Owners of a Perthshire chicken processing factory have been given a final warning by Scotland’s environmental watchdog over the odious smells wafting over the local town.
Scores of Coupar Angus residents are enraged by the stench emanating from the 2 Sisters Food Group factory, and now the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has stepped in to warn the company to address the matter immediately.
SEPA recently discovered five separate “offensive odour” incidents at the east Perthshire site. As a result, they have issued 2 Sisters with a final warning and instructed them to establish an action plan to focus on four areas of the site thought to be the main sources — its scalder units, feather/waste sheds, tank farm and blood uplifts on site.
A letter sent by Stephanie Sinclair, an investigations officer with SEPA, to a Coupar Angus resident and seen by The Courier underlines the seriousness of the situation.
“SEPA have recently started enforcement action against the site, and have issued a final warning letter to 2 Sisters regarding odour issues,” Ms Sinclair wrote.
“We have asked them to provide SEPA with an action plan, detailing how they will improve odour issues on site, focussing on four areas of the site thought to be the main sources of malodour – scalder units, feather/waste sheds, tank farm and blood uplifts on site.
“These were selected based on evidence gathered by SEPA including complaint timings, substantiated odour incidents, site investigations and previous discussions with the operators. We have also requested that the site provide timescales for implementation/installation of any improvements.”
In the letter, Ms Sinclair adds: “2 Sisters have employed an independent consultant to carry out a full assessment of odour sources on site and develop the action plan of improvements. This is positive as obviously sometimes members of staff on site become desensitised to the odour.
“Whilst this will not result in immediate reduction in odour, we would hope that this will lead to long-term improvements on site and a greater reduction in odours generated.
“If the final warning letter is not complied with, or improvements are not installed, SEPA will consider further enforcement action.”
Local resident Michael Gallagher described the odours as “stinking” and claims things have got “steadily worse” over the past year.
Fellow resident Carolyn Brown added: “It is absolutely stinking. When you hang your washing out it comes in stinking and you have to rewash it.
“You can’t leave windows open and you have to constantly spray air fresheners and burn scented candles.”
She said the smell “catches” in her throat, leaving her struggling to breathe.
Kim Coram claimed people living nearby feel “constantly sick.”
Mr Swinney stated he has written to SEPA, to “specifically” ask them to advise what can be done to help reduce the impact of the reported smells on local residents.
SEPA confirmed they have received complaints from residents regarding “strong odours” originating from the chicken factory and that they have served a final warning letter on 2 Sisters.
A spokesperson commented: “We are in active discussions regarding an improvement plan which must include greater mitigation and control of all odour sources at the site.
“We would advise the public to contact our pollution hotline on 0800 807060 if they are affected by odours from the site.
A 2 Sisters Food Group spokesperson said: “We are aware that residents have raised issues regarding odour. We are proud of our heritage, aim to be a good neighbour and take any complaints seriously.
“Our site management will always be happy to liaise with the community council, SEPA and local MSPs to discuss any local issues that are raised.”
