Albury City Council : Council disappointed at EPA fine

AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack has expressed disappointment at an $8,000 fine imposed on Council by the EPA over an odour complaint at the Albury Waste Management Centre (AWMC).

'We acknowledge the concerns raised by neighbouring residents and presented a strong argument to the EPA to issue us with an official caution or improvement notice rather than a monetary penalty given the significant investment Council has already made to minimise impacts on the local community,' Cr Mack said.

'We've introduced a number of operational changes at the AWMC to eliminate any adverse environmental impacts and have held regular meetings with Hamilton Valley residents. At the time the offensive odour complaint was made, we were in the midst of one of the wettest Springs on record.'

Cr Mack said over the past 10 years, Council has invested more than $11M in the AWMC and is now recognised nationally as a best practice council in the management of waste and recycling.

'We've appointed industry specialists to undertake a further Air Quality Impact Assessment, which will involve extensive monitoring and consultation with the local community, authorities and other stakeholders and the findings will be reported to the EPA by 30 June, 2017.'

'We are frustrated and embarrassed with the ongoing concerns regarding odour at the landfill, apologise to our residents neighbouring the AWMC and remain vigilant in our activities to minimise the impact on the local area,' Cr Mack said.