeting fees increased by just less than 50% from $40,000 to $59,000
“During a year when many ratepayers were struggling financially, wage rises were at a minimum and considering the poor performance of the SMRC and its management, these increases in remuneration are grossly excessive,” said Dr Nahan.
Dr Nahan said the SMRC’s appalling record speaks for itself:
The SMRC suffered an operating loss of $2.9 million in 2009 compared to a forecast loss of $1.1 million for the year and up from a loss of $1.6 million in 2008.
The loss in 2009 arose despite a 13 per cent increase in fees imposed on member councils.
All types of processed waste declined during the year with total waste processed declining by 31,000 tonnes or 18%.
Net cost per tonne of waste processed increased 24% to $128 per tonne.
The serious odour emissions continued to undermine the amenity of the community.
The Department of the Environment and Conservation finds, following years of SMRC denials, that the SMRC is the source of the odour pollution that has plaguing the community for years.
The SMRC was issued with Environmental Protection Notice by the DEC.
The SMRC was subject to an adverse finding by a Legislative Council Committee Report.
The Health Department Report made adverse findings in respect of the SMRC.
The SMRC had a catastrophic fire that destroyed its recycling plant in June 2009.
“This is an extremely poor performance by any standards and at the very least, should have ruled out any increase in remuneration for the CEO, staff and councillors,” said Dr Nahan.
“Indeed, the poor performance should have led to wholesale changes to the board and management of the SMRC. While the Chairman and Deputy Chairman have stood down from their respective positions, they remain on the board of the SMRC.”
“There has been no change to the CEO position despite greater changes being warranted by the SMRC’s sustained poor performance.”
“At the very least, the SMRC Board, which is responsible for remuneration, must make a public statement as to the grounds for these recent remuneration increases and provide an explanation on their overall policy on remuneration.”
January 2010
Reports of the RRRC WCF Odour Are Pouring In...
Residents have said they are fed up with copping the RRRC WCF odour. Having to spend another Christmas and start to the New Year with the RRRC WCF odour pouring into their homes - something they were hoping they might be spared.
During the hottest times of the year many residents experiencing the RRRC WCF odour in their homes and streets have reported they are unable to turn their air-cons on or even open their windows to try and cool off, due to the RRRC WCF odour being drawn into their houses.
With sleepless nights from this intense putrid emission, they state the ongoing distress on their family's has been and is often unbearable. With some residents leaving their homes to stay at relatives houses, or just leaving the area in general for a few hours until they know these emissions have subsided.
Constant excuses and ongoing second chances being given for the RRRC WCFacility to be repaired, residents are stating they feel like collateral damage. And are pleading with Local and State Govt to please take action and stop this cruel and unnecessary suffering of innocent families.
October 2009
"What A Waste... The Foul Odour Must Stop Now"... Chris Boots!
Chris Boots is running against Clive Robartson for the City of Melville Ward seat of Bull Creek / Leeming. With his recent Full Page Ad in the Melville City Herald residents are relieved to see a candidate really speaking out about this issue.
The residents of Leeming that cop the RRRC WCF odour, and for whom the RRRC WCF was built only 500m's from their homes, have stated they are fed up with the RRRC WCF noxious odour and need a voice on Melville Council who will listen to their genuine concerns about how they and their family's are suffering from these ongoing emissions.
October 2009
"Time For A Fresh Change at the SMRC!" - Dr Mike Nahan, Member for Riverton
“SMRC deputy chairman Clive Robartson, who is seeking re-election to Melville’s Bull Creek-Leeming ward, told the Herald this week the organisation continued to play down the smells despite knowing the odour-eating filters weren’t working properly. He says the SMRC didn’t speak out earlier because of an investigation by the WA environment department.”
Excerpt from a story by Steve Grant, Fremantle Herald on 26 September 2009, Page 11.
Dr Mike Nahan, the Member for Riverton said the above statement by Clive Robartson reinforces the need for change in the senior management and board of directors of the SMRC.
“The board of the SMRC has overseen a terrible period in the local community’s history where a large composting plant was built close to existing homes and inflicted severe odour pollution on the community,” said Dr Nahan.
“Whether the odours are noxious or just plain annoying, the SMRC has been aware that acute reactions to offensive odours can lead to chronic psychological stress over time. That is exactly what the local community has been experiencing.”
“These odours have been allowed to go on intermittently for years. We now know from Deputy Chairman Clive Robartson that the SMRC knew more than a year ago when it was under investigation by the Department of the Environment that the composting plant was emitting serious odour pollution.”
“Yet the SMRC once again denied the existence of the pollution to the public and to the regulator, and at the same time, denied that they could or should resolve it. In fact, worse than that, they went out and said that if there was an odour, it was from the green waste, not the composting plant.”
“In short, the SMRC misled the community and the regulator with the aim of continuing to emit odour pollution and undermine the community’s quality of life.”
“Such behaviour simply should not be tolerated, particularly in a community-owned facility funded by ratepayers. It also shows why the public has lost all confidence in the management of the SMRC and why changes need to be made to the board and senior management.”
“Only when changes are made to the senior personnel and culture of the SMRC can we move on to address the longer term issues of whether the plant can be fixed or replaced, and if so, with what and where.”
September 2009
SMRC Clive Robartson (Seeking Re-Election) Admits SMRC Played Down Odours!
Herald Story: The SMRC has admitted it knew two years ago that
malfunctioning bio-filters in it’s waste composting plant
were likely to contribute to smell plaguing nearby residents...
SMRC deputy chairman Clive Robartson, who is attempting
to be re-elected in the seat of Bull Creek / Leeming
ward, told the “Herald” the SMRC continued to play down
the smells despite knowing the odour-eating filters weren’t
working properly.
Chris Boots, running against Clive Robartson in the
City of Melville elections for the Bull Creek / Leeming
Ward seat, resigned from the facility as an engineer years
ago after stating it was a “dud”. And has since been intensely
critical of the plant and passionately believes the odours
are ruining lives.:
September 2009
"WHAT A WASTE!" Full Page Ad Against SMRC And RRRC WCF Odour Issue!
