Hopes are high an action plan rolled out by a Perthshire chicken factory will prevent the spread of odious smells into the community.
The 2 Sisters Food Group has submitted a scheme to address issues raised at its Coupar Angus site by the Scottish Protection Environment Agency (Sepa).
The environmental watchdog had received scores of complaints from local residents about offensive odours emanating from the factory.
Investigative officers from Sepa issued 2 Sisters with a final warning and told management to draw up a suitable action plan to address four areas at the factory which were thought to be the main sources of odour – its scalder units, feather/waste sheds, tank farm and blood uplifts.
Sepa gave 2 Sisters a deadline of September 30 to submit the plan and it has been confirmed it was lodged on Friday.
A Sepa spokesman said it is envisaged “long-term” improvements will be seen in Coupar Angus but admitted it will not result in “an immediate reduction” in odour from all sources at the site.
He said: “The report contains a number of both short and long-term actions to prevent and reduce offensive odours from the Coupar Angus site, which we will review and discuss further with factory management over the next week to ensure full compliance with the permit.
“While these measures will not result in an immediate reduction in odour from all possible sources at the site, we expect that the actions will result in long term improvements and a significant reduction in the odours generated.
“We would advise members of the public to contact our pollution hotline on 0800 807060 if they are affected by odours from the site, or to report any other potential pollution events.”
A spokesman for 2 Sisters said: “We remain committed to working with SEPA and air quality management experts to find a suitable solution.”
Some Coupar Angus residents who live beside the chicken processing factory claim they are still experiencing smells from the site. Maryann Bannigan said: “I was under the impression that the chicken factory had until September 30 to sort out the smell. It’s been rotten again.”
And Kim Coram commented: “I don’t know why they are getting away with it.”
However, the Sepa spokesperson said they had not received any complaints in the past week.
