Throughout January and February 2024, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the department) received a high number of unreasonable odour complaints from residents in Nambeelup and surrounding areas. In February 2024 we received more than 750 complaints.
The department responded quickly and conducted extensive field odour surveys, both during the day and at night. During surveys late last week the department identified two companies in Nambeelup (C-Wise and CM Farms) to be a source of the odours identified in the community.
C-Wise accepts liquid waste and produces compost, while CM Farms operates a piggery.
Following recent discussions with both parties, the department has determined that it is appropriate to issue an Environmental Protection Notice (EPN) to both companies in accordance with Section 65 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to investigate the identified odour and rectify any identified operational issues as quickly as possible.
C-Wise is required to:
- take action to reduce the risk of odour emissions from the liquid waste storage and treatment ponds
- conduct investigations into liquid waste storage and treatment ponds at the premises to ensure effective control of odour emissions from the ponds
- engage a suitably qualified and experienced odour expert to conduct an odour analysis considering all waste types received at the premises
- comply with required timeframes, considerations and reporting requirements set out in the EPN, and provide details of any improvements that can be made to operations on the premises to reduce unreasonable odour emissions.
CM Farms is required to:
- engage a suitably qualified and experienced independent wastewater expert to undertake an investigation into the performance of the wastewater treatment ponds on the premises and provide details of factors that are likely to be contributing to the unreasonable odour emissions from the ponds
- identify any improvements to the wastewater treatment plant and wastewater treatment ponds necessary to reduce the potential for unreasonable odour emissions
- comply with required timeframes, considerations and reporting requirements set out in the EPN for assessing the performance of the ponds.
The businesses are required to provide preliminary investigation results within 14 days of the issuing of the EPN.
The department is also investigating potential offences committed by C-Wise and CM Farms in respect of the odours generated. Any offences identified will be dealt with in accordance with DWER’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy.
The department is grateful for the community reporting on-going odour impacts, which facilitates our investigation to identify odour sources.
Individuals impacted by odour can report it through DWER’s 24-hour Pollution Watch portal at How to report odour or call us on 1300 784 782.
Updates regarding the ongoing investigation will be made available via the department’s Community Update page: Rockingham and Mandurah Area Odours.
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