“WHAT A WASTE!” Has certainly caused a “tornado”of it’s own kind apparently leaving those supporting the SMRC and the RRRC WCF reeling…
The SMRC and The RRRC WCF Odour issue seem to be affecting all the councils across the board that have supported the SMRC. The current council election campaigns are clearly indicating that residents are saying “enough” and it seems that so are many candidates and councilors who are demanding answers.
If the SMRC and RRRC WCF have been getting up Your nose please read this – talk about a “kick ass” Ad! It’s a ripper!
We’ve seen first hand the awesome job that new Mayor of the City of Canning is doing in regards to the RRRC WCF odour issue and Cannings withdrawal from the SMRC. Not to mention addressing other concerns that residents that live both within and surrounding the City of Canning have had, being genuine, open and transparent.
Councilors on the City of Canning council that do care about the suffering residents are working hard on this issue.
Residents HAVE SHOWN they can make an impact – which is why it’s important that you cast your vote and support those councilors and candidates that aren’t afraid to stand up to the appalling SMRC financial and RRRC WCF odour issues.
September 2009
City Of Melville Council Elections - Bull Creek / Leeming ward!
Residents of Bull Creek / Leeming ward who cop the RRRC WCF odour have stated, for way too long, that they are fed up with the excuses and arrogance from Clive Robartson and the SMRC.
It’s certainly no secret that residents have stated the reprehensible You Tube videos made them feel that the SMRC and Mr Robartson (Deputy Chairman of the SMRC) think very little of the adverse affects on the quality of life and health of the residents suffering at the hands of the RRRC WCF odour.
Netra Goel‘s view on the RRRC WCF issue is very disappointing stating he wants the facility to continue to operate AND for residents hard earned rates to continue to be spent on this facility.
Residents have asked over and over for this problematic and seemingly unfixable facility to be kicked to the curb. And are tired of being guinea pigs while councils and State Govt can’t figure out what to do about it.
It's time for a change - hopefully the up and coming council elections will put a stop to the poor decision making of councils that continue to support the seemingly worsening situation of the SMRC and RRRC WCF issues.
We certainly know that Chris Boots has seen first hand what has taken place in regards to the RRRC WCF odour and understands the misery it’s noxious emissions has put families through – for which the facility was carelessly built so close too.
Chris Boots has stated he is “fair dinkum” and wants the RRRC WCF shut down.
August 2009
Councillor speaks out over odour report!
"CANNING councillor Bev Olsen claims a council report has treated odour concerns of nearby residents of the Regional Resource Recovery Centre, as frivolous.
Cr Olsen’s claims of bias towards the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC), which operates the RRRC waste facility in Canning Vale, came at last Tuesday’s full meeting of council."
July 2009
City of Melville Residents Holding the City of Melville Accountable
Residents state they feel the City of Melville is continuing to turn it's back on the residents suffering from the RRRC WCF odour. Residents feel they do not deserve to be treated like a bank account for councils and the SMRC to use as they please to fix up SMRC and RRRC mismanagement and mistakes.
City of Melville Leeming residents have launched a petition to the City expressing their disgust at the continued lack of consideration shown by the council over the RRRC WCF odour issue. Requesting the City of Melville provide residents with air-filtration systems and assist with landscaping residents backyards to reduce pollution and help protect them from the RRRC WCF odour.
July 2009
City of Canning Residents Say "No" to Melville Council!
City of Canning Residents launched and submitted a Petition to the City of Canning to state they DO NOT WANT the border changes for which the City of Melville could take over the section of Leeming currently falling under the City of Canning.
"WE, being Citizens of the City of Canning, hereby petition that the Council will take note of the wishes of we the Citizens, insofar as we request:
That we would like to remain in the City Of Canning’s current boundary under the Local Government Reform Process. We consider and have a strong view that the City Of Canning is very understanding and empathises with our current plight of the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council's Regional Resource Recovery Centre Odourous Emissions issue and that the City of Canning is more approachable and responsible to the ratepayers. We do not, under any circumstances, want to come under the City Of Melville."
July 2009
Residents Outrage at Martin Anda's Comments!
Residents copping the RRRC WCF were not impressed by Martin Anda's recent comments in regards to the RRRC WCF odour issue.
Anda Saying "he doesn't have much sympathy for the residents affected by the smell..."and "tough luck...":
Ordinary Meeting of Council
City of Fremantle
AGENDA
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
6.00 pm
QUESTIONS OR PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS BY MEMBERS
Cr J Dowson asked the following questions :
1. Is it true that electricity costs at the SMRC facility are approximately $1.5 million a year?
2. Is it true that SMRC pays approximately $16 a tonne to have the compost produced at the SMRC plant trucked away?
3. What is the:
a) total tonnage of compost produced each year
b) total tonnage of compost sold each year and the price realised
c) total CO2 emissions offset by producing the compost, incorporating the
CO2 emissions from the electricity used to make the compost and other environmental costs involved.
4. What measures are currently being taken by SMRC to avoid further odour issues?
5. Why did the $2.4 million spent in 2007 to fix the odour problems not work?
6. Is it true that there have been breaches of the odour orders issued by DEC in recent weeks?
7. Is it true that SMRC paid approximately $120,000 to lobbyist John Halden's company for public relations work. Why was John Halden, infamous for tabling a petition in parliament which was followed by Penny Easton's suicide several days later, and for working recently for North Port Quay, employed using SMRC money and what services have been provided to date?
8. Is there an SMRC councillor remuneration fund with an annual budget of approximately $250,000? What claims have been made against it in the past financial year? What remuneration does the CEO and Chairman of SMRC receive each year and what expenditure have they incurred in the past year?
9. Is it true that SMRC invested $500,000 with Lehman Brothers, with a resultant loss of $475,000?
10. Is it true that SMRC sought to borrow $870,000 to cover losses from last year?
11. Is it true that SMRC is seeking to obtain several million dollars to rectify ongoing odour problems at the SMRC ERRC?
12. Is it true that processing costs for municipal solid waste have risen from $36 per tonne in 2004 to $137 per tonne and are likely to increase to $149 per tonne for 2009-2010?
13. With the burning down of the recycling plant, how will that affect the finances of SMRC in terms of added costs for disposal of rubbish?
June 2009
SMRC Plant Not Financially Viable: “It will be closed, not just for odour pollution but because of excessive costs,” said Dr Nahan.
Dr Mike Nahan, the Member for Riverton said the end game was nigh for the SMRC’s composting plant in Bannister Road, Canning Vale. “It will be closed, not just for odour pollution but because of excessive costs,” said Dr Nahan.
Dr Nahan said the SMRC plant was modeled on a similar plant in Cobb County, Georgia USA. The SMRC sent representatives to the USA in 1996 to view that plant’s operations and based their decision to proceed with the plant in Canning Vale on Cobb County’s experience.
“The experience of the Cobb County plant has been eerily predictive of the problems that have overwhelmed the SMRC’s Canning Vale plant. The US plant has been plagued by fire, odour pollution, community protest, empty promises, poor management, no market for output, cost blow-outs, and rising debt,” said Dr Nahan.
“The SMRC composting plant can no longer be justified financially. Its business case has evaporated. Since 2004, its costs for processing a tonne of municipal solid waste have increased from $36 per tonne to $137 per tonne in 2009/10. That is an increase of 400% in the last five years.” -- See graph below and more onSMRC Plant Not Financially Viable
June 2009
“A starting point for the renewal process must be the resignation of Chairman Doug Thompson and the CEO Stuart McAll,” said Dr Nahan.
Dr Mike Nahan, the Member for Riverton, said it is time to start over with the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s waste processing facility.
“The fire that destroyed the SMCR’s materials recycling plant this morning was a tragedy. The plant was losing money in the current environment and it will need to be replaced,” said Dr Nahan.
“A starting point for the renewal process must be the resignation of Chairman Doug Thompson and the CEO Stuart McAll,” said Dr Nahan. These two men have been responsible for the mismanagement of the SMRC, including... see here for Mike Nahan on SMRC and RRRC Fire
June 2009
Residents Covered In Fumes From The RRRC Fire
After everything the innocent Leeming, Willeton and Canning Vale residents have been through over the years stating their genuine concerns of the ongoing risks of the RRRC WCF being built so close to them – this incident is an absolute disaster. And even worse, this isn’t the first fire that the RRRC has experienced.
Residents have been begging the State Govt and Local Councils for years to come to their aid and protect them from the SMRC’s RRRC WCF noxious emissions which has been proven by DEC to be impinging on residents lives.
The SMRC itself have blamed the problems with the facility on poor management. Creating a hazardous environment because they seemingly ignore environment management rules. Yet have continued to operate in this careless manner despite the residents ongoing suffering.
Not only are the residents copping the regular noxious emissions from the RRRC WCF but they are now are covered in the horrible toxic fumes from the RRRC fire. What else are the State Govt and Councils going to allow the poor residents to go through before something is done?
The residents rates have continually been raised to support the SMRC and the RRRC due to it’s never ending financial problems. Not only are residents putting up with noxious emissions and fires but now we may end up having to pay for the re-building of the RRRC via our rates.
This is a real tragedy for the residents, who always seem to end up being the collateral damage in this issue that no-one seems to want to address because it has become so large.
May 2009
Heads to Roll at the South Metropolitan Regional Council
Dr Mike Nahan and Joe Francis, the Members for Riverton and Jandakot, have called for heads to roll at the South Metropolitan Regional Council. Dr Nahan and Mr Francis believe the SMRC has been polluting - much to the local community’s disgust - for more than six years.
The SMRC’s Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC) has failed to act to the standard of corporate responsibility expected in our society, which is particularly disturbing for a local government agency. “The Chief Executive Officer, Stuart McAll and SMRC Chairman Doug Thompson should fall on their swords and stand down,” Dr Nahan said.
May 2009
Parliamentary Inquiry Findings Are Here!.
Report 16 Standing Committee On Environment And Public Affairs Municipal Waste Management In Western Australia.
Finding 8: The Committee finds that the community’s concerns regarding odour issues at the Regional Resource Recovery Centre in Canning Vale were legitimate.
Finding 12: The Committee finds that the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council had a poor communication strategy with respect to its Regional Resource Recovery Centre and the ongoing concerns of the local community.
"Preliminary Health Risk Assessment of air emissions from SMRC composting facility at Canning Vale' by Toxikos Toxicology Consultants" dated 12 August 2008.
Residents have been waiting for the Health Report to be released. Much to residents disgust the document has not been released to SMRC Councils or the public. And is deemed by the SMRC as commercial and in confidence.
April / May 2009
City of Canning addressing SMRC issues:
February 2009
City of Canning seeks legal advice... withdrawing from SMRC.
QUOTE:
At 8:20pm, the Mayor then put the motion, as amended, viz:
Following the advice and recommendation provided by Hardy Bowen Lawyers in its confidential advice of 19 February 2009, the Acting Chief Executive Officer be instructed to write to the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC), instructing them under the provision of the Establishment Agreement, that:
(a) The City of Canning withdraws from the SMRC immediately.
(b) The City is not amenable to direction in relation to the delivery of waste, other than to the
Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC), and that if the RRRC is unable to accept the
waste, it will be delivered by the City to a site of its choosing.
(c) The SMRC be advised that the City is of the view that there is a dispute in relation to the
obligations of the RRRC, having regard to:
(i) the economic sustainability of the facility; and
(ii) the environmental hazards caused by the facility;
which requires to be dealt with in accordance with the good faith negotiations in the Project
Participants Agreement.
(d) The City should initiate a dispute under the lease in relation to the odour emissions, with a view
to determining whether there has been a breach of the lease.
(e) A further report be presented to Council outlining the progress of the above matters within one
month.
(f) A further report be presented to Council outlining a media campaign to the ratepayers of the
City within one month of this motion.
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has issued an Environmental Protection Notice to the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC) for its waste facility in Canning Vale. Full DEC press release here: http://www.cmcoag.com/downloads/SMRC_EPN_DEC_MS_FINAL_230209-1.pdf
February 2009
City of Canning SMRC Representative Resigns!
Please read the quote from the City of Canning minutes below...
Cr Mason: Apart from the ones that you already mentioned, on Thursday, 5 February 2009, I attended the South East District Planning Committee meeting at the Town of Victoria Park.
Mr Mayor, I would also like to read out a statement, which reads as follows:
On the 20 January 2009, I wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC), concerning the video that was posted on ‘You Tube’, showing Regional Councillors touring Leeming and Willetton on the bus tour arranged by the SMRC.
In his response, the Chief Executive Officer stated that the video was made by the Chairman, Cr Doug Thompson, with his own equipment and account, and that the SMRC was not involved.
Having personally viewed the video on ‘You Tube’, I have no doubt in my mind that this is not the case.
• The SMRC emailed all Regional Councillors requesting an indication to attend the tours.
• The vehicle was arranged by the SMRC, and paid for by the organisation.
• The vehicle left in one instance from the Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC) car park after the presentation by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) regarding their findings into the odour complaints.
• Cr Thompson is seen on the videos, and others had agreed to use the equipment.
• Many of those captured on the video showed scant or little concern mentioning ratepayers names while standing in front of their complainants homes.
It is my opinion this action has damaged the reputation of those Regional Councillors in attendance, Member Councils, and the SMRC, and defies a logic that this organisation can claim to be ‘engaging the community’. As former Mayor Lee, and myself, were the only ones not to attend this tour, I can only express my disappointment no other Regional Councillor raised objection to this matter being placed on ‘You Tube’.
The actions of those from the Odour Unit have not enhanced that company’s reputation, when they are seen using their noses to ‘sniff out any odour’, and seen laughing and smirking throughout the video, and has left me with no doubt about how serious they are in resolving the issues. I find this makes a mockery of the claim that the DEC should not be using calibrated noses to determine the extent of the odours.
As I have stated previously in this Council, the SMRC post Section 5.93 of the Local Government Act 1995, Improper Use of Information, which imposes a penalty of $10,000 or two years jail, on a person who is a Council Member, a Committee Member, or an employee, that makes improper use of information acquired in the performance of that person, of any of his or her function. And the documents sent to the Regional Councillors, carry that statement, yet they do not appear to apply this Clause to the staff.
Can you imagine what would happen to any Member of this Council, should they choose to film a ratepayer who disagrees with a decision of Council, and then post their address and car registrations on ‘You Tube’.
As a Bannister Ward Councillor for the City of Canning, representing many of the ratepayers affected by the odour from the RRRC, I believe this incident has placed me in a tenuous position as Council’s representative, and I have therefore effective immediately today, tendered my resignation to the Board of the SMRC. http://www.canning.wa.gov.au/Shared/Meetings/Minutes10February2009P.htm
January 2009
City of Canning - RRRC WCF zoning... And the Legislative Council Standing Committee On Environment And Public Affairs
Issues have come up in regards to the RRRC WCF zoning. And it looks like the City of Canning are making a submission to the Inquiry Into Municipal Waste Management In Western Australia. The City of Canning are also discussing the issue of the SMRC Videos.
January 2009
SMRC Videos Removed
If you didn't know already there's been plenty of "not so happy" residents appalled at the latest antics of those who support the RRRC WCF. 4 x videos were place online which contained folk from the SMRC and the Odour Unit driving around in a hire van:
a.Standing out the front of suffering resident's homes (or in their streets), who complain about the RRRC WCF odour, while those supporting the RRRC WCF are laughing and making light about the odour issue. and ... b.And mentioning some of the residents names that complain about the odour.
This has certainly caused a stir within State and Local Govt. The videos have recently been removed, but the tornado effect from it isn't dying down.
December 2008:
DEC's Response to the SMRC odour abatement plan - "It Falls Short!"
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has stipulated that significant amendments be made to an odour abatement plan submitted by the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC)...The SMRC's Canning Vale Regional Resource Recovery Centre is a recycling and composting facility that has been the subject of odour complaints from the surrounding community for several years...DEC Deputy Director General Robert Atkins said the abatement plan needed considerable improvements to ensure that it leads to effective odour management at the facility...read more here... SMRC Odour plan falls short
December 2008:
Committee Launches new Inquiry into Municipal Waste Management in WA
The Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs resolved on 26 November 2008 to inquire into Municipal Waste Management in Western Australia. The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry are: Considering the ongoing community concerns about the odour emanating from the Regional Resource Recovery Centre in Canning Vale (RRRC), the Committee resolves to use the issues surrounding the RRRC as an illustrative practical case study to conduct a broader inquiry into - read more here... Inquiry includes SMRC RRRC Waste Composting Facility
November 2008: The Results from the DEC's "Odour Survey"!
The Department of Environment and Conservation Findings have been released! The results from the "Odour Survey" are finally here! Note: The following documents have been included on the CMCOAG.com site for you to read or download.
Quoted from the DEC Website:
-------------------------------------
"After receiving ongoing community complaints about odours being emitted from the facility, the Department of Environment and Conservation conducted an investigation which included extensive air quality testing and an independent market survey of 265 households and businesses within a 1.2km radius of the facility.
The findings of the air quality testing and the community market survey can be found in the reports below.
Final reports from odour investigations around the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council's Regional Resource Recovery Centre in Canning Vale (25.96 MB)" -
It seems many of you are thrilled to bits with the outcome of the City of Canning Mayoral Election. It's certainly nice to have someone as Mayor who is genuinely concerned about the residents suffering at the hands of the RRRC WCF odour:
Sept 2008 - State Election:
"The SMRC's Composting Facility at Canning Vale has a long record of failing to meet acceptable standards of odour control. This MUST stop!"
Joe Francis (Liberal Candidate for Jandakot)
I have personally smelt the stench and appreciate what you are suffering. The SMRC’s Composting Facility at Canning Vale has a long record of failing to meet acceptable standards of odour control. This must stop.
The plant has been closed twice over the past two years by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) for serious breaches of the odour standards. After each closure the SMRC announced that the problems were fixed, and the DEC allowed the plant to restart operations. Following the last such incident in March 2007, the DEC reportedly informed SMRC that if failures continue, a closure order will be served which could include prosecution.
The breaches of odour standards have continued, with over 500 complaints from the community since March 2007. During that time the SMRC has denied that is was in breach of odour standards. In response to persistent complaints and evidence of excessive odour, in early May 2008 the DEC commissioned a detailed, independent assessment of the odour emission from the composting plant.
The government has failed to release the findings of this report prior to the coming State Election on 6 September, despite making promises to do so by early June 2008. It just isn't fair to allow the continued operation of something that has such a significant impact on the quality of life of so many people. Any reasonable person would surely agree.
Rest assured that if elected this Saturday, it will be the first thing I will be fighting to address as the new Member for Jandakot. If you wish to raise this or any other issue with me, call anytime on 0404 027 693 of if the matter is urgent try me at home on: 9499 4640.
Sept 2008 - State Election:
"It's time that the SMRC's RRRC Waste Composting Facility is shut down and is finished. Finito, Kaput, Zilch, Cactus!"
Christopher Boots Independent Candidate For Riverton
Why are the councils so protective of the RRRC Waste Composting Facility? It is an insult that the SMRC are the best vehicle for waste management.
They say they wish to develop alternative technologies...HANG ON!, is this implying that the current set up is deficient? See Withdrawal Bid Halted
It's time that the SMRC's RRRC Waste Composting Facility is shut down and is finished. Finito, Kaput, Zilch, Cactus! The whole setup is a total failure: RRRC Waste Composting Facility, odour and finances.
Tony McRae and Mike Nahan are both saying that the SMRC's RRRC Waste Composting Facility is not performing satisfactorily in terms of odour emissions, costs and recycling goals. Two major candidates for Riverton are saying the SMRC must go. So why is there no action? I agree 100% with Tony McRae's March 2007 media statement. "It's clear the SMRC have failed". It is time for action NOW!
The spin doctoring has to finish... an example of this is the SMRC's full page ads published in the community newspapers in June 2007 stating that the:
“The Health Department verifies there are no toxic emissions from our facility”
“The Health Department confirms our plant does not cause health problems”
For which Jim McGinty (Attorney General and Minister for Health) responded in writing to residents:
“I note your comments regarding an advertisement placed in the Melville City Herald by the Southern Regional Metropolitan Council (SMRC), which included references to the Dept of Health. The statements made in the advertisement and attributed to the Dept of Health were not approved by the Dept of Health.The Dept of Health has not been able to verify that there are no toxic emissions from the RRRC facility”
I stand up to be counted. I will do more than make statements. Give me the chance and I will make the residents the winner of the RRRC WCF odour issue. Stop the Odour!
August 2008 - State Election:
The SMRC and the RRRC Waste Composting Facility seem to have lost credibility with the local community.
(Christopher Boots Independent Candidate For Riverton)
The SMRC and the RRRC Waste Composting Facility seem to have lost credibility with the local community. They appear to have no support due to their handling of the resident's odour complaints.
This email dated 2008 from the Greenhouse Challenge Plus program stating the following pretty much sums it up: "We have no intention of awarding SMRC with any further awards"
How low does the SMRC's crediblity have to go, before politicians realise the RRRC Waste Composting Facility is not doing what it's meant to do.
August 2008 - State Election:
"Bottom line Labor have had five years to stop the pollution and address the communities concerns and they have failed."
(Dr Mike Nahan - Liberal Candidate for Riverton)
Bottom line Labor have had five years to stop the pollution and address the communities concerns and they have failed. They are continuing to do so with the withholding of DEC's May survey results. Liberals are not committed to composting in Canning Vale or elsewhere and will actively expose it's flaws and put in place a process to replace composting. Read more: Labor's zero land fill policy by 2020 locks them into composting.
August 2008 - State Election:
"I stand against the foul, noxious, pungent ODOUR affecting many residents!"
Christopher Boots Independent Candidate For Riverton
For 5 years the residents of this area have suffered from a disgusting, noxious odour produced by the Waste Composting Facility (WCF) at the Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC) in Canning Vale. As a result many residents are suffering serious health issues.
I stand against the foul, noxious, pungent ODOUR affecting many residents in Riverton. I am aware how this awful ODOUR is affecting many residents’ lives. I am also a Mechanical Engineer and I have intimate knowledge of the WCF because I was employed as the Maintenance Engineer at the WCF. I resigned due to the mismanagement and neglect for engineering design principles. I will work tirelessly to rid the surrounding suburbs of the terrible, stinking, unhealthy, noxious odour that escapes the WCF and POLLUTES OUR AIR.
The stench is a serious health issue to all residents within a 2km radius of the RRRC. It is unbelievable how the residents can manage to sleep on such nights. The residents are suffering from blood noses, itchy eyes, wheezing and nausea from the overwhelming stink. The symptoms are amazingly consistent among the suffering residents. Read More here: It is time for this terrible ODOUR to STOP! - Chris Boots
August 2008 - State Election:
Mike Nahan - Liberal Party’s Position on the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s (SMRC) Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC)
The composting operation of the RRRC is not performing satisfactorily in terms of odour emissions, costs and impost on ratepayers and recycling goals. It needs to be either improved dramatically, moved or phased out altogether.
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), the state agency responsible for regulating the plant’s emissions including odour emission, has shown consistent reluctance to enforce the licensing conditions imposed on the composting plant for monitoring odour and odour emissions. Specifically, the plant has been allowed to operate without a continuous system for odour monitoring and in spite of strong evidence of odour emissions in excess of the licensed standards. Read More here: Dr Mike Nahan - Liberal Party’s Position on the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s (SMRC) Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC)
August 2008 - State Election:
Interview With Tony McRae (Member for Riverton - Labor) On The RRRC Waste Composting Facility Odour Issue...
"Tony, residents have complained of similar symptoms when experiencing the odour including: blood noses, severe skin irritation, burning and running eyes and nose, throat irritation, migraines and headaches... and their pets also suffering from terrible skin and inhalant allergies. Residents feel this is beyond a coincidence. What action are you committing to carrying out in regards to the potential health risks, short and long term, if you are re-elected.
Tony: As far as I understand it, the question of public health risks resulting from the RRRC's poor operating standrards is still the subject of invesitgation by the Department of Health. There are a range of obligations and liabilities for the Government, the City of Canning, the SMRC and member Councils that might arise if those studies were to find that there is an associated health problem or risk arising from the RRRC. That would determine my action and I would behave as I have always done on this issue - on the side of residents. Read More here: Interview With Tony McRae On The RRRC Waste Composting Facility Odour Issue...
August 2008 - State Election:
If They Can't Make The Smell Go Away, They Need To Shut It Down!
Joe Francis (Liberal Candidate for Jandakot)
"As I have said before to other people in your area, I believe that you have every right to be extremely angry about that plant being built next to you.
My strong position is that if they can't make the smell go away, they need to shut it down.
It just isn't fair to the people who have lived there for years to have something affect their quality of life in the way it does. I also believe that the government has had more than enough chances on this already, and I perfectly understand people are on the end of their tether. Read More here: If They Can't Make The Smell Go Away, They Need To Shut It Down! - Joe Francis
July 2008 - State Election:
Release Odour Study & Enforce Standard on SMRC - Dr. Mike Nahan (Liberal Candidate for Riverton)
The SMRC’s Composting facility at Canning Vale has a long track record of failing to meet acceptable standards of odour control. This must stop.
The plant has been closed twice over the past two years by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) for serious breaches of the odour standards. After each closure the SMRC announced that the problem was fixed, and the DEC allowed the plant to restart operations...over 500 complaints from the community since March 2007. During that time the SMRC has denied that it was in breach of odour standards... Read More here: Release Odour Study and Enforce Standard on SMRC - Dr. Mike Nahan
Why isn't the Minister for Environment Saving Residents from this Noxious Odour?
In a Public document from the Minister for Environment, David Templeman (dated 12 September 2007) it states:
“Odour Compliance Regulation”
Under section 49 of the Environmental Protection Act, it is an offence to cause or allow an unreasonable emission of odour. Unreasonable odours are defined as those that unreasonably interfere with the health, welfare, comfort and amenity of the public. An offence under this section is classified as a Tier Two offence.”
“Under the commitments made in the Ministerial Statement No 517, SMRC committed to ensuring that odours would be contained within an odour contour which extended approximately 200 metres from the RRRC boundary, but did not impact on residential areas. A commitment is legally binding and contravention of a commitment is a Tier One offence.”
Note from CMCOAG: Residents are experiencing the odour 1.5kms - 2kms away from the facility!
"Prosecution actions under the Health Act 1911"
City of Canning Ownership of RRRC Site and Membership of SMRC:
The City of Canning is the owner of the land occupied by the RRRC and has a degree of involvement in the operation of the facility as a member of the SMRC. It is noted that prosecution actions under the Health Act 1911, including rectification measures identified under Section 184, are directed at both the operator and landowner of a subject property. In any enforcement action, the operator and the owner would be jointly liable if an identified nuisance was not satisfactorily abated. In the progression of any enforcement action under the Health Act, a circumstance may arise where the action by the City leads to a penalty being imposed on the City due to its position as landowner and member of the SMRC.
Residents who were fed up with the odour attended the council meeting on Tuesday 24th June, 2008 and showed their support for the councillors that do care about those of us experiencing the noxious odour from the RRRC Waste Composting Facility.
June 2008 -
Canning Council Meeting June 24th, 2008 and "possible action taken under Section 182 of the Health Act"
Please attend the next council meeting on:
Tuesday 24th June, 2008
City of Canning Council Chambers,
George Street,
Cannington at 6:00pm
To support the councillors to who are listening and do care about the residents suffering from the RRRC WCF noxious odour. Why should odour affected residents attend City of Canning council meetings?
Here's three reasons why...
1."Possible action against the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council under Section 182 of the Health Act"
2. "That City of Canning give notice of its intentionto withdraw from the “regional Resource Recovery Centre Project of the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council” and the “Establishment Agreement of the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council” under clause 8.10 of the Establishment Agreement."
3. "to take immediate steps to carry out “Dissolution of Southern Metropolitan Regional Council” as per Section 3.63(1)(a) of the Local Government Act 1995."
May 2008 -
"Odour" Petition Tabled In The Legislative Council! And Environment and Public Affairs Committee
As the result of a petition tabled in the Legislative Council and referred to the Environment and Public Affairs Committee, the problems being experienced by residents affected by the odour from the South Metropolitan Regional Council's Waste Composting Facility at Canning Vale are currently under review.
Residents are invited to send submissions on this matter to:
The Chairman
Environment and Public Affairs Committee
Parliament House
Perth WA 6000
Attention: LINDA OMAR
The submission should be concise and preferably one or two pages long. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address in your submission.
This is your opportunity to have the matter reviewed at a Parliamentary level and I urge you to forward a submission at the earliest possible time.
Please email your submission to::
parliamentary-submission@cmcoag.com
So we have a back-up of all of the submissions.You do not deserve to be constantly afflicted by this noxious odour. Remember: The Residents Were Here First! If you don't make a submission then how will the Environment and Public Affairs Committee know what you're going through? We may not get this chance again.
If you're sick and tired of putting up with this noxious odour please forward your concerns asap.We've put up with this odour for way too long and worked too hard to let this opportunity slip by.
May 2008 - Thankyou!
The Turn-Out To The Community Meeting on Sunday was Awesome!
We just wanted to say how fantastic it was to see the turn-out to the Community Meeting on Sunday, 4th May, 2008 at the Leeming Bowling Club. Thank you so much, everyone!
It's so important that residents ban together. The community demanding action is the most effective way to address this issue. We've already seen the impact that "people power" has had via the odour logs on this noxious odour that is being emitted into our homes and suburbs.
Just because you don’t think anyone else has logged the odour it doesn’t mean they haven’t. The number of odour logs coming in is a clear indication that residents are sick and tired of the odour and are reporting it. On the date of the Community Meeting 168 odour logs had been made from March 2008 - 4th May 2008.
Which is why it's so important that residents make a stand on this so family's aren't suffering year after year from this disgraceful odour that is interfering with resident's lives.
IMPORTANT: Don’t let yourself be made to feel insignificant at any time in regards to the odour. The more someone is making you feel this way – it probably means you’ve having more of an impact than you think. Residents are making a difference.
April 2008
Community Meeting - Have Your Say on the 4th May, 2008!
Residents have had enough! And have requested a community meeting to voice their concerns as to how the RRRC's Waste Composting Facility noxious odour is affecting you and your family's health and quality of life.
...THIS IS YOUR chance to have your SAY to state that you're sick and tired of having this odour being forced on you and your family.
Stop The ODOUR!
----- COMMUNITY MEETING ------
“What YOU can do!”
10am Sunday, 4 May, 2008
Leeming Bowling Club
Dimond Court, Leeming
If you experience the odour at your home, your work, when visting family or friends, your children’s school, the local park, sporting facility, shopping centre, while walking the dog, while driving through your local suburbs, while driving or catching the bus to work, while waiting at the bus stop or anywhere the odour affects you... it's important that you attend!
April 2008:
In regards to RRRC Waste Composting Facility:
Of the total amount of rubbish delivered to the facility 44% is sent to landfill, 38% is turned into compost, and 18% is moisture lost through the process. (as stated in the City of Canning Council minutes dated 25th March 2008) The compost - which is not salable due to it's impurities - is carted away and used in Landfill. So 82% ends up in landfill anyway! Keep in mind that the RRRC Waste Composting Facility receives the rubbish placed in the GREEN WHEELIE BINS, not the yellow topped bins. It's the RRRC Waste Composting Facility that emits the odour.
April 2008:
115 ODOUR LOGS FROM MARCH 2008 - 12 April 2008!
Your valued efforts of reporting the odour is certainly making folk sit up and recognise that residents are fed up with having this noxious odour forced upon them. Here's the TOTAL of Odour logs made via the CMCOAG online form:
March 2008: 87 odour logs!
Leeming
Willetton
Canning Vale
April 1 - April 12 2008: 28 odour logs
Leeming
Willetton
AND this doesn't include all the phone calls made to the Emergency Pollution Response number!
February 2008:
Lobbying for Independant Blood Testing and Air Sampling
CMCOAG is lobbying for funding for independant blood testing and air sampling to be carried out at the request of residents.
Residents are eager to use the Bucket Brigade method so air samples can be assessed in the United States via a facility which is far more efficient, thorough and can test for more a considerable amount more compounds than here in Western Australia - and testing is carried out to a much higher standard.
Residents are fed up with suffering the same distressing symptoms when they experience the odour and feel that independant blood testing is not only necessary but is their only option to figure out why they feel so ill when they are afflicted by the odour.
We are calling on businesses and residents who are affected by the noxious odour being emitted by the RRRC Waste Composting Facility to participate. Contact the www.CMCOAG.com
February 2008:
Fire At RRRC Waste Composting Facility
On Sunday the January 20 at 10.30 pm a fire broke out at the RRRC Waste Composting Facility. This has made the final screening area inoperable until the hire trommel arrives from Sydney.
It was only just a few days back that some of you were concerned at how much stronger the odour seems to be getting. Leeming, especially. It has been said that it could be because of the fire. Whether or not this is the case - who knows - but it doesn't explain the last 4-5 years of this noxious odour.
February 2008:
City of Canning Councillor Suffers Blood Noses from Odour
Quote from recent Canning Council agenda... http://www.canning.wa.gov.au/Shared/Meetings/Minutes29January2008P.htm
"The Mayor stated that it was his understanding that the odour is having a damaging affect on Cr Olsen’s health and was responsible for her having recurrent nose bleeds, and asked Cr Olsen if his understanding was correct.
Following Cr Olsen’s affirmative response to the Mayor’s question, she withdrew from the Council Chambers at 6:08pm."
A Canning Councillor, residents and their families and pets, business owners, customers - have complained of symptoms from this noxious odour. Yet Major Lekias continues to support the RRRC Waste Composting Facility.
Residents have stated that they feel that the odour's intensity is going back to the way it used to be.
December 2007:
Leeming and Willetton Residents are Copping the Noxious Odour
We've spoken with quite a few residents over the past couple of weeks who are copping the noxious odour being emitted from the RRRC Waste Composting Facility on a regular basis.
The majority have come from Leeming and Willetton, and from residents driving through Leeming.
Residents are continuing to say they're worried about their plans for Christmas Day and how the odour will affect them. As many of these residents have had to put up with the noxious odour for at least the past FOUR CHRISTMAS'S IN A ROW!
Others are worried about New Year's celebrations at their homes. Others have family birthday's coming up. And of course - in general - residents should be able to enjoy their homes, without the concerns of their family's and guests suffering from the odour.
Having a BBQ – part of the Aussie lifestyle - should be something ALL residents of Leeming, Willetton, Bull Creek and Canning Vale should be able to do.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE please report the odour on EVERY occassion that you experience it.
November 2007:
Council Survey Stats on the Odour
"95% stated it was unacceptable and impinged on their amenities at home"
You have asked about the Survey that the City of Canning carried out earlier this year, as some of you were interviewed, out of 228 random residents within a 0.4 and 1.6 km radius of the RRRC Waste Composting Facility.
It was carried out during the day - it was in Leeming - so many folk weren't home, occupants of approximately one house in every five were interviewed.
Here's a small snippet of some very interesting results...
0.4 - 0.8km the facility
72% stated they had experienced the odour recently
83% stated the odour was strong
94% stated it was unacceptable and impinged on their amenities at home
1.2 - 1.6km facility
73% stated they had experienced the odour recently
71% stated the odour was strong
95% stated it was unacceptable and impinged on their amenities at home
Yet, we're still experiencing the odour even after a further $2.4 million bucks has been spent on repairs.
August 2007:
Jim McGinty says - Statements Made in SMRC Ad Were Not Approved by the Dept of Health.
As you already know residents involved with CMCOAG contacted the Dept of Health and DEC immediately after the SMRC published their full ads in our local papers.
However now we have it in writing (officially) from Jim McGinty who is the Attorney General and Minister for Health that...
Quote from Jim McGinty's letter:
"I note your comments regarding an advertisement placed in the Melville City Herald by the Southern Regional Metropolitan Council (SMRC), which included references to the DOH. The statements made in the advertisement and attributed to the DOH were not approved by the DOH. The DOH has not been able to verify that there are no toxic emissions from the RRRC facility."
I know some of you - and us as well - were very disheartened that the Dept of Health and DEC didn't not speak up about this. Residents involved with the CMCOAG requested that DEC and the Health Dept also put full page ads in the local papers clearing up this issue.
CMCOAG respectfully declines participation in SMRC advisory group...WHY?
You must read this:
"CMCOAG has chosen this approach, so that it remains a separate group, with the continuing focus and goals of ridding our suburbs of this noxious odour, and making the management of the SMRC accountable for their apparent absolute disregard for the surrounding communities." "SMRC has been a significant polluter of the atmosphere, allowing toxic chemical plumes to be released into our atmosphere,then seemingly flouting the Environmental Laws, and hiding behind the smokescreen of benefits to the reduction of greenhouse gasses."
SMRC’S REGIONAL RESOURCE RECOVERY
CENTRE - ODOUR EMISSIONS
COUNCIL - Tuesday, 3 April 2007
"HON SIMON O’BRIEN (South Metropolitan) [3.39 pm]: I move -
That this house consider as a matter of urgency the ongoing complaints of excessive odour emission from the South Metropolitan Regional Council’s Regional Resource Recovery Centre at Canning Vale and the effectiveness of the state government’s efforts to resolve the issue.SOUTHERN Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC) has caved in to public pressure and temporarily closed its $60 million suburban composting plant. " To read on click here: http://www.cmcoag.com/downloads/parliament-smrc-April-2007-Simon-OBrien.pdf
Composting facility faces further enforcement action!
We are pleased that the Dept of Environment and Conservation have issued the following media statement and instructions to the SMRC (Southern Metropolitan Regional Council) in relation to the RRRC's Waste Composting Facility.
For the past 4.5 years the Waste Composting Facility has destroyed the quality of life and air that we breathe. It has gone on for too long!
Please report this putrid odour - on every occassion that you experience it - IT'S VITAL... ESPECIALLY NOW, if you want this odour stopped that you report it via our online odour log. Even if it's not at your place.. and you're driving through a suburb or street - and smell the odour - report it as soon as possible.
Just because you're not getting the odour at your place it doesn't mean:
a. You're not breathing it in - airborne chemicals are very difficult to contain and b. That there is no odour. In fact when you're not getting it, someone else is.
A "written" complaint will make a HUGE impact and we need your support NOW!! To report the odour go to the following page...
Tony McRae MLA
Member for Riverton - Thursday, 22 March 2007
McRae says it’s time for the Recycling plant to close - Residents in Leeming and Willetton should not have to put up with the putrid odour emanating from the SMRC facility any longer - This plant is now impacting on the lives of hundreds, possibly thousands of people through its stinking emissions - What we don’t need is a second rate, unsustainable and poorly managed stink house - There comes a time when we have to say enough is enough and take decisive action and that time has arrived.
Shadow Environment Minister Dr Steve Thomas has called on the Carpenter Government to adopt a “make it work or move it” policy on waste disposal centres in the Perth metropolitan area.
Steve Thomas MLA Shadow Minister for
Environment and Planning
27 March 2007
The Government closed a recycling plant and then opened it again, gaining nothing but greenhouse gas and without giving any clear direction for the future, he said. - The people of Perth deserve to know how health and odour issues that can associate themselves with waste treatment will be handled. - It is no longer acceptable for the Government to hide behind state corporations or the growing burden on local governments.
PEEVED THAT NOT ENOUGH IS BEING DONE ABOUT THE CHEMICAL FILLED ODOUR?
a.To email a formal complaint to Government Ministers - Labour and Liberal, Councillors from the following Councils, along with the Dept of Environment and Conservation and Dept of Health (all in one email) then click here to use our online form: Formal Online Complaint Letter
b. To indvidually email Ministers and Councillors use the following links for their contact details and email addresses:
For a list of City of Canning Councillors and their email addresses - click here
For a list of City of Melville Councillors and their email addresses - click here
For a list of City of Cockburn Councillors and their email addresses - click here
For a list of City of Fremantle Councillors and their email addresses - click here
For a list of East Fremantle Councillors and their email addresses - click here
For a list of City of Kwinana Councillors and their email addresses - click here
For a list of City of Rockingham Councillors and their email addresses - click here
When you send emails to these guys feel free to "cc" a copy to info@cmcoag.com as a back-up.
CMCOAG was formed by concerned residents to collectively investigate the Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC) that is run by the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC) and the Odour being emitted by the RRRC's Waste Composting Facility.
The repugnant odour that invades our suburbs and neighbourhoods comes from this facility.
WHY THE FACILITY SMELLS...
------------------------------------------------
The following information has been researched by informed residents who are registered builders and engineers.
• Rubbish from green top wheelie bins is mixed with bio-solids (sewerage, pig manure, fish, chook manure) in large digesters (revolving drums).
• The intense activity of this combination creates huge amounts of odour and heat.
• The process is so powerful that dead animals (like cows or horses) can be turned into compost within 3 days (it’s used in Canada to dispose of animal carcases).
• This compost then sits in the aeration shed for a further 28 days as it matures, creating once again huge volumes of foul odours.
• The odours are supposed to be contained within the building, but have been escaping because the negative pressure required to suck air into the building and prevent odour escaping is not any where near negative enough.
• The $2.4 million dollars recently spent was on collecting the odour though ducts at the top of the building and was money wasted.
• The odours collected are pumped through bio filters (large beds of woodchips) that are supposed to have micro organisms to eat the odour - but they have failed.
• The Waste Composting Facility management team claim inexperience so they engaged external consultants (The Odour Unit) who have failed to cure the problem.
• The operators only method is to flood the bio filters - which kills the micro organisms - and allows the stinking odour to escape untreated.
• The sound of the air escaping from the bio filters is similar to the hot mud pools in New Zealand where air bubbles escape the surface.
• The air temperature inside the aeration shed is sometimes 70 degrees Celsius, and the once forced through the bio filters cools to 40 degrees.
• Hot air rises - so sometimes it's not smelt at the boundary of the facility - but when it cools (about Bannister Road or Leeming) the whole stink is then blown through our suburbs.
• The odour manufacture is continuous, not dependant on hours of operation, meaning we can be assaulted by the odour 7 days a week, 24 hours per day, depending on wind direction.
• On still cool nights - a temperature inversion (a cold blanket of air) prevents the hot odour from rising, trapping it and spreading it out to everyone at once.
• Temperature inversions occur over the Jandakot basin (one of Perth's coldest locations) on frequent occasions.
Kind regards
Canning Melville Community Odour Action Group
documents listed down the left hand side column of this webpage. 